Robust 3D DNA FISH using directly labeled probes

J Vis Exp. 2013 Aug 15:(78):50587. doi: 10.3791/50587.

Abstract

3D DNA FISH has become a major tool for analyzing three-dimensional organization of the nucleus, and several variations of the technique have been published. In this article we describe a protocol which has been optimized for robustness, reproducibility, and ease of use. Brightly fluorescent directly labeled probes are generated by nick-translation with amino-allyldUTP followed by chemical coupling of the dye. 3D DNA FISH is performed using a freeze-thaw step for cell permeabilization and a heating step for simultaneous denaturation of probe and nuclear DNA. The protocol is applicable to a range of cell types and a variety of probes (BACs, plasmids, fosmids, or Whole Chromosome Paints) and allows for high-throughput automated imaging. With this method we routinely investigate nuclear localization of up to three chromosomal regions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Allyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Animals
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA Probes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Mice
  • Uridine Triphosphate / analogs & derivatives
  • Uridine Triphosphate / chemistry

Substances

  • 5-(aminoallyl)-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate
  • Allyl Compounds
  • DNA Probes
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • DNA
  • Uridine Triphosphate