Critical issues with the in vivo comet assay: A report of the comet assay working group in the 6th International Workshop on Genotoxicity Testing (IWGT)

Publication date: Available online 21 September 2014 Source:Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis Author(s): Günter Speit , Hajime Kojima , Brian Burlinson , Andrew R. Collins , Peter Kasper , Ulla Plappert-Helbig , Yoshifumi Uno , Marie Vasquez , Carol Beevers , Marlies De Boeck , Patricia A. Escobar , Sachiko Kitamoto , Kamala Pant , Stefan Pfuhler , Jin Tanaka , Dan D. Levy As a part of the 6th IWGT, an expert working group on the comet assay evaluated critical topics related to the use of the in vivo comet assay in regulatory genotoxicity testing. The areas covered were: identification of the domain of applicability and regulatory acceptance, identification of critical parameters of the protocol and attempts to standardize the assay, experience with combination and integration with other in vivo studies, demonstration of laboratory proficiency, sensitivity and power of the protocol used, use of different tissues, freezing of samples, and choice of appropriate measures of cytotoxicity. The standard protocol detects various types of DNA lesions but it does not detect all types of DNA damage. Modifications of the standard protocol may be used to detect additional types of specific DNA damage (e.g., cross-links, bulky adducts, oxidized bases). In addition, the working group identified critical parameters that should be carefully controlled and described in detail in every published study protocol. In vivo comet assay results ...
Source: Mutation Research Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research