Gentronix Expands Testing Service With Micronucleus Assay

Gentronix introduces the Micronucleus Test (MNT) as part of the continued expansion of its in vitro genotoxicity testing services. The new service uses flow cytometric scoring and provides an additional opportunity for the early identification of compounds that are likely to exhibit genotoxic liability. This ensures the rapid prioritisation of compounds for development, saving valuable time and money.

The MNT assay detects aberrant, small nuclei present in the cytoplasm of human TK6 cells. The result of chromosome mis-segregation, the micronuclei represent fragmented as well as ‘lost’ chromosomes and indicate that DNA damage has occurred. With the flow cytometric approach, Gentronix use automated scoring which removes subjectivity while allowing rapid measurement of a large number of cells for increased statistical power and higher sample throughput.

Applying the in vitro MicroFlow® method, Gentronix offers simultaneous collection of relative survival and membrane integrity parameters for cytotoxicity assessment, as well as cell cycle information. A significant technological advance, MicroFlow® makes MNT much faster and simpler than the analysis of chromosomal aberrations. The assay offers a mechanistic insight into earlier results from tests such as GreenScreen HC. Alternatively, it can be used as a bridge to the in vivo MNT assay required by the ICH guidelines.