SEX-CHROMOSOME MARKERS - CHARACTERIZATION USING FLUORESCENCE IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using biotin labeled X- and Y-chromosome DNA probes was utilized in the analysis of 23 sex chromos ome-derived markers. Specimens were obtained through prenatal diagnosi s, because of a presumptive diagnosis of Ullrich-Turner syndrome, ment al retardation, and minor anomalies or ambiguous genitalia; three were spontaneous abortuses. Twelve markers were derived from the X chromos ome and eleven from the Y chromosome; this demonstrates successfully t he value and necessity of FISH utilizing DNA probes in the identificat ion of sex chromosome markers. Both fresh and older slides, some of wh ich had been previously G-banded, were used in these determinations. W e have also reviewed the literature on sex chromosome markers identifi ed using FISH. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.