Variability in rDNA loci in the genus Oryza detected through fluorescence in situ hybridization

The 17s-5.8s-25s ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) loci in Oryza spp. were identified by the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) method. The rDNA loci were located on one-to-three chromosomes (two-to-six sites) within the eight diploid Oryza spp. One of the rDNA loci gave the weakest hybridization signal. This locus is reported for the first time in the genus Oryza. The chromosomes containing the rDNA loci were determined to be numbers 9, 10 and 11 in descending order of the copy number of rDNA. The application of image analysis methods, after slide preparation treatments (post-treatments), and the use of a thermal cycler, greatly improved the reproducibility of the results. The evolutionary significance of the variability of rDNA loci among the Oryza spp. is discussed.     

Variability in rDNA loci in Iberian species of the genus Zabrus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a PCR-amplified 18S ribosomal probe was used to map rDNA loci in 19 taxa of the ground beetle genus Zabrus (2n = 47-63) from the Iberian Peninsula. A quantitative and qualitative variation has been observed among related species, subspecies, populations, and even individuals. The number of rDNA-carrying chromosomes varies from 2 to 12, and the extent of the signal from small dots to entire arms. Changes altering the number of rDNA clusters seem to be uncoupled from the variation found in the chromosome number. Mechanisms that explain the numerical variation and spreading of rDNA clusters throughout the genome within the genus Zabrus are briefly discussed. No concordance between the pattern of rDNA sites and the phylogenetic relationships as based on morphological characters has been found.     

Visualization of ribosomal DNA loci in spore interphasic nuclei of glomalean fungi by fluorescence in situ hybridization

 Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to interphasic nuclei isolated from spores of four species of AM fungi : Scutellospora castanea, Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices and Gigaspora rosea. Ribosomal DNA loci were visualized using digoxigenin-labeled 25 S rDNA probes obtained by nested PCR. Several hybridization sites were detected per nucleus and an internuclear variability was observed in the number of loci. This is the first report of successful application of FISH to analyse the genomes of glomalean fungi. Accepted: 16 September 1998     

The nucleolus organizers of diploid wheats revealed by in situ hybridization

Summary Labelled RNA, transcribed in vitro from wheat ribosomal DNA cloned in a bacterial plasmid, has been hybridised to metaphase chromosomes of five diploid wheats. Autoradiography of the chromosomes has provided unequivocal evidence that these genotypes possess two pairs of nucleolus organizer chromosomes. The diploid wheat accessions used possess widely differing numbers of ribosomal RNA genes.     

A complex chromosomal rearrangement detected prenatally and studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization

We report of case of a complex chromosomal rearrangement detected prenatally and studied with traditional banding methods and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The combination of these techniques showed that four chromosomes were involved in the translocation. Nine breakpoints were proposed to explain these results. Some of the findings could only be detected with fluorescence in situ hybridization, demonstrating the usefulness of this technique in characterizing chromosomal abnormalities that would otherwise be difficult to interpret correctly with classical cytogenetics alone.     

Aneuploidy in late-step spermatids of mice detected by two-chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization

