Use of genomic in situ hybridization to identify chromosomes in gerbil-mouse heterohybridomas.

Heterohybridomas, created to secrete monoclonal antibodies, are generally unstable over long-term culture because of chromosome elimination during culture. To evaluate the karyotype of heterohybridomas, we used simultaneous genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), which can distinguish unambiguously between parental genomes in allopolyploid species. Using GISH, we discriminated gerbil and mouse chromosomes in heterohybridomas with high sensitivity. The GISH technique will allow evaluation of the stability and crossability of heterohybridomas made from the fusion of mouse cells with those of related species.