DOWNERS GROVE, Ill--Vysis Inc. has announced the availability of the Locus Specific Identifier (LSITM) bcr/abl translocation probe, a dual-color probe mixture that detects gene fusion of the bcr and abl genes.
This translocation has been associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
The new probe, which is for research use only, is based on proprietary applications of FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) technology. The probe directly detects target DNA by hybridizing to specific locations on individual chromosomes, the company said.
Bright Fluorescent Signal
Following hybridization, a bright fluorescent signal is emitted that can be observed with use of a fluorescence microscope and imaging systems (see figure).
The LSI bcr/abl probe consists of a single probe for bcr (breakpoint cluster region), directly labeled with the SpectrumGreenTM fluorochrome, and another probe for the Abelson oncogene (c-abl), directly labeled with the Spec- trumOrangeTM fluorochrome.
The assay allows the user to quantitatively evaluate both probes simultaneously, either in interphase nuclei or metaphase cells.
