Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), basic principles and methodology

Abstract

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is widely used for the localization of genes and specific genomic regions on target chromosomes, both in metaphase and interphase cells. The applications of FISH are not limited to gene mapping or the study of genetic rearrangements in human diseases. Indeed, FISH is increasingly used to explore the genome organization in various organisms and extends to the study of animal and plant biology. We have described the principles and basic methodology of FISH to be applied to the study of metaphase and interphase chromosomes.