Micronucleus Assay: The State of Art, and Future Directions

Abstract

During almost 40 years of use, the micronucleus assay (MN) has become one of the most popular methods to assess genotoxicity of different chemical and physical factors, including ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage. In this minireview, we focus on the position of MN among the other genotoxicity tests, its usefulness in different applications and visibility by international organizations, such as International Atomic Energy Agency, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and International Organization for Standardization. In addition, the mechanism of micronuclei formation is discussed. Finally, foreseen directions of the MN development are pointed, such as automation, buccal cells MN and chromothripsis phenomenon.

The Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Assay on Human Isolated Fresh and Cryopreserved Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

“…Chromosomal damage can be assessed using various cytogenetic assays. These assays are often used in environmental biomonitoring studies, for example studies evaluating the genotoxic impact of nanoparticles on chromosomal damage, and in occupational genotoxicity studies, such as the influence of anesthetic gases in medical workers or the effect of cadmium exposure on battery manufacture workers [1][2][3][4]. Next to this, mutagen sensitivity phenotyping, measured by quantifying genotoxic events induced by chemical or physical agents, has been used as an indirect measure of cancer susceptibility [5,6].…”

“…Next to this, mutagen sensitivity phenotyping, measured by quantifying genotoxic events induced by chemical or physical agents, has been used as an indirect measure of cancer susceptibility [5,6]. Furthermore, the measurement of chromosomal damage induced by ionizing radiation is frequently used for radiation protection (e.g., biological dosimetry), as well as for radiobiological research (e.g., in vitro chromosomal radiosensitivity studies and prediction, or the follow up of radiation side effects) [3,7,8].…”

“…The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay, developed by Fenech and Moreley, is one of the most important in vivo and in vitro cytogenetic methods, next to the comet assay and the dicentric chromosome assay [3,14,15]. Micronuclei (MNi) are small, extra nuclear bodies, that form as a result of whole chromosomes that lag behind during mitosis or as a result of chromosome fragments that are not incorporated into the main daughter nuclei.…”

“…The CBMN assay is faster and requires less specialized skills than most cytogenetic methods. This makes the CBMN assay a highly suitable high-throughput method for the biomonitoring of large populations exposed to genotoxic agents in both occupational and environmental settings [3,15].…”

“…The CBMN assay, performed on whole blood, is a well-established technique. Samples can be easily obtained through venipuncture, and whole blood cultures require minimal effort to set up, which leads to a reduction in time and cost [3]. One disadvantage of working with fresh whole blood samples is that in most cases only a small amount of blood can be collected.…”