New classes of common fragile sites induced by 5-azacytidine and bromodeoxyuridine

Two new classes of common fragile site seen in chromosomes from blood lymphocyte cultures are reported. The first class is induced in bands 1q42 and 19q13 by 5-azacytidine (5-AZA). Maximum induction of these fragile sites occurs when the 5-AZA is added 5-8h prior to harvest. The second class is induced in bands 6q13, 9p21, and 10q21 by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). In this instance maximum induction occurred if the BrdU was added 4-6h prior to harvest. The known fragile sites, both rare and common, are summarised.