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Emergence of micronuclei as a genomic biomarker
Robin Sabharwal1, Parul Verma2, Mohammed Asif Syed3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Bhojia Dental College and Hospital, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
The presence of micronuclei (MN) in mammalian cells is related to several mutagenetic stresses. MN are formed as a result of chromosome damage and can be readily identified in exfoliated epithelial cells. MN is chromatin particles derived from acentric chromosomal fragments, which are not incorporated into the daughter nucleus after mitosis. It can be visualized by chromatin stains. A variety of factors influences the formation of MN in cells such as age, sex, genetic constitution, physical and chemical agents, adverse habits such as tobacco, areca nut chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Micronucleation has important implications in the genomic plasticity of tumor cells. The present paper reviews the origin, fate and scoring criteria of MN that serves as a biomarker of exposure to genetic toxins, and for the risk of cancer.
Insights
Micronuclei (MN) in mammalian cells indicate chromosome damage from mutagenetic stress. Scoring MN in exfoliated cells serves as a biomarker for genetic toxin exposure and cancer risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Micronuclei (MN) are indicators of mutagenetic stress and chromosome damage in mammalian cells.
- MN arise from acentric chromosomal fragments not incorporated into daughter nuclei during mitosis.
- Their presence is influenced by factors including age, sex, genetics, and lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origin, fate, and scoring criteria of micronuclei (MN).
- To highlight MN as a biomarker for genetic toxin exposure.
- To discuss the implications of MN in cancer risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on micronuclei formation and detection.
- Analysis of factors influencing micronucleus occurrence.
- Examination of MN as a biomarker in exfoliated epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Micronuclei formation is linked to various mutagenetic stresses and lifestyle factors.
- MN can be reliably identified in exfoliated cells using chromatin stains.
- Micronucleation plays a role in the genomic plasticity observed in tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- Micronuclei serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing exposure to genotoxic agents.
- Understanding MN formation and scoring is crucial for cancer risk evaluation.
- MN analysis contributes to understanding genomic instability in disease contexts.
