Methods in Molecular Biology Volume 204. Editor Yao-Shan Fan. (Pp 424; $135.00.) Totowa, NJ: Humana Press. 2002. ISBN 1-58829-006-9.

• Fan YS
• editor. Molecular cytogenetics protocols and applications

This book is a very up to date manual covering the background, methodologies, and applications of molecular cytogenetics techniques. The emphasis is on the diagnostic applications of FISH in the many areas of medicine on which it impinges, including paediatrics, fetal and reproductive medicine, pathology, haematology, oncology, and, of course, medical genetics. With 27 chapters and over 60 authors, all of whom are experts in their field, this book clearly shows how far molecular cytogenetics techniques have developed over the last two decades.

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 covers the basic concepts and techniques. The opening chapter by the editor Yao-Shan Fan provides a very helpful overview of the scope of the book and an extensive set of references for further reading. The following chapters cover probe labelling (DNA and RNA probes) and basic FISH techniques. The second part of the book is devoted to evolving techniques and applications and includes chapters on microdissection, PRINS, SKY FISH, M FISH, CGH, colour banding FISH, fibre FISH, multitelomere FISH, fluorescence genotyping for telomeric regions, and microarray CGH. Special applications …