DNA damage

Abstract

Even under the best of circumstances, DNA is constantly subjected to chemical modifications. Several types of DNA damage such as SSB (single strand break), DSB (double strand break), CPDs (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers), 6-4PPs (6-4 photoproducts) and their Dewar valence isomers have been identified that result from alkylating agents, hydrolytic deamination, free radicals and reactive oxygen species formed by various photochemical processes including UV radiation. There are a number of strategies such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), comet, halo, TUNEL (Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling) assay, HPLC-Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry, FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization), FCM (Flow cytometry), annexin V labeling, immunological assays including immunofluorescent and chemiluminescence thymine dimer detection, immunohistochemical assay, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Radio immunoassay (RIA), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electrochemical methods, that are commonly used to detect DNA damage in various organisms. The main aim of this review is to present a brief account of the above mentioned DNA damage detection strategies for the convenience of interested readers.