Karyotype And Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization Analysis Of Human Embryonic Stem Cell And Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines

Cytogenetics is the science of studying human chromosomes. In cytogenetics, karyotype is the nomenclature used to describe the normal or abnormal, constitutional or acquired, chromosomal complement of an individual, tissue, or cell line. In some cases, it is necessary to use in situ hybridization methods in addition to karyotyping for karyotype clarification. Karyotype stability of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) is particularly sensitive to growth conditions (e.g., growth medium, temperature and CO, conditions, and splitting method). In most cases, culture pressure results in chromosomal abnormalities. This chapter will discuss the common principles of karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) methods and the application of these methods to hESC and iPSC lines.