Direct detection of repetitive, whole chromosome paint and telomere DNA probes by immunogold electron microscopy

Biotinylated repetitive, whole chromosome paint and telomere DNA probes were investigated at the electron microscope level after non-isotopic in situ hybridization and direct immunogold detection. The protocol described allowed the visualization of a biotinylated chromosome 1 specific satellite DNA probe in the light microscope without silver intensification. This sensitive method was exploited to analyse factors contributing to signal strength in immunogold chromosome painting. Furthermore, it allowed us to investigate the distribution of (TTAGGG)n telomere repeats in human metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei. Telomeric and internal (TTAGGG)n repeats were detected at high spatial r…