New Probe Detects Fusion of bcr/abl

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill--Vysis Inc. has announced the availabilityof the Locus Specific Identifier (LSITM) bcr/abl translocationprobe, a dual-color probe mixture that detects gene fusion ofthe bcr and abl genes.

This translocation has been associated with chronic myelogenousleukemia (CML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

The new probe, which is for research use only, is based on proprietaryapplications of FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) technology.The probe directly detects target DNA by hybridizing to specificlocations on individual chromosomes, the company said.

Bright Fluorescent Signal

Following hybridization, a bright fluorescent signal is emittedthat can be observed with use of a fluorescence microscope andimaging systems (see figure).

The LSI bcr/abl probe consists of a single probe for bcr (breakpointcluster region), directly labeled with the SpectrumGreenTM fluorochrome,and another probe for the Abelson oncogene (c-abl), directly labeledwith the Spec- trumOrangeTM fluorochrome.

The assay allows the user to quantitatively evaluate both probessimultaneously, either in interphase nuclei or metaphase cells.