In situ hybridization - a new method development for spatial visualisation of genes and gene transcripts

In situ hybridization makes possible to localize definite DNA or RNA sequences within the cells. It utilizes the fact of complementarity between the probe and the inquired sequence. Hybrids are detected after the cytochemical reaction. This method gives for spatial and quantitative analysis of the signal in definite tissue, cell, chromosome and cell structures. This article includes a review of various methods and applications for ISH. Special attention was paid to regulation and expression of genes in human somatic cells. (author). 55 refs, 4 figs