STAR Protocols (Sep 2023)

exo-FISH: Protocol for detecting DNA breaks in repetitive regions of mammalian genomes

  • Xanita Saayman,
  • Emily Graham,
  • Chin Wei Brian Leung,
  • Fumiko Esashi

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 3
p. 102487

Abstract

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Summary: Detecting DNA breaks in defined regions of the genome is critical to advancing our understanding of genome stability maintenance. Here, we present exo-FISH, a protocol to label exposed single-stranded DNA in defined repetitive regions of mammalian genomes by combining in vitro restriction enzyme digestion on fixed cells with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We describe steps for cell harvesting and fixation, slide treatments, and FISH probe hybridization. We then detail procedures for imaging and analysis.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Saayman et al. (2023).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

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