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Atomic force microscopy and scanning near-field optical microscopy studies on the characterization of human metaphase chromosomes

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Abstract

A better knowledge of biochemical and structural properties of human chromosomes is important for cytogenetic investigations and diagnostics. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a commonly used technique for the visualization of chromosomal details. Localizing specific gene probes by FISH combined with conventional fluorescence microscopy has reached its limit. Also, microdissecting DNA from G-banded human metaphase chromosomes by either a glass tip or by laser capture needs further improvement. By both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), local information from G-bands and chromosomal probes can be obtained. The final resolution allows a more precise localization compared to standard techniques, and the extraction of very small amounts of chromosomal DNA by the scanning probe is possible. Besides new strategies towards a better G-band and fluorescent probe detection, this study is focused on the combination of biochemical and nanomanipulation techniques which enable both nanodissection and nanoextraction of chromosomal DNA.

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Acknowledgements

This research project is supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), grant no. Ha 2577/2-1 446, and Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF), grant no. 13N7866.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Saarbrücken, 66421 , Homburg, Germany

    M. Oberringer

  2. Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Saarbrücken, 66041 , Saarbrücken, Germany

    A. Englisch, B. Heinz, H. Gao & U. Hartmann

  3. Institute of Human Genetics, University of Saarbrücken, 66421 , Homburg, Germany

    T. Martin

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  1. M. Oberringer
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  2. A. Englisch
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  3. B. Heinz
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  4. H. Gao
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  5. T. Martin
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  6. U. Hartmann
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Correspondence to M. Oberringer.

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Oberringer, M., Englisch, A., Heinz, B. et al. Atomic force microscopy and scanning near-field optical microscopy studies on the characterization of human metaphase chromosomes. Eur Biophys J 32, 620–627 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-003-0309-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-003-0309-8

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