Technical note on cytokinesis-arrested binucleated cell and micronucleus assay

Abstract

Conventionally, many biomarkers are being in use as a measure to genotoxicity in occupational exposure to chemicals, pesticides, radiation, and drug screening. Of which, the micronucleus assay is a preferred choice for many of those applications owing to its simplicity and rapidity. The assay methodology has evolved in cell preparations, staining, and scoring methods: from quantifying the DNA damage in mononucleated cells and binucleated cells; solid (Giemsa) and fluorescence staining (propidium iodide/DAPI); and manual and automated microscopy scoring and flow cytometry. Despite the advantages, preparation of cells with good morphology to interpret DNA damage from a different type of cells remains a challenge in particular for laboratory being the processes of developing the assay. Therefore, the aim of the present report was to explain the micronuclei (MN) assay and means to overcome the troubleshoot for reliable outcome measure using cytokinesis-arrested micronucleus (CBMN) assay from suspension and adherent cultures.

Keywords

• DNA damage
• genotoxicity
• micronuclei