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Induction of G- and R-banding in human chromosomes by the demethylating agent S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine

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Summary

In this report we describe the procedure of growing human lymphocytes with the demethylating agent S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH). After this treatment, which is not toxic for cell survival, both R-and G-banding were obtained by new experimental procedures: R-bands have been directly demonstrated with the GC-specific fluorochrome chromomycin A3 without the necessity of any AT-specific counterstaining agent; simultaneous G-banding and active nucleolar organizer regions have been obtained by silver impregnation of chromosomes and subsequent Giemsa staining. These results suggest a possible relationship between local differences in DNA methylation and the determination of the banded chromosome structure.

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De Cabo, S.F., Sentís, C. & Fernández-Piqueras, J. Induction of G- and R-banding in human chromosomes by the demethylating agent S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine. Histochemistry 97, 499–501 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00316070

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00316070

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