Glossary

Centromere
Chromosome
Chromosome Abnormalities
DNA
DNA Probe
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Gene
Gene amplification
Human Genome
Human Genome Project
Hybridization (e.g., DNA hybridization)
in situ
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)

The constricted region usually near the center of a chromosome (at the joining point of chromosome arms) consisting of highly repeated DNA sequences.

Structure in a cell on which genes are located, consisting of a highly compacted stretch of DNA with associated proteins.

Chromosome Abnormalities

These can be either structural or numerical. Structural abnormalities include translocations, deletions or insertions, duplications and amplifications. Numerical abnormalities are either a gain or loss of chromosomes.

An acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA contains all the information necessary for any organism to develop and function. The four chemical building blocks of DNA are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine.

A segment of DNA specifically designed to be complementary to a target sequence of chromosomes, genes or gene sequences. For FISH, the synthetic piece of DNA is coupled with a fluorescent indicator, or tag, so that the chromosomes or genes it binds (or hybridizes) to can be directly visualized.

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

A technique utilizing a fluorescent-labeled DNA probe to detect a particular chromosome or gene.

A specific, unique stretch of DNA sequence that codes for a single characteristic or component of physical development and function.

Gene amplification

Increase in the normal copy number of a gene.

The complete set of human genes - approximately 40,000 total - which together contain information covering inherited aspects of human physical development and function.

Human Genome Project

Begun in 1990, it aims to identify, map, sequence and interpret all of the estimated 40,000 human genes, producing a vast database of human genetic information.

Hybridization (e.g., DNA hybridization)

The binding of complementary sequences of DNA through specific base-pairing of Adenine with Thymine and Guanine with Cytosine.

In the natural or original position

Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)

Transitional cells are special cells, exclusively found lining the inside of the urinary tract organs. Cancers arising from these cells are known as transitional cell carcinomas.

The UroVysion Bladder Cancer Kit (UroVysion Kit) is designed to detect aneuploidy for chromosomes 3, 7, 17, and loss of the 9p21 locus via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in urine specimens from persons with hematuria suspected of having bladder cancer. Results from the UroVysion Kit are intended for use, in conjunction with and not in lieu of current standard diagnostic procedures, as an aid for initial diagnosis of bladder carcinoma in patients with hematuria and subsequent monitoring for tumor recurrence in patients previously diagnosed with bladder cancer.