Simultaneous detection of centromere-specific probes and chromosome painting libraries by a combination of primed in situ labelling and chromosome painting (PRINS-painting).

In situ techniques for the detection of specific chromosomes using centromeric probes and the decoration of entire chromosomes using chromosome painting are well established. However, in the deciphering of complex chromosomal aberrations it is valuable to be able to detect the centromere and the entire DNA of a specific chromosome in different colours simultaneously on the same metaphase. In this report we describe a combination of the primed in situ labelling (PRINS) technique and chromosome painting for simultaneous visualization of centromere-specific oligonucleotides and chromosome painting libraries. A key feature is that the denaturation step in the PRINS reaction is sufficient to keep the chromosomes denatured for chromosome painting. This means that PRINS and consecutive chromosome painting can be performed as a single procedure (PRINS-painting).