Reflections on the development and application of FISH whole chromosome painting

This review describes my personal reflections on the development of whole chromosome painting using fluorescence in situ hybridization and how my laboratory applied the technology in humans and in animal models. The trials and triumphs of the early years are emphasized, along with some of the scientific surprises that were encountered along the way. Scientific issues that my laboratory addressed using chromosome painting technologies are summarized and related to questions in radiation dosimetry, chemical clastogenesis, translocation persistence, and translocation frequencies in unexposed people. A description is provided of scientific controversies that were encountered and how they were resolved. I hope this paper will encourage young scientists to follow their passions and pursue their scientific dreams even if the task seems daunting and the circumstances appear exceedingly difficult. In my case the journey has been challenging, exciting, and richly rewarding on many levels.