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Harte DSG, Lynch AM, Verma J, Rees P, Filby A, Wills JW, Johnson GE. A multi-biomarker micronucleus assay using imaging flow cytometry. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:3137-3153. [PMID: 38995349 PMCID: PMC11324684 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03801-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Genetic toxicity testing assesses the potential of compounds to cause DNA damage. There are many genetic toxicology screening assays designed to assess the DNA damaging potential of chemicals in early drug development aiding the identification of promising drugs that have low-risk potential for causing genetic damage contributing to cancer risk in humans. Despite this, in vitro tests generate a high number of misleading positives, the consequences of which can lead to unnecessary animal testing and/or the abandonment of promising drug candidates. Understanding chemical Mode of Action (MoA) is vital to identifying the true genotoxic potential of substances and, therefore, the risk translation into the clinic. Here we demonstrate a simple, robust protocol for staining fixed, human-lymphoblast p53 proficient TK6 cells with antibodies against ɣH2AX, p53 and pH3S28 along with DRAQ5™ DNA staining that enables analysis of un-lysed cells via microscopy approaches such as imaging flow cytometry. Here, we used the Cytek® Amnis® ImageStream®X Mk II which provides a high-throughput acquisition platform with the sensitivity of flow cytometry and spatial morphological information associated with microscopy. Using the ImageStream manufacturer's software (IDEAS® 6.2), a masking strategy was developed to automatically detect and quantify micronucleus events (MN) and characterise biomarker populations. The gating strategy developed enables the generation of a template capable of automatically batch processing data files quantifying cell-cycle, MN, ɣH2AX, p53 and pH3 populations simultaneously. In this way, we demonstrate how a multiplex system enables DNA damage assessment alongside MN identification using un-lysed cells on the imaging flow cytometry platform. As a proof-of-concept, we use the tool chemicals carbendazim and methyl methanesulphonate (MMS) to demonstrate the assay's ability to correctly identify clastogenic or aneugenic MoAs using the biomarker profiles established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S G Harte
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Anthony M Lynch
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Jatin Verma
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Paul Rees
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Filby
- Core Flow Facility, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - John W Wills
- GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - George E Johnson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
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2
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Wilkins RC, Rodrigues M, Beaton-Green LA. The Imaging Flow Cytometry-Based Cytokinesis-Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) Assay. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2635:103-122. [PMID: 37074659 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3020-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
The dose of ionizing radiation received by an individual can be determined using biodosimetry methods which measure biomarkers of exposure in tissue samples from that individual. These markers can be expressed in many ways, including DNA damage and repair processes. Following a mass casualty event involving radiological or nuclear material, it is important to rapidly provide this information to medical responders to assist in the medical management of potentially exposed casualties. Traditional methods of biodosimetry rely on microscope analysis, making them time-consuming and labor-intensive. To increase sample throughput following a large-scale radiological mass casualty event, several biodosimetry assays have been adapted for analysis by imaging flow cytometry. This chapter briefly reviews these methods with a focus on the most current methodology to identify and quantify micronuclei in binucleated cells within the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay using an imaging flow cytometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth C Wilkins
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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3
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Vorobjev IA, Bekbayev S, Temirgaliyev A, Tlegenova M, Barteneva NS. Imaging Flow Cytometry of Multi-Nuclearity. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2635:87-101. [PMID: 37074658 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3020-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Multi-nuclearity is a common feature for cells in different cancers. Also, analysis of multi-nuclearity in cultured cells is widely used for evaluating the toxicity of different drugs. Multi-nuclear cells in cancer and under drug treatments form from aberrations in cell division and/or cytokinesis. These cells are a hallmark of cancer progression, and the abundance of multi-nucleated cells often correlates with poor prognosis.The use of standard bright field or fluorescent microscopy to analyze multi-nuclearity at the quantitative level is laborious and can suffer from user bias. Automated slide-scanning microscopy can eliminate scorer bias and improve data collection. However, this method has limitations, such as insufficient visibility of multiple nuclei in the cells attached to the substrate at low magnification.Since quantification of multi-nuclear cells using microscopic methods might be difficult, imaging flow cytometry (IFC) is a method of choice for this. We describe the experimental protocol for the preparation of the samples of multi-nucleated cells from the attached cultures and the algorithm for the analysis of these cells by IFC. Images of multi-nucleated cells obtained after mitotic arrest induced by taxol, as well as cells obtained after cytokinesis blockade by cytochalasin D treatment, can be acquired at a maximal resolution of IFC. We suggest two algorithms for the discrimination of single-nucleus and multi-nucleated cells. The advantages and disadvantages of IFC analysis of multi-nuclear cells in comparison with microscopy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan A Vorobjev
