by Introduction
Cytogenetics is a branch of genetics that studies the structure and function of chromosomes within cells. For many years, cytogenetic studies were limited to visually analysing chromosomes under a microscope. However, the development of molecular biology techniques has significantly enhanced cytogenetic analysis and made it more sophisticated. This new field combining cytogenetics and molecular biology techniques is known as molecular cytogenetics.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
One of the most important molecular cytogenetic techniques is fluorescence in situ hybridization, commonly known as FISH. In FISH, fluorescent DNA probes are used to bind to specific chromosomal sites that are then detected using a fluorescent microscope. This allows researchers to more precisely locate genes and other DNA sequences on chromosomes. Some key applications of FISH include:
Detection of genetic abnormalities like extra or missing chromosomes that cause diseases and disorders. FISH makes it possible to identify subtle chromosomal changes not visible under light microscopes.
Physical mapping of chromosomes to identify the exact chromosomal position of genes and other DNA sequences. This has expanded our understanding of chromosome structure.
Studies of chromosome rearrangements and translocations involved in cancer. FISH aids in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Tracing the inheritance of chromosomes from parents to offspring during cell division. This reveals insights into cellular processes like meiosis.
Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)
Another important Molecular Cytogeneticists technique is comparative genomic hybridization or CGH. In CGH, genomic DNA from a test sample is competitively hybridized along with a reference sample onto normal metaphase chromosome spreads. Differences in fluorescent intensities along the chromatids indicate relative gains or losses in DNA sequences between the test and reference genomic DNA. Some key applications of CGH include:
Detecting DNA copy number changes across entire genomes or chromosomes that could indicate genomic disorders or involvement in cancer progression.
Mapping gains and losses of DNA, helping identify patterns of abnormalities at the chromosomal level in various diseases.
-Evaluating genomic changes during tumor development and metastasis. CGH provides information useful for cancer prognosis and personalized treatment strategies.
Array CGH (aCGH)
A major advancement over conventional CGH is array comparative genomic hybridization or aCGH. In aCGH, DNA is hybridized not to metaphase spreads but to microarrays containing genomic DNA fragments of known chromosomal locations. This high resolution technique can detect even small submicroscopic deletions and amplifications too tiny to be seen by normal microscopy. aCGH has applications such as:
Precise diagnosis of genomic disorders involving copy number variations that traditional techniques may miss. This aids in disease characterization.
Defining critical genomic regions important for developmental functions. Insights from aCGH advance our understanding of gene functions and regulation.
Uncovering novel genomic changes and genes involved in cancer. This expands our knowledge of cancer biology and points to potential drug targets.
Multi-Color FISH and Molecular Karyotyping
More recent advances to FISH allow simultaneous evaluation of multiple chromosomal sites. In multi-color FISH, probes in different fluorescent hues target many DNA sequences together during hybridization. Molecular karyotyping via techniques like multicolor FISH or microarray-based karyotyping allows analysis of complete genomes in a single experiment. This allows:
Holistic visualization of all chromosomes and detection of large-scale chromosome abnormalities in one test. This streamlines diagnosis.
Identification of complex chromosomal rearrangements involving breaks and fusions across multiple chromosomes that single-color FISH may miss.
Genome-wide copy number analysis to comprehensively map all gains and losses in a single assay. This is useful for characterizing genomic disorders and cancer genomes.
Molecular cytogenetics has revolutionized the study of chromosomes by introducing advanced molecular biology techniques. These improvements have vastly increased the resolution and precision of cytogenetic analysis. Molecular cytogenetics now allows rapid, accurate diagnosis of various genetic abnormalities at a level invisible to conventional microscopy. It has also expanded our understanding of chromosome behavior and organization. With ongoing innovation, molecular cytogenetics will continue to play a vital role in translational research areas including cancer and rare disease characterization.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
