Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for genomic investigations in rat.

This chapter concentrates on the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for genomic investigations in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus). The selection of protocols included in the chapter has been inspired by a comprehensive range of previously published molecular cytogenetic studies on this model organism, reporting examples of how FISH can be applied for diverse investigative purposes, varying from comparative gene mapping to studies of chromosome structure and genome evolution, to characterization of chromosomes aberrations as well as transgenic insertions. The protocols, which include techniques for the preparation of mitotic chromosomes and DNA fibers from short-term cell cultures, have been gathered through the years and repeatedly tested in our laboratory, and all together aim at providing sufficient experimental versatility to cover a broad range of cytogenetic and cytogenomic applications.