Fluorescence in situ hybridization, commonly referred to as FISH, is a powerful macromolecule recognition technology harnessing the complementary properties of DNA or RNA strands. This technique has transformed the study of chromosomes, especially by providing options that do not necessitate actively dividing cells. Such flexibility is particularly advantageous in identifying and characterizing cytogenetic abnormalities, making FISH a prominent tool in modern molecular biology.
The Significance of FISH in Research
FISH, along with related techniques like in situ hybridization (ISH), enriches genomic information and complements methodologies such as quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and NanoString technologies. Initially developed for physical mapping to delineate genes on chromosomes, FISH offers high analytical resolution and sensitivity, allowing for immediate applications in genetic diagnoses, including common aneuploidies, microdeletions, and microduplication syndromes.
The utility of FISH extends into oncology, where panels of gene-specific probes effectively assess somatic mutations, translocations, and other genetic alterations prevalent in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Moreover, its application extends beyond pathology, aiding in the detection of infectious pathogens, such as malaria within human blood.
Services Offered by Creative Bioarray
Creative Bioarray specializes in FISH services catering to a diverse range of specimen types, including non-paraffin and paraffin tissues, as well as tissue microarrays. The FISH services available include:
- Enumeration of cancer-related gene copy numbers
- Mapping DNA sequences, gene location, or transgene insertions
- Assessing the presence or absence of interspecies cells in xenografts or chimeric models
Each service is accompanied by a comprehensive report detailing the methods utilized, results obtained, and conclusions drawn from the analysis.
FISH Capabilities
Creative Bioarray identifies cytogenetic abnormalities at the single-cell level through an extensive suite of FISH capabilities, including:
- Ready-to-use FISH assays
- FISH applications in circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating endothelial cells (CECs), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, and frozen samples
- Detection of genetic aberrations such as multiploidy, translocations, amplifications, and deletions
- Custom probe design and validation
- Proprietary disease-specific FISH panels
- Tailored analysis and reporting to meet unique research needs
Diverse Applications of FISH
The applications of FISH at Creative Bioarray encompass a variety of methodologies, such as:
- Metaphase and interphase FISH for chromosomal assignment
- Fibre-FISH enabling high-resolution mapping
- Chromosome painting to visualize entire chromosomes
- Multi-colour karyotyping (M-FISH) for extensive characterization
- RNA-FISH for in situ gene expression profiling
- ImmunoFISH, combining FISH with immunofluorescence
- Copy number variation analysis
- Flow-FISH for telomere length quantification
With a broad selection of FISH panels and tests, Creative Bioarray ensures flexible ordering options to meet the varied demands of researchers.
Conclusion
As an essential tool in the realm of molecular biology, fluorescence in situ hybridization continues to provide invaluable insights into genetic structure and function. With Creative Bioarray’s comprehensive services, researchers are equipped with the capabilities necessary to advance their work in understanding the complexities of cellular and molecular mechanisms. For inquiries or to explore FISH services, please reach out to Creative Bioarray.
