What are the Applications of γ H2AX Foci Formation in Toxicology?
The detection of γ H2AX foci has several applications in toxicology:
Environmental Monitoring: Assessing the impact of environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, on DNA integrity in exposed organisms. Drug Development: Screening potential pharmaceuticals for genotoxic effects to ensure they do not cause DNA damage. Occupational Safety: Monitoring workers exposed to hazardous chemicals to identify potential genotoxic risks. Basic Research: Understanding the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair pathways in response to toxic agents.