Comparative genomic hybridization.

Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) is a powerful molecular cytogenetic technique that permits assessment of DNA copy number on a genome-wide scale. Of note, this methodology uses tumor DNA as a probe for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to normal metaphase chromosomes and does not require dividing cells from the tumor specimen. This unit provides protocols for CGH, for preparation of metaphase chromosomes, tumor and normal DNAs for FISH and for the microscopy and image analysis of CGH experiments.