FluoFISH

FluoFISH is a molecular imaging technique used to visualize and analyze specific nucleic acid sequences within cells and tissues. It is an adaptation of the traditional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method, enhanced with fluorescence-based detection to improve sensitivity and specificity.

The technique employs fluorescently labeled probes that hybridize to complementary DNA or RNA sequences in fixed samples. When viewed under a fluorescence microscope, the bound probes emit signals that allow researchers to identify and locate specific genetic sequences or gene expressions within cellular contexts. FluoFISH is used in various fields including genetics, cytogenetics, developmental biology, and cancer research.

One of the advantages of FluoFISH over conventional FISH is its ability to provide real-time or dynamic visualization of nucleic acids in live cells, although traditional applications often involve fixed samples. Advances in probe design, fluorophore stability, and imaging technology have enhanced the resolution and sensitivity of FluoFISH, making it a valuable tool for studying gene organization, gene expression patterns, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Applications include detecting gene amplifications in cancer, identifying specific chromosomal translocations, and studying the spatial organization of genomes within the nucleus. Overall, FluoFISH combines molecular specificity with the power of fluorescence microscopy, facilitating detailed genetic and cellular analyses in biomedical research.