CYTOM APPROACH TO GENO-CYTOTOXICITY STUDIES

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Working at the chromosomal level of DNA damage is the mainstay of the genetic toxicology researches. The micronucleus assay is one of the developed methods to evaluate chromosomal damage. Micronuclei are non-centromeric chromosomes/chromatids fragments, or chromosomes/chromatids which lagging in the anaphase and cannot migrate to the poles, located in the cytoplasm without being included in the sister cell nuclei and surrounded by cell membranes in telophase. In this method, besides micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) can be evaluated, cell death and nuclear division index (NDI) can be measured. NPBs originated from the centromeres of dicentric chromosomes migrating to different poles, are indicative of DNA mis-repair, chromosome rearrangement, telomere end-fusions. NBUDs are considered as markers of gene amplification and/or altered gene dosage. In addition to NDI, establishing to necrotic and apoptotic cells may allow the determination of mitotic activity and cytotoxicity. All these analysed parameters have transformed micronucleus method into cytome assay by which chromosomal instability phenotypes and altered cellular viability caused by genetic defects, nutritional deficiencies, genotoxins from exogenous sources can be measured comprehensively. In this review, the place and importance of micronucleus method in genotoxicity studies and the innovations caused by the cytome approach are mentioned.

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Micronucleus , Cytome , Genotoxicity , Cytotoxicity

Anadolu University Journal of Science and Technology C - Life Sciences and Biotechnology

269

Anadolu University Journal of Science and Technology C - Life Sciences and Biotechnology