title: The comet assay: a sensitive method for detecting DNA damage in individual cells.
abstract: The comet assay is a sensitive and rapid method for DNA strand break detection in individual cells, and the year 2009 represents the 25th anniversary of the first description of this methodology in 1984. Over time this method has been improved, but is still not completely standardized, and variations are currently in widespread use with emphasis on applications in research and genetic toxicology. Here we review the principles of the comet assay and cite key studies that have focused on this assay in the past 25 years. In addition, we present an example of how the comet assay was used in our laboratory for studying the induction of DNA damage in human lung cancer cells after differing doses of the cytosine analog 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR). Finally, some insights into the potential of this assay in cancer research and work in related fields are offered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Wenjuan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McNutt
authors.forename: Wei-Guo
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D001374:Azacitidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000633:toxicity; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D020552:Comet Assay / Q000379:methods*; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D000077209:Decitabine; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004996:Ethidium / Q000378:metabolism; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055752:Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D000077209:Decitabine; D004996:Ethidium; D001374:Azacitidine