PCR in situ hybridization allows the detection of specific nucleic acidsequences and their distribution in the cell. It combines two powerfultechniquesin situ hybridization (ISH), which allows cellular localization of DNAand RNA sequences in cells and tissues, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR),which allows reproducible amplification of rare nucleic acid sequences. Thecombined technique and its variants greatly enhance the sensitivity of in situhybridization and add morphological localization to the sensitivity of PCR. Suchtechniques have enormous potential for research and diagnosis but problems withreproducibility and reliability are often encountered. This book overcomesthese problems by describing the key procedures in step-by-step detail and byproviding the essential advice needed for success. Topics include: DNA in situPCR and DNA PCR in situ hybridization (PCR ISH) for the detection of DNA targetsin cells; reverse trancriptase in situ PCR (RT-PCR) and RT-PCR ISH for thedetection of RNA targets; and PRINS (primed in situ synthesis) for chromosomalanalysis in interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosome spreads. There arefurther chapters on fixation of tissues for PCR, selective ultraviolet radiationfractionation (SURF), application of in situ PCR to human tissues, applicationsand modifications of PCR-ISH, and automation of in situ amplification. PCR InSitu Hybridization is a unique and timely collection of well-tested protocolsfor the amplification of DNA and RNA in cells and tissues, drawing on theaccumulated knowledge and experience of leading exponents of these techniques.For each topic covered, the authors provide detailed guidance on the key stepsin the protocols, numerous hints and tips for success, and advice ontrouble-shooting. PCR In Situ Hybridization will be invaluable to molecularbiologists, pathologists, geneticists, and all those seeking to perform in situanalyses of nucleic acid molecules.