Mutagenesis Unit

• Ecogenetic studies and biomonitoring of populations occupationally exposed to various physical and chemical mutagens: ionising radiation (X- and γ-radiation, radioactive isotopes), non-ionising radiation (microwave radiation, radiofrequency radiation), ultrasound and genotoxic chemicals (antineoplastic/cytotoxic drugs, anaesthetics, pesticides, organic solvents, heavy metals and their compounds etc.).
• Assessment of genotoxic effects is carried out using human peripheral blood lymphocytes and by applying various genetic markers which allow for an early detection of biological effects. These involve chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange. A sensitive detection of primary genome damage is done using microgel electrophoresis or comet assay under alkaline and neutral conditions. Standard cytogenetic techniques are complemented with specific techniques of chromatin staining and the FISH technique. For the assessment of individual genome sensitivity, chromatid breakage assay is applied. Genotoxic effects are also determined with in vivo-micronucleus assay in rodents.
• Ecogenetic studies aimed at assessing the value of biomarkers of exposure, effect and genome sensitivity in general population in the Republic of Croatia.
• Continuous biomonitoring of populations of workers occupationally exposed to different mutagens in their working environment (in line with Croatian regulations).
• Assessment of cytogenetic risk in cases of accidents.
• Genotoxicological studies under in vivo conditions in laboratory animals.
• Genotoxicological studies under in vitro in cell lines of human and animal origin.

CYTOGENETIC SERVICES OF THE MUTAGENESIS UNIT

1. Structural chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes (karyogram)
2. Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE)
3. Micronucleus assay (MN)
4. Comet assay