| The CENPB probe (sequence: ATTCGTTGGAAACGGGA) is designed to target the CENP-B box, a specific sequence found within alpha-satellite DNA at human centromeres. The CENP-B protein is crucial for centromere function, contributing to the assembly and stability of the centromere complex. This probe specifically binds to all centromeres in human and mouse chromosomes, with the exception of the Y chromosome. The Reverse Complementary Sequence (5' to 3') is TCCCGTTTCCAACGAAT.
Function:
The CENPB probe is widely used in Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) to label and identify centromeres. By binding to the CENP-B box, it allows researchers to visualize centromeres during cell division, providing insights into chromosome segregation and centromere integrity. CENP-B is involved in the organization of centromeric chromatin and ensures the proper functioning of the kinetochore, a key structure for chromosome movement during mitosis.
Applications:
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Cytogenetic Research: The probe is crucial in identifying centromere-related abnormalities in diseases like cancer, where chromosomal instability plays a major role. It helps detect aneuploidies (abnormal number of chromosomes) and structural chromosome abnormalities such as dicentric chromosomes, which are important in both clinical and research settings.
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Chromosome Stability Studies: The CENPB probe is used to investigate chromosomal dynamics in conditions like radiation-induced chromosomal damage. It is also applied in studies of kinetochore function and centromere misregulation, which are critical in understanding the genetic basis of certain diseases.
In summary, the CENPB probe is a valuable tool in studying centromere function, chromosomal stability, and detecting genetic abnormalities in both research and clinical diagnostics. |
