What does FISH stand for in the context of cytogenetics?

FISH stands for Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, which is a powerful cytogenetic technique used for detecting and localizing the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. This method employs fluorescent probes that bind to specific regions of the chromosomes, allowing researchers and clinicians to visualize genetic abnormalities, such as deletions, duplications, or translocations that might be associated with various diseases, including cancers and genetic disorders.

The use of the term "in situ" refers to the analysis being conducted directly on the cellular material without the need for cell culture, enabling the examination of chromosomes in their natural context within the nucleus. The fluorescent aspect signifies the use of fluorescent dyes that allow for visualization under fluorescence microscopy. This method has revolutionized the field of cytogenetics by providing a means to conduct high-resolution analysis of chromosomal abnormalities with greater accuracy and detail than previous techniques.