Hendrikus Johannes Tanke

New strategy for multi-colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation: COBRA: COmbined Binary RAtio labelling

Multicolour in situ hybridisation (MFISH) is increasingly applied to karyotyping and detection of chromosomal abnormalities. So far 27 colour analyses have been described using fluorescently labelled chromosome painting probes in a so-called combinatorial approach. In this paper a new strategy is presented to use efficiently the currently available number of spectrally separated fluorophores in order to increase the multiplicity of MFISH. We introduce the principle of COBRA (COmbined Binary RAtio labelling), which is based on the simultaneous use of combinatorial labelling and ratio labelling. Human chromosome painting in 24 colours is accomplished using four fluorophores only. Three fluorophores are used pair wise for ratio labelling of a set of 12 chromosome painting probes. The second set of 12 probes is labelled identically but is also given a binary label (fourth fluorophore). The COBRA method is demonstrated on normal human chromosomes and on a lymphoma (JVM) cell line, using probes enzymatically labelled with fluorescein, lissamine and cy5 as primary fluorophores, and diethylaminocoumarin (DEAC), a blue dye, as combinatorial fourth label to demonstrate incorporated digoxigenin. In addition, the principle was tested using chemical labelling. The first set of 12 painting probes was therefore labelled by ULS (Universal Linkage System), using DEAC, cy3 and cy5 as primary labels, and the second set was labelled similarly, but also contained a digoxigenin-ULS label, which was indirectly stained with fluorescein. Subsequently, a mathematical analysis is presented and methods are indicated for achieving an MFISH multiplicity of 48, 96 or even higher using existing technology.

Improved Localization of Fluorescent Tyramides for Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Using Dextran Sulfate and Polyvinyl Alcohol

Recently, a peroxidase-mediated amplification system has been described for immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. It is based on the deposition of hapten- or fluorochrome-labeled tyramide molecules. Although providing a significantly increased detection sensitivity compared to conventional procedures, its localization properties are inferior because of free diffusion of intermediate reaction products before they are immobilized. In enzyme cytochemistry, it is well established that improved localization of enzyme activity can be achieved through the addition of viscosity-increasing polymers to the incubation media. In this study we analyzed the effect of different polymers on the localization sharpness and sensitivity of the tyramide-peroxidase reaction in FISH applications. Significantly improved localization of the fluorescent endproduct was observed using dextran sulfate or polyvinylalcohol (PVA) with, respectively, no or little loss of sensitivity.

The use of peroxidase-mediated deposition of biotin-tyramide in combination with time-resolved fluorescence imaging of europium chelate label in immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

The application of europium chelates as delayed fluorescent labels in FISH and immunocytochemistry is hampered by their relatively low quantum yield. To increase the intensity of the delayed fluorescence, we have used a recently introduced peroxidase-mediated amplification system. This system results in a large accumulation of biotin-tyramide, which is detected using streptavidin-europium chelate as label. Optimal staining conditions were evaluated for the immunocytochemical detection of vimentin in cryosections of rat liver, for DNA in situ hybridization (alphoid type probes and 40-KB cosmid probes), and for RNA in situ hybridization (detection of 28S ribosomal RNA, human elongation factor mRNA, and luciferase mRNA). Using a time-resolved fluorescence microscope, intense europium fluorescence was obtained in all these applications when the tyramide amplification system was applied. The signals were strong enough to be observed by eye using the microscope in the time-delayed mode. The routine application of this technique for localization and quantization of antigens or nucleic acid sequences in tissue exhibiting strong autofluorescence is discussed.

Quantitation of polymerase chain reaction products by hybridization-based assays with fluorescent, colorimetric, or chemiluminescent detection☆

In this report two nonradioactive assays for quantitative analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products are presented. In the first assay, magnetic beads coated with streptavidin were used to capture biotinylated PCR fragments. After hybridization with a hapten-labeled probe, these beads were analyzed either by flow cytometry (method A) or by immunoenzymatic reactions (method B). Using a dilution series of purified PCR products, we consistently found a lower detection limit of 1.5 fmol for method A than the 0.15-fmol limit for method B. In the second assay we used the peroxidase-based enhanced chemiluminescence system in combination with a cooled charge-coupled device camera to quantify PCR fragments that were spotted on membranes. A linear logarithmic response was observed between the amount of light produced within a certain time interval and the number of DNA molecules. With an exposure time of 5 min, a detection limit of 0.15 fmol was found. Longer exposure times did not result in a higher sensitivity. We conclude that the assays are of sufficient sensitivity for application in quantitative PCR strategies. The nonradioactive technology facilitates implementation of these assays in routine settings.

Phosphorescent Platinum/Palladium Coproporphyrins for Time-resolved Luminescence Microscopy:

Streptavidin and antibodies were labeled with phosphorescent platinum and palladium coproporphyrin. The optimal conjugates were selected on the basis of spectroscopic analysis (molar extinction coefficient, quantum yield, lifetime) and using ELISA assays to determine the retention of biological activity and immunospecificity. They were subsequently tested for the detection of prostate-specific antigen, glucagon, human androgen receptor, p53, and glutathione transferase in strongly autofluorescent tissues. Furthermore, platinum and palladium coproporphyrin-labeled dUTPs were synthesized for the enzymatic labeling of DNA probes. Porphyrin-labeled DNA probes and porphyrin-labeled streptavidin conjugates were evaluated for DNA in situ hybridization on metaphase spreads, using direct and indirect methods, respectively. The developed in situ detection technology is shown to be applicable not only in mammals but also in plants. A modular-based time-resolved microscope was constructed and used for the evaluation of porphyrinstained samples. The time-resolved module was found suitable for detection of antigens and DNA targets in an autofluorescent environment. Higher image contrasts were generally obtained in comparison with conventional detection systems (e.g., fourfold improvement in detection of glutathione transferase).

Horseradish peroxidase-labeled oligonucleotides and fluorescent tyramides for rapid detection of chromosome-specific repeat sequences

We present a sensitive and rapid fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) strategy for detecting chromosome-specific repeat sequences. It uses horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled oligonucleotide sequences in combination with fluorescent tyramide-based detection. After in situ hybridization, the HRP conjugated to the oligonucleotide probe is used to deposit fluorescently labeled tyramide molecules at the site of hybridization. The method features full chemical synthesis of probes, strong FISH signals, and short processing periods, as well as multicolor capabilities.