Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) belongs to that special category of well-established molecular biology techniques that, since their inception a few decades ago, have succeeded in keeping a prominent position within the constantly expanding list of laboratory pro- dures for biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. The design simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the early FISH protocols, combined with the signifcant acceleration of discoveries in related technical areas such as fuor- cence microscopy, digital imaging, and nucleic acid technology have prompted the div- sifcation of the original technique into an outstanding number of imaginative and useful applications, and thus have not only held back its outmoding but have also promoted its expansion into different areas of basic and applied research in the post-genomic era. The 34 chapters included in this book aim at portraying the vibrant complexity and diversity of the current FISH protocol landscape, providing cutting-edge examples of va- ous applications for genetic and developmental research, cancer research, reproductive medicine, diagnostic and prognostic purposes, microbial ecology, and evolutionary st- ies. The book is divided in four parts: (I) Core Techniques, (II) Technical Advancements and Novel Adaptations, (III) Translational FISH: Applications for Human Genetics and Medicine, and (IV) Protocols for Model Organisms. The design simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the early Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) protocols, combined with the significant acceleration of discoveries in related technical areas like fluorescence microscopy, digital imaging, and nucleic acid technology have prompted the diversification of the original technique into an outstanding number of imaginative and useful applications, thus promoting its expansion into different areas of basic and applied research in the post-genomic era. In Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH): Protocols and Applications, experts in the field portray the vibrant complexity and diversity of the current FISH protocol landscape, providing cutting-edge examples of various applications for genetic and developmental research, cancer research, reproductive medicine, diagnostic and prognostic purposes, microbial ecology and evolutionary studies. The book is divided into four convenient sections covering the core techniques, technical advancements and novel adaptations, applications for human genetics and medicine, as well as protocols for model organisms. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series format, chapters include introductions to their respective chapters, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes highlighting tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH): Protocols and Applications aims to aid scientists from across the world in applying this tried-and-true scientific technique to their own lab's current research.

From the reviews:

"Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been widely adopted to enable the study of uncultured target cells. This book shows many more applications in cytology. Relatively few chapters are devoted directly to microbiological applications; the strong theme of the book describes methods targeting chromosomes. ? Protocols on 3-D FISH may have useful material for microbiologists, e.g. studies on biofilms. ? I would suggest this is for microbiological libraries ? ." (Jonathan Porter, Microbiology Today, November, 2011)