Primed in situ labeling (PRINS). A fast method for in situ labeling of nucleic acids.

PRimed IN Situ labeling (PRINS) is a fast and sensitive alternative to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for identification of chromosome aberrations. In this article, we present the detailed protocols for detection of repeat sequences using oligonucleotides or fragments of cloned probes as primers for PRINS. We describe a multicolor PRINS procedure for simultaneous visualization of more probes in different colors on a metaphase preparation, and a PRINS-painting procedure, which combines PRINS and chromosome painting. Finally, a protocol for detection of single-copy genes is presented.