PCR 3 PCR in Situ Hybridization : A Practical Approach - The Practical Approach Series

PCR in situ hybridization allows the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences and their distribution in the cell. It combines two powerful techniques in situ hybridization (ISH), which allows cellular localization of DNA and RNA sequences in cells and tissues, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows reproducible amplification of rare nucleic acid sequences. The combined technique and its variants greatly enhance the sensitivity of in situ hybridization and add morphological localization to the sensitivity of PCR. Such techniques have enormous potential for research and diagnosis but problems with reproducibility and reliability are often encountered. This book overcomes these problems by describing the key procedures in step-by-step detail and by providing the essential advice needed for success. Topics include: DNA in situ PCR and DNA PCR in situ hybridization (PCR ISH) for the detection of DNA targets in cells; reverse trancriptase in situ PCR (RT-PCR) and RT-PCR ISH for the detection of RNA targets; and PRINS (primed in situ synthesis) for chromosomal analysis in interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosome spreads.;This book is intended for graduates and post-doctoral researchers, academic staff, and clinicians across a wide range of molecular medical disciplines.