Direct detection of DNA damage

The comet assay is the only direct method for the detection of DNA damage in cells.

It is used in cancer research, in genotoxicity studies on environmental mutagens, and for screening compounds for cancer therapeutics.

Based on single cell gel electrophoresis in a controlled pH environment, the assay allows the integrity of stained nuclear DNA to be examined and measured.

Until now, a lack of standardisation in electrophoresis equipment, control cells, comet slides and comet reagents created inconsistencies in data generated run-to-run, user-to-user, and lab-to-lab.

Trevigen, with funding from Phase 1 and Phase II SBIR grants, has solved these problems and makes available a novel complete assay system which includes CometSlides, reagents, control cells and an electrophoresis unit which retains test cells in a uniquely configured electrophoretic field permitting consistent DNA migration patterns, which are critical for standardization of the assay.

Each lot of the CometAssay control cells, reagents and CometSlidesdeveloped by Trevigen are tested and qualified for use in the CometAssay System.

In combination, the components of the system permit reproducibility and reduce variability between individual users and different laboratories.