This method was developed to measure low levels of strand breaks with high sensitivity. The more versatile alkaline method of the comet assay was developed by N.P. The approach of Ostling and Johanson was based on previous work published by P Cook et al., 1976, who developed a method for investigating nuclear structure based on the high salt lysis of cells in the presence of non-ionic detergents. The image obtained looked like a ﭥt穴h a distinct head, comprising of intact DNA and a tail, consisting of damaged or broken pieces of DNA hence the name ﭥtᳳay. This was a neutral assay in which the lysis and electrophoresis were done under neutral conditions. This was first introduced by Ostling and Johanson in 1984. It combines the simplicity of biochemical techniques for detecting DNA single strand breaks (strand breaks and incomplete excision repair sites), alkali-labile sites, and cross-linking, with the single cell approach typical of cytogenetic assays. The Comet Assay or single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay is a rapid, sensitive and relatively simple method for detecting DNA damage at the level of individual cells (Singh et al., 1988). You can also send your message/queries to the entire group. Comet assay interest group is a free forum for exchange of information on Comet assay worldwide.⹠joining this group you will have free access to the latest developments in this field as well as access to archived discussions (at NIH Listserv )沯m the last several years.

Dna damage assay