Cord Blood Stem Cells Information

Does cytogenetics still have a place in modern molecular medicine (diagnosis & research)?

This isn't a Uni question, I left many years ago, but am curious to see how opinons on the technque have changed. TIA e404pnf

Public Comments

1. Absolutely, it does. As we gain a better understanding of gene control, I'm sure we will find that some deficiencies actually have to do with the interaction of proteins with the DNA at the physical level in a tertiary manner. In other words, rather than even direct DNA-protein binding we will find DNA methylation effects as well as inefficiences in the coiling process of chromosomes. At that point finding "hot spots" on the chromosomes will be best observed cytologically, as a generic mechanism would not localize the effect to a chromosome using PCR-based, antibody based, or other detection methods. I think we will see a resurgence in cytogenetics at that point, but it is still a ways off.