High-Throughput Genotoxicity Assays

Preclinical safety assessments often include the in vitro micronucleus assay in order to evaluate chemicals' potential to cause DNA damage. This particular assay provides information on chromosomal damage in cultured cells by detecting the formation of small membrane-bound DNA fragments (micronuclei) in the cytoplasm of interphase cells. Traditionally, the in vitro micronucleus assay requires a microscopic analysis of the treated cells which precludes its use as a high-throughput screening tool.