A multicolor procedure employing fluorescence in situ hybridization is described for detecting chromosomal domains and germinal aneuploidy in late-step spermatids in mice using DNA probes specific for repetitive sequences near the centromeres of chromosomes 8 and X. These probes were nick-translated with biotin- or digoxigenin-labeled nucleotides, and were detected with FITC or rhodamine. Probe and hybridization specificities were confirmed using metaphase chromosomes from spleen and bone marrow cells as well as from primary and secondary spermatocytes. Late-step spermatids, identified in testicular preparations by their hooked shape, yielded compact fluorescence domains in ～ 50% and > 99% of cells when hybridized with probes for chromosomes X and 8, respectively. In a survey of > 80,000 late-step spermatids from 8 healthy young adult C57BL/6 or B6C3F1 mice, ～ 3/10,000 spermatids had fluorescence phenotypes indicative of X-X or 8–8 hyperhaploidy. These frequencies are consistent with published frequencies of aneuploidy in meiotic metaphase II and first cleavage metaphases of the mouse, providing preliminary validation of sperm hybridization for the detection of aneuploidy. No significant animal or strain differences were observed. In addition, the hyperhaploidy frequencies for murine spermatids were indistinguishable for those for sperm from healthy men obtained by a similar hybridization procedure. These procedures for detecting aneuploid male gametes are examples of “bridging biomarkers” between human and animal studies. They have promising applications for investigations of the genetic, reproductive, and toxicological factors leading to abnormal reproductive outcomes of paternal origin. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Mapping of rDNA on the chromosomes of Eleusine species by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Mapping of rDNA sites on the chromosomes of four diploid and two tetraploid species of Eleusine has provided valuable information on genome relationship between the species. Presence of 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA on the largest pair of the chromosomes, location of 5S rDNA at four sites on two pairs of chromosomes and presence of 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S rDNA at same location on one pair of chromosomes have clearly differentiated E. multiflora from rest of the species of Eleusine. The two tetraploid species, E. coracana and E. africana have the same number of 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S rDNA sites and located at similar position on the chromosomes. Diploid species, E. indica, E. floccifolia and E. tristachya have the same 18S-5.8S-26S sites and location on the chromosomes which also resembled with the two pairs of 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA locations in tetraploid species, E. coracana and E. africana. The 5S rDNA sites on chromosomes of E. indica and E. floccifolia were also comparable to the 5S rDNA sites of E. africana and E. coracana. The similarity of the rDNA sites and their location on chromosomes in the three diploid and two polyploid species also supports the view that genome donors to tetraploid species may be from these diploid species.     

Localizing DNA and RNA within nuclei and chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

The enormous potential of in situ hybridization derives from the unique ability of this approach to directly couple cytological and molecular information. In recent years, there has been a surge of success in powerful new applications, resulting from methodologic advances that bring the practical capabilities of this technology closer to its theoretical potential. A major advance has been improvements that enable, with a high degree of reproducibility and efficiency, precise visualization of single sequences within individual metaphase and interphase cells. This has implications for gene mapping, the analysis of nuclear organization, clinical cytogenetics, virology, and studies of gene expression. This article discusses the current state of the art of fluorescence in situ hybridization, with emphasis on applications to human genetics, but including brief discussions on studies of nuclear DNA and RNA organization, and on applications to clinical genetics and virology. Although a review of all of the literature in this field is not possible here, many of the major contributions are summarized along with recent work from our laboratory.     

Quantitative chromosome map of the polyploid Saccharum spontaneum by multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization and imaging methods

Somatic chromosomes of a wild relative of sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum L.) anther culture-derived clone (AP 85-361, 2n=32) were identified and characterized by computer-aided imaging technology and molecular cytological methods. The presence of four satellite chromosomes and four nearly identical chromosome sets suggests that the clone is a tetrahaploid with the basic number x=8. A quantitative chromosome map, or idiogram, was developed using image analysis of the condensation pattern (CP) at the prometaphase stage of somatic chromosomes. The 45S and 5S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) loci were simultaneously visualized by multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (McFISH) and precisely localized to the regions of 3p3.1 and 6q1.3 on the idiogram. The simultaneous visualization of two sets of four ribosomal RNA genes confirms tetraploidy of this clone. This conclusion is consistent with results of molecular marker mapping. The quantitative chromosome map produced will become the foundation for genome analyses based on chromosome identity and structure. Previously impossible identification of small chromosomes and untestable hypotheses about the polyploid nature of plants can now be settled with these two approaches of quantitative karyotyping and FISH.     

Number and sites of rDNA loci of Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass. as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed on somatic chromosome preparations of Guizotia abyssinica using a DNA probe of the 18S-5.8S-26S rRNA genes including the transcribed and non-transcribed spacer sequences. A maximum of six major and two minor signal sites of rDNA was observed. However, the minor signals were not persistently detected. The positions of the FISH signals coincided with the sites of the nucleolar organizer regions and their adjacent C-banded heterochromatin when present.     

