The simplest way to assign genes is by PCR of somatic cell hybrids. That is, some small regions are deleted from some of the chromosomes and a low percentage of cells may contain contaminating chromosomes. As with all PCR-based screening it is advisable to have well designed primers and reaction conditions that give optimum sensitivity. We can provide rodent controls separately. The disadvantage of chromosome assignment is that most journals will not publish this data alone.
Regional localization is usually necessary.
Generally a gene can be placed to a chromosome band and the relative position can be determined with multi-color FISH where different probes are labeled with separate dyes. Unfortunately, the method is slow, expensive and requires skilled personnel. Also, it is best done with large genomic probes. The Core does not offer FISH, but can refer you to commerical vendors that do. Reference pedigree DNAs, the so-called CEPH families, are used for this work and are available through the Core.