The detection of polymerase inhibiting lesions using the polymerase arrest polymerase chain reaction assay

• Main Author: Linley, M.
• Published: Swansea University 2004
• Subjects: 615.9
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.637924

There is a constant need to determine the genotoxic potential of the agents to which the human population is exposed. The stringent testing of new products is legislatively controlled and dependent on the accumulation of sufficient scientific data to allow an analysis of the risk. It is important to predetermine any risks in the workplace prior to the presentation of disease and to provide factual public information on personal exposure e.g. the risks associated with UV light. Various experimental assays have been developed to assess the genotoxicity, mutagenicity and mcarcinogenicity of given physical and chemical agents. The Polymerase Arrest- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PA-PCR) assay was employed to investigate the genotoxic effects (DNA adducts, DAN strand breaks and DNA crosslinking) of various physical and chemical agents on naked isolated DNA. The assay was modified to provide two adapted methods, which increased the sensitivity of the assay to report DNA damage at significantly lowered exposure levels. The ability of the PA-PCR assay to perform as an initial screening process for genotoxic activity was assessed and determined.