Cytogenetics And Molecular Cytogenetics

The new techniques of molecular cytogenetics, mainly fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of DNA probes to metaphase chromosomes or interphase nuclei, have been developed in the past two decades. Many FISH techniques have been implemented for diagnostic services, whereas some others are mainly used for investigational purposes. Several hundreds of FISH probes and hybridization kits are now commercially available, and the list is growing rapidly. FISH has been widely used as a powerful diagnostic tool in many areas of medicine including pediatrics, medical genetics, maternal–fetal medicine, reproductive medicine, pathology, hematology, and oncology. Frequently, a physician may be puzzled by the variety of FISH techniques and wonder what test to order. It is not uncommon that a sample is referred to a laboratory for FISH without indicating a specific test. On the other hand, a cytogeneticist or a technologist in a laboratory needs, from case to case, to determine which procedure to perform and which probe to use for an informative result. To obtain the best results, one must use the right DNA probes and have reliable protocols and measures of quality assurance in place. Also, one must have sufficient knowledge in both traditional and molecular cytogenetics, as well as the particular areas of medicine for which the test is used in order to appropriately interpret the FISH results, and to correlate them with clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

This comprehensive and well-written text provides thorough understanding of the principles and applications of cytogenetics and genetics in an easy-to-understand style. The text is divided into Four parts. Part I on Principles of Cytogenetics deals with evolution and structure of cell, cell division and change, and structure of genetic material. Part II on Principles of Genetics provides detailed discussions on transmission, distribution and arrangement of genetic material, and evolution of species. Part III which is on Molecular Genetics discusses functions of genetic material including biotechnology and genetic engineering, and the last Part IV on Quantitative Genetics deliberates on the course of genetic material in populations. A historical approach to the subject has also been presented to show the continuity and progress. KEY FEATURES: Incorporates latest and up-to-date information on the subjects covered. Provides review questions at the end of each chapter to test the understanding of the concepts discussed. Gives ample references to explore further. Includes a glossary of important terms. The book is eminently suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of botany, agriculture, zoology and biotechnology for courses in genetics/genetics and cytogenetics. In addition, the book would also be useful to students appearing in different competitive examinations.

Genomic technologies provide the means of diagnosis and management of many human diseases. Without insights from cytogenetics, correct interpretation of modern high-throughput results is difficult, if not impossible. This book summarizes applications of cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics for students, clinicians and researchers in genetics, genomics and diagnostics. The book combines the state-of-the-art knowledge and practical expertise from leading researchers and clinicians and provides a comprehensive overview of current medical and research applications of many of these technologies. KEY FEATURES • Provides clear summaries of fluorescence in situ hybridization technologies and others • Comprehensively covers established and emerging methods • Chapters from an international team of leading researchers • Useful for students, researchers and clinicians

This book is a compilation of cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic techniques that are routinely performed in a molecular cytogenetic laboratory. It provides a summary of chromosomal disorders and mechanisms, along with pictures and details of laboratory procedures. Due to the simplicity of the language used, the principles and techniques discussed here are easily understandable. The book also details modern techniques, which will be of interest for geneticists, academicians, scientists, and clinical geneticists aspiring to establish a molecular cytogenetic lab. It also serves to help geneticists understand each protocol as it is written in a self-explanatory manner for standardizing techniques in their laboratory.

The field of molecular cytogenetics is concerned with the combination of the fields of cytogenetics and molecular biology, to distinguish normal cells from cancer-causing cells. It is a useful tool for the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies of the brain, blood, etc. Novel techniques known as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are used for molecular cytogenetic studies. These have DNA labeled with uniquely colored fluorescent tags to image specific regions of the genome. Molecular cytogenetic techniques are crucial for the understanding of the structural and functional organization of the nucleus and the chromosome, genome variation, gene expression and evolution. These also give insight into the contribution of genomic variations and chromosomal abnormalities to tumor genetics and medical genetics. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of molecular cytogenetics. It is an upcoming field of science that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades. Students, researchers, experts and all associated with this field will benefit alike from this book.

The new techniques of molecular cytogenetics, mainly fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of DNA probes to metaphase chromosomes or interphase nuclei, have been developed in the past two decades. Many FISH techniques have been implemented for diagnostic services, whereas some others are mainly used for investigational purposes. Several hundreds of FISH probes and hybridization kits are now commercially available, and the list is growing rapidly. FISH has been widely used as a powerful diagnostic tool in many areas of medicine including pediatrics, medical genetics, maternal–fetal medicine, reproductive medicine, pathology, hematology, and oncology. Frequently, a physician may be puzzled by the variety of FISH techniques and wonder what test to order. It is not uncommon that a sample is referred to a laboratory for FISH without indicating a specific test. On the other hand, a cytogeneticist or a technologist in a laboratory needs, from case to case, to determine which procedure to perform and which probe to use for an informative result. To obtain the best results, one must use the right DNA probes and have reliable protocols and measures of quality assurance in place. Also, one must have sufficient knowledge in both traditional and molecular cytogenetics, as well as the particular areas of medicine for which the test is used in order to appropriately interpret the FISH results, and to correlate them with clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

This volume represents the Proceedings of the Twenty-Sixth Annual Biology Division Research Conference held April 9-12, 1973 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The subject of the symposium was Molecular Cytogenetics and the aim of the meeting was to bring together researchers interested in problems of chromosome organi zation, activity and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cytological, biochemical and genetic approaches to these questions were included since the collective information gained from these disciplines provides an integrated approach to genome structure and function. The meeting was sponsored by the Biology Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory*. It would not have been possible with out the interest and cooperation of the organizing committee under the chairmanship of O. L. Miller, Jr. Special thanks are due to the chairmen and speakers for making this volume possible and to Dr. Waldo Cohn for his assistance in editing. Preparation of the completed volume was due in large part to the efforts of Sandra Vaughan of the Biology Division. The Editors Barbara Ann Hamkalo John Papaconstantinou August, 1973 * Operated by the Union Carbide Corporation for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

This edited book, Cytogenetics - Classical and Molecular Strategies for Analysing Heredity Material, presents recent advances in the field of cytogenetics, paying special attention to methodological achievements developed worldwide that have driven the field forward. The contributors clearly discuss several concepts and approaches useful for understanding chromosomal structure and function at its various levels, highlighting chromosomes as visible carriers of heredity material.