18-26S rDNA在4种重楼属植物中的定位

为探讨rDNA在重楼属Paris L.中的分布规律,利用荧光原位杂交（FISH）对4种重楼属植物 的18-26S rDNA进行了定位。所有植物均为二倍体,基因组由A、B、C、D和 E5条染色体构成。（1）滇重楼P.polyphylla var.yunnanensis:2n=10=6m+4t,C和D染色体的 短臂上各有1个18-26S rDNA位点;（2）长柱重楼P.forrestii:2n=10=6m+4t,B染色体的长臂 、C和D染色体的短臂上各有1个位点;（3）五指莲P.axialis:2n=10=6m（2sat）+4t（2sat） +1-2B,C和D染色体的短臂上各有1个位点;在有1个B染色体的细胞中,B染色体没有信号点, 而有2个B染色体的细胞中,只有1个B染色体上有信号点,表明B染色体上有基因存在且其分裂 不均等;（4）大理重楼P.daliensis:2n=10=4m+2sm+2st+2t,C染色体的短臂上有1个位点。1 8-26S rDNA位点不仅出现在染色体的次缢痕上,也出现在非次缢痕位点。另外,4个种中C染 色体短臂末端均有18-26S rDNA。     

Simultaneous visualization of rDNA clusters and the nucleolus by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization and silver staining

We designed two procedures to visualize simultaneously clusters of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and the nucleolus in plant cells. The procedures combine fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to visualize the rDNA clusters and silver staining to observe the nucleolus. When FISH is followed by silver staining, many minute FISH signals are localized in the nucleolus, and several large FISH signals are seen on the nucleolar periphery. When FISH was applied to the specimens with silver nitrate staining, large FISH signals were visualized in the nucleoplasm associated with the nucleolar periphery, but no signals were seen in the nucleoli. Thus, the two combinations of FISH and silver staining provided different details regarding the arrangement of rDNA clusters in the nucleolus of plant cells.     

Simultaneous visualization of rDNA clusters and the nucleolus by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization and silver staining

We designed two procedures to visualize simultaneously clusters of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and the nucleolus in plant cells. The procedures combine fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to visualize the rDNA clusters and silver staining to observe the nucleolus. When FISH is followed by silver staining, many minute FISH signals are localized in the nucleolus, and several large FISH signals are seen on the nucleolar periphery. When FISH was applied to the specimens with silver nitrate staining, large FISH signals were visualized in the nucleoplasm associated with the nucleolar periphery, but no signals were seen in the nucleoli. Thus, the two combinations of FISH and silver staining provided different details regarding the arrangement of rDNA clusters in the nucleolus of plant cells.     

Genomic relationships among diploid and polyploid species of the genus Eryngium L. using genomic in situ hybridization

Eryngium L. (Umbelliferae) is a large genus including more than 250 species worldwide. The large morphological variability in this genus makes it difficult to delimit the species or to establish phylogenetic relationships. The occurrence of different ploidy levels within the genus might indicate a hybrid origin of the polyploid species. In the present study, the chromosome number and karyotype of E. regnellii are reportedfor the first time and the ploidy level of a population of E. paniculatum is confirmed. We compare the genomes of the diploids E. horridum and E. eburneum, the tetraploids E. megapotamicum and E. regnellii, and the hexaploids E. pandanifolium (as a representative of the whole pandanifolium complex) and E. paniculatum using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Although it was not possible to identify the parental species of the polyploid taxa analyzed, the GISH technique allowed us to postulate some hypotheses about their origin. Eryngium horridum and E. eburneum do not seem to be the direct progenitors of the polyploids analyzed. On the other hand, it seems that other diploid species unrelated to E. horridum and E. eburneum are involved in their origin. Our results are consistent with morphological and phylogenetic studies, indicating a close relationship between the species of the series Latifolia.     

