Purpose of Review
The micronucleus (MN) assay is a validated method of genetic toxicology, widely used for human biomonitoring studies. This review summarizes and discusses current data regarding involvement of MN in pathogenesis of different diseases, potential of MN assay to be used as cytogenetic diagnostic technique, as well as highlights current achievements in studies concerning clinically relevant chromosomal instability using MN assay.
Recent Findings
Recent studies suggested that MN are indicator of pathological events in affected as well as not affected “target” tissues of an organism. They can be effectively used in risk assessment and to distinguish stage of pathological manifestations in diseases. Molecular-genetic studies revealed that MN are not only the markers of, but at the same time inducers of genomic instability.
Summary
The MN assay is an informative cytogenetic tool, alone and in combination with molecular genetic methods. Although it is not always clear if MN are a result or inducer of pathogenic effects, the vast number of clinical studies substantiated that they have high potential for clinical practice, as they are associated with diseases.