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. 2004 Mar;44(3):143–149. doi: 10.1007/s10616-004-2978-2

Elongated mouse chromosomes suitable for enhanced molecular cytogenetics

Sherif Louis 1, Katalin Benedek 2, Michael Mowat 1, George Klein 2, Sabine Mai 1,✉
PMCID: PMC3449485  PMID: 19003236

Abstract

Characterization of genetic disorders in humans and animal models requires identification of chromosomal aberrations. However, identifying fine deletions or insertion in metaphase chromosomes has been always a challenge due to limitations of resolution. In this study we developed a rapid method for chromosome elongation using two different intercalating agents: ethidium bromide and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), together with a short-term mitotic block using colcemid. About 70% of the chromosomes from cells that underwent this elongation procedure reached three times longer than those prepared from control cells. FISH experiments using elongated chromosomes revealed a duplicated region of chromosome 11 that was not visible in cells prepared with conventional methods.

Keywords: Elongated chromosomes, Intercalating agents, Mitotic block, Molecular cytogenetics

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