Numerical chromosome abnormalities in spermatozoa of fertile and infertile men detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with single-color chromosome-specific probes was used to study the rates of disomy for chromosome 1, 16, X, and Y in sperm of fertile and infertile subjects. Diploidy rates were studied using a two-color cocktail of probes for chromosomes 17 and 18 in the same sperm samples. Two-color methodology was not available at the outset of the study. A total of 450,580 spermatozoa were studied from 21 subjects (9 fertile, 12 infertile). Significant differences were observed in the disomy rates between chromosomes with the highest frequency observed for chromosome 16 (0.17%) and the lowest for the Y chromosome (0.10%). No differences were observed between fertile and infertile subjects for either diploidy or disomy. Total disomy rates for chromosomes 1, 16, X and Y ranged from 0.34% to 0.84% among infertile subjects, and 0.32% to 0.61% among fertile subjects. Our data suggest that generalized aneuploidy in sperm is not a major contributor to unexplained infertility.     

Incidence of chromosome 18 disomy in human sperm nuclei as detected by nonisotopic in situ hybridization

Nonradioactive in situ hybridization with an -satellite DNA probe specific for chromosome 18 was performed on human interphase sperm nuclei to detect the frequency of sperm cells disomic for chromosome 18. A total of 16127 sperm heads from eight healthy donors, aged 23–57 years, was investigated, and a minimum of 2000 sperm nuclei per proband was analyzed. The disomy rate ranged from 0.25% to 0.5%, with an average of 0.36%. This frequency does not differ significantly from that determined for other chromosomes.     

Relationships among Nicotiana species revealed by the 5S rDNA spacer sequence and fluorescence in situ hybridization

To investigate phylogenetic relationships in Nicotiana, the intergenic spacer sequences of 5S rDNA were analyzed in species with 2n=18, 20 or 24, and amphidiploid species with 2n=48. The chromosomal localization of the 5S rDNA was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In species with 2n=24 and their descendants, a major 5S rDNA-specific PCR fragment of 400–650 bp was obtained. The amphidiploid species contained similar length of 5S rDNA units derived from putative diploid progenitors. Among the five clones from each representative PCR fragment, some nucleotide exchanges and length heterogeneity were observed. The latter was due to variation in the spacer region, such as differences in the length of poly A and/or poly T tracts as well as insertions/deletions. Interspecific comparisons of each 5S rDNA sequence demonstrated that the spacer sequence could be divided into three regions. Excluding gaps from the aligned spacer sequences of 5S rDNA, phylogenetic trees were constructed. Each phylogenetic tree showed an almost identical topology even if different algorithms were applied. The chromosomal locations of the 5S rDNA in each species correlated with the phylogenetic topology. The phylogenetic trees were generally in agreement with the current classification. Received: 15 January 2001 / Accepted: 15 February 2001     

Simultaneous visualization of rDNA clusters and the nucleolus by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization and silver staining.

We designed two procedures to visualize simultaneously clusters of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and the nucleolus in plant cells. The procedures combine fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to visualize the rDNA clusters and silver staining to observe the nucleolus. When FISH is followed by silver staining, many minute FISH signals are localized in the nucleolus, and several large FISH signals are seen on the nucleolar periphery. When FISH was applied to the specimens with silver nitrate staining, large FISH signals were visualized in the nucleoplasm associated with the nucleolar periphery, but no signals were seen in the nucleoli. Thus, the two combinations of FISH and silver staining provided different details regarding the arrangement of rDNA clusters in the nucleolus of plant cells.     

Direct and sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridization of 45S rDNA on tomato chromosomes.

We describe a direct and sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridization protocol for plant chromosomes. We labelled 45S rDNA with fluorescein-12-dUTP and hybridized to somatic chromosomes of four tomato genotypes. This technique does not require posthybridization immunocytochemical amplifications. The improved signal sensitivity with this technique allowed identification of new rDNA loci on three pairs of chromosomes, in addition to the previously known locus on chromosome 2. We discuss favorable features of direct fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomes fixed on a slide and chromosomes or cells in suspension.