Protocols features classic approaches for analyzing chromosomes (5/2/2008)

Spread polytene chromosomes of salivary glands from a Drosophila larva were triple-stained with fluorescently tagged antibodies to Heat Shock Transcription Factor (red), RNA Polymerase II (green), and P-TEFb kinase (blue). The larva was heat shock induced for 2.5 min. - Credit: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

Recent discoveries have led to a revolution in the field of epigenetics, the study of gene regulation through the modulation of chromatin. These newly elaborated principles have brought the study of chromosomes and chromatin structure to the forefront of genetic research. This month's issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols (www.cshprotocols.org/TOCs/toc5_08.dtl) features two classic methods for chromosomal analysis.

"Mapping Protein Distributions on Polytene Chromosomes by Immunostaining" takes advantage of the formidable size and structure of the large polytene chromosomes found in Drosophila salivary glands. These easily dissected chromosomes allow mapping of chromosomal protein distributions at very high resolution. The protocol, written by Renato Paro (http://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/paro/), is freely accessible on the website for Cold Spring Harbor Protocols (http://www.cshprotocols.org/cgi/content/full/2008/6/pdb.prot4714).

The second featured method for May, "Karyotyping Mouse Cells," is drawn from the widely used laboratory manual Manipulating the Mouse Embryo (http://www.cshlpress.com/link/mmousep.htm"). A karyotype is a visual presentation of a cell's chromosomes, and can be used as a test for quickly identifying chromosomal abnormalities. This method is freely accessible on the website for Cold Spring Harbor Protocols (http://www.cshprotocols.org/cgi/content/full/2008/6/pdb.prot4706).

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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