09-26-09 RNAi Core
Cytogenetics Core
The Cytogenetics Core provides an invaluable technical resource to the investigators of the DF/HCC. Cytogenetic studies can provide insight into regions of the genome that are pathogenetic in various neoplasms leading to an understanding of the molecular pathways participating in the biology of cancer. It is appropriate to consider cytogenetics as a fundamental adjunct to a variety of investigations underway, including basic and clinical research. For example, a rather simple cytogenetic analysis of mouse ES cells to determine ploidy prior to injections into blastulas leads to a greater success rate in establishing founders for knock-out and knock-in experiments. The primary chromosomal assignment of a gene by a FISH experiment may lead to correlation of a disease with that gene. Other cytogenetic studies may be important in establishing a diagnosis for correlation with clinical outcome. The advent of molecular probes for FISH analysis has facilitated cytogenetic studies in the mouse, and other model organisms and this Core aggressively implements such technologies.
In addition to state-of-the-art analyses for human samples, the DF/HCC Cytogenetics Core also performs routine mouse karyotyping and a variety of other molecular cytogenetic analyses, services not easily obtainable elsewhere.
- Conventional karyotyping. Standard metaphase spreads of human and mouse chromosomes are analyzed. The primary banding technique is GTG banding. However, other banding methods, such as fluorescent R-, QFQ-, CBG-, and NOR-banding can be used depending on the chromosomal region to be evaluated.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We have extensive experience using FISH in both metaphase and interphase cells for human and mouse studies. Interphase cells from freshly disaggregated tissue as well as from paraffin-embedded tissues and tissue sections can also be analyzed. We employ a wide spectrum of FISH probes including painting, repetitive and locus-specific probes, and we have developed probes for specific applications when comparable probes are not commercially available.
- Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). CGH assesses genomic imbalances in neoplasms, providing an entry point into the identification of genes that are amplified or deleted, which might play a role in the pathogenesis or pathobiology of a tumor. This method is based on hybridization of differentially-labeled tumor DNA with normal control DNA onto normal human metaphase chromosomes or array-based platforms.
Leadership and Staff
Core Director: Charles Lee, PhD
Core Associate Director:Cynthia Morton, PhD
Cytogenetic Technologist: Abha Aggarwal
Cytogenetic Assistant: Courtney Hyland