The BlueScreen HCTM genotoxicity assay from Gentronix Ltd. uses a human-derived, p53-competent, TK6 cell line to host a luminescence-based reporter system that exploits the proper regulation of the GADD45a gene. GADD45a plays an important role in mediating the cellular response to genotoxic stress.

The patented system incorporates complex regulatory elements to enable a faithful GADD45a response. The assay generates positive results for direct-acting mutagens and clastogens, as well compounds that act indirectly such as aneugens, and topoisomerase and polymerase inhibitors, which interfere with the processes of DNA replication, maintenance, repair and segregation. Importantly, correct negative results are produced for non-carcinogens, many of which give misleading positive results in other in vitro genotoxicity tests. In the BlueScreen HC S9 assay a metabolic activation protocol using rodent liver extract (S9) extends the range of compounds detected to include genotoxic metabolites. S9 contains cytochrome P450s and other enzymes that catalyse the detoxifi cation of xenobiotic substances.

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