Gene mutation assays purpose

Purpose. The purpose of in vivo gene mutation assays is to detect point mutations, such as base-pair substitutions, frameshifts, small deletions, and insertions. As mentioned in Tables 12.3 and 12.4, a few assays are also able to detect large deletions and reciprocal recombination. 

The mouse (coat) spot test uses Fj animals to detect point mutations at the c locus or recombination between the c and p genes induced in melanoblasts in utero. The mouse (eye) spot test detects eye spots resulting from induction of deletions at the p locus in utero, in precursor cells of retinal pigmented epithelial cells. This assay is considered useful for specifically detecting deletions in vivo, as well as for mechanistic studies and research purposes. 

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