Chromosome painting of mouse chromosomes

Abstract

Chromosome painting enables the visualization of chromosomes and has been used extensively in cytogenetics. Chromosome paint probes, which consist of a pooled composite of DNA-FISH probes, bind to nonrepetitive sequences for individual chromosomes [1, 2]. Here we describe the process of using chromosome paint to study the organization of chromosomes without fragmenting the nucleus. This method can be used to analyze chromosome position, and identify translocations and ploidy within the nucleus. The preservation of nuclear morphology is crucial in understanding interchromosomal interactions and dynamics in the nucleus during the cell cycle.