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Creative Bioarray offers a full line of Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) services, from standardized testing of validated assays to custom development of new assays. Drawing on many years of experience and in-depth knowledge, we guarantee that you will get the best FISH services from us for the ultimate success of your scientific research.<br>
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Frequent QuestionsAsked about Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) What is FISH? Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) makes it possible for those biological researchers to visualize and map the genetic material in an individual's cells, including specific genes or portions of genes. And it is also used for understanding a variety of chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic mutations. How does FISH work? FISH is a useful tool, for instance, for helping a researcher or clinician to identify the location of a particular gene falls within an individual's chromosomes. The first step is to prepare short sequences of single-stranded DNA that match a portion of the gene which the researcher is looking for. These are called probes. Next is to label these probes by attaching one of a number of colors of fluorescent dye. When a probe binds to a chromosome, its fluorescent tag provides a way for researchers to see its location. What is FISH used for? Scientists use three different types of FISH probes, each of which has a different application: Locus specific probes is used to bind to a particular region of a chromosome. This type of probe is helpful when researchers have isolated a small portion of a gene and want to determine on which chromosome the gene is located, or how many copies of a gene exist within a particular genome. Alphoid or centromeric repeat probes are to determine whether an individual has the correct number of chromosomes. This type of probes are generated from repetitive sequences found in the middle of each chromosome. Researchers also use these probes in combination with "locus specific probes" to determine whether an individual is missing genetic material from a particular chromosome. Whole chromosome probes are actually collections of smaller probes, each of which binds to a different sequence along the length of a given chromosome. Using multiple probes labeled with a mixture of different fluorescent dyes, scientists are able to label each chromosome in its own unique color. The resulting full-color map of the chromosome is known as a spectral karyotype. Whole chromosome probes are particularly useful for examining chromosomal abnormalities, for example, when a piece of one chromosome is attached to the end of another chromosome.
For such many applications, FISH has largely been replaced by the use of microarrays. However, FISH remains useful for some tests. FISH may also be used to study comparisons among the chromosomal arrangements of genes across related species.