Gene mutation assays principle

This test is well-validated and widely accepted by regulatory agencies as part of the standard battery of genetic toxicity assays, in addition to the two in vitro assays (BrambiUa and Martelh 2004 Cimino 2006). Because of the mechanism of micronuclei formation, the micronucleus test does not in principle detect gene mutations. It should therefore be considered complementary to in vitro gene mutation assays, and not as a follow-up assay to confirm in vitro gene mutations. 

Principle, Interpretation, Limitations, and Strengths. Tables 12.3 and 12.4 summarize the main characteristics of the different gene mutation assays that are further compared below. 

Figure 1. Principle of operation for a PCR-RFLP assay, (a) Location of the restriction site in the mutated allele of the gene of resistant isolates (R), which is absent in the wt allele of sensitive isolates (S). (b) Agarose gel showing the PCR products of allele unspecific amplifications (lanes 2-4) and the digestion products (lanes 5-7), Lane 1, DNA size marker.

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