The combination of SKY and specific loci detection with FISH or immunostaining.

Spectral karyotyping (SKY) represents an effective tool to detect individual chromosomes and analyze major karyotype abnormalities within an entire genome. We have tested the feasibility of combining SKY and FISH/protein detection in order to combine SKY's unique abilities with specific loci detection. Our experimental results demonstrate that various combined protocols involving SKY, FISH and immunostaining work well when proper procedures are used. This combined approach allows the tracking of key genes or targeted chromosome regions while monitoring changes throughout the whole genome. It is particularly useful when simultaneously monitoring the behavior of both protein complexes and DNA loci within the genome. The details of this methodology are described and systematically tested in this communication.