Fig. 2

Classification of cells based on the three-dimensional organization of chromosomes 8, 21, and 18. Serial optical sections were acquired using a Nikon A1Rsi confocal system. The images show the three-dimensional reconstruction of nuclei, which are stained blue. Red signals indicate either chromosome 21 or 18, and green signals indicate chromosome 8. a Normal cells. Two green and two red signals are observed in the nuclei. Both copies of chromosome 8 are separate from chromosome 21 and 18. b Proximal cells. Two green and two red signals are observed in the nuclei. At least one copy of chromosome 8 is proximal to either chromosome 21 or 18, and the chromosomes are in contact with one another. c Malignant cells. Either three green or three red signals are observed in the nuclei. The signals represent chromosome breaks (3g2r or 2g3r) or chromosome translocations (3g3r)