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Updated: Oct 7, 2026

Simple Method for Fluorescence DNA In Situ Hybridization to Squashed Chromosomes
Published on: January 6, 2015
Identification and characterization of satellite III subfamilies to the acrocentric chromosomes
R Bandyopadhyay1, C McQuillan, S L Page
1Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Abstract:
The centromeres and the short arms of the five pairs of acrocentric chromosomes in humans are composed of tandemly ordered repetitive DNA. Previous studies have suggested that the exchanges between acrocentric chromosomes have resulted in concerted evolution of different DNA sequences in their short arms. The acrocentric chromosomes are clinically relevant since they are involved in Robertsonian translocation formation and non-disjunction resulting in aneuploidy. Here we have identified seven new satellite III repetitive DNA subfamilies, determined their nucleotide sequences and established their chromosomal distributions on the short arms of the acrocentric chromosomes. Knowledge of these related sequences may help to elucidate the molecular basis of Robertsonian translocation formation.
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