Fast, sensitive multicolor detection of nucleic acids in situ by PRimed IN Situ labeling (PRINS).

PRimed IN Situ labeling (PRINS) has become an alternative to traditional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods for detection of nucleic acids in situ. PRINS is based on sequence-specific annealing in situ of an unlabeled DNA probe. The probe serves as a primer for chain elongation in situ, catalyzed by a suitable DNA polymerase that uses labeled nucleotides as substrate. The fact that the probe is unlabeled means that high probe concentrations can be utilized, making the hybridization very fast. We describe here a fast method for detection of three different target sequences visualized in different colors with PRINS. An advantage, relative to FISH, is that even probes with different melting temperatures can be detected in the same metaphase with optimal stringency for each probe.