Gene Probes: A Practical Approach - Applications, Vol. 2

Gene probes find a wide variety of uses in molecular biology, and are essential tools for genetic research. The advent of solid supports, new DNA labeling techniques, and PCR technology has created a need for an up-to-date practical manual in this area. Gene Probes (Applications), describes techniques for specific research goals. It covers: hybridization strategies; choosing probes; screening and analysis of DNA libraries, including the use of PCR; blotting techniques, gene targeting; and analysis of human genetic mutations. Its companion volume, Gene Probes 1, describes the wide rage of techniques now available for the purification, synthesis, labeling, detection, and quantitation of probes.

The book contains predominantly black-and-white illustrations, with some color illustrations.

Gene probes find a wide variety of uses in molecular biology, and are essential tools for genetic research. The advent of solid supports, new DNA labeling techniques, and PCR technology has created a need for an up-to-date practical manual in this area. Gene Probes (Applications), describes techniques for specific research goals. It covers: hybridization strategies; choosing probes; screening and analysis of DNA libraries, including the use of PCR; blotting techniques, gene targeting; and analysis of human genetic mutations. Its companion volume, Gene Probes 1, describes the wide rage of techniques now available for the purification, synthesis, labeling, detection, and quantitation of probes.

Roger W. Melvold

This is an update of the 1985 Nucleic Acid Hybridization: A Practical Approach. The amount and nature of new material has necessitated splitting the new edition into two volumes and changing the title. The first volume was devoted to the preparation of a wide range of probes, and this second volume is devoted to the use of those probes for a wide range of analytical and manipulative applications. Especially in conjunction with Volume 1, this series should prove a useful reference for investigators, laboratory personnel, and students involved in DNA analysis and manipulation. This volume contains 14 chapters prepared by more than 30 authors. The methodologies discussed include (but are not limited to) hybridization mapping, screening and cloning quantitative PCR, targeting and mutagenesis, immunohistochemistry and structural analysis. Specific protocols within each chapter are boxed and numbered for easy identification. However, the volume is more than a mere compilation of protocols. Especially useful is the opening chapter devoted to a discussion of how best to select probes and develop an optimal experimental design. The illustrations (mostly black-and-white) are clear, uncluttered, and informative. The references are recent enough to include some from 1995, and the index is well organized. This book should be in the library of institutions where such work is underway.

Hames, B. D. (Univ of Leeds); Higgins, S. J. (Univ of Leeds)

The contributors represent the specialties of biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular neurobiology, and hematology. Most are from academic medical centers and research institutions in the U.S., France, and the U.K. Institutions prominently represented include Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire in Strasbourg, UCSF, Cambridge, Cornell, NIH, and Univ of Leeds.