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Sultan Bekbayev
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Adil Temirgaliyev
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Madina Tlegenova
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Brigham Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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AIM in Haematology. Artif Intell Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-64573-1_182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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5
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Padalino G, El-Sakkary N, Liu LJ, Liu C, Harte DSG, Barnes RE, Sayers E, Forde-Thomas J, Whiteland H, Bassetto M, Ferla S, Johnson G, Jones AT, Caffrey CR, Chalmers I, Brancale A, Hoffmann KF. Anti-schistosomal activities of quinoxaline-containing compounds: From hit identification to lead optimisation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113823. [PMID: 34536671 PMCID: PMC8626775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease of poverty that is caused by infection with blood fluke species contained within the genus Schistosoma. For the last 40 years, control of schistosomiasis in endemic regions has predominantly been facilitated by administration of a single drug, praziquantel. Due to limitations in this mono-chemotherapeutic approach for sustaining schistosomiasis control into the future, alternative anti-schistosomal compounds are increasingly being sought by the drug discovery community. Herein, we describe a multi-pronged, integrated strategy that led to the identification and further exploration of the quinoxaline core as a promising anti-schistosomal scaffold. Firstly, phenotypic screening of commercially available small molecules resulted in the identification of a moderately active hit compound against Schistosoma mansoni (1, EC50 = 4.59 μM on schistosomula). Secondary exploration of the chemical space around compound 1 led to the identification of a quinoxaline-core containing, non-genotoxic lead (compound 22). Compound 22 demonstrated substantially improved activities on both intra-mammalian (EC50 = 0.44 μM, 0.20 μM and 84.7 nM, on schistosomula, juvenile and adult worms, respectively) and intra-molluscan (sporocyst) S. mansoni lifecycle stages. Further medicinal chemistry optimisation of compound 22, resulting in the generation of 20 additional analogues, improved our understanding of the structure-activity relationship and resulted in considerable improvements in both anti-schistosome potency and selectivity (e.g. compound 30; EC50 = 2.59 nM on adult worms; selectivity index compared to the HepG2 cell line = 348). Some derivatives of compound 22 (e.g. 31 and 33) also demonstrated significant activity against the two other medically important species, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum. Further optimisation of this class of anti-schistosomal is ongoing and could lead to the development of an urgently needed alternative to praziquantel for assisting in schistosomiasis elimination strategies. Lead compound 22 was identified with EC50 of 0.44 µM and 84.7 nM for schistosomula and adult worms. 20 analogues of the lead compound 22 were synthesised. Compounds 25, 30 and 32 showed the best selectivity profile. Compounds 31 and 33 are the most active on three medically important schistosome species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lawrence J Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Danielle S G Harte
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel E Barnes
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Sayers
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Ferla
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - George Johnson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Arwyn T Jones
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (CDIPD), Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Iain Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, United Kingdom.
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Chen Y, Zhu X, Hou Z, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Wang L, Liu L, Duan J, Jibril SM, Li C. RNA-Based Analysis Reveals High Diversity of Plant-Associated Active Fungi in the Atmosphere. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:683266. [PMID: 34531834 PMCID: PMC8438332 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.683266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous in nature; that is, they are present everywhere on the planet; understanding the active state and functional capacity of airborne microbes associated with health of human, animal, and plant is critical for biosafety management. Here, we firstly and directly proved that there were about 40% active fungi in the air via rRNA amplicon sequencing and imaging flow cytometry simultaneously. Amplicon sequencing analysis showed differences between structures of active and total fungal community; Ascomycota were dominant in the active community, while Basidiomycota have low transcriptional activity across all samples. Notably, plant pathogenic fungi were predominant in the air, and more than 50% were active, including not only several common plant pathogens but also biotrophic fungi (Erysiphe sp. and Microbotryum sp.) and host-specific pathogens, which were generally considered to be inactive after leaving the host. Putative plant pathogens of eight genera were found active across the sampling season, indicating their superior ability to obtain nutrients even in barren nutrient environments. Interestingly, we detected several potentially active unrecorded fungi in China (Diatrype prominens, Septofusidium herbarum, Pseudomicrostroma glucosiphilum, and Uromycladium tepperianum), which suggested that they spread over a long distance by air and may cause diseases under favorable conditions. Our results suggested that maintaining transmission in air is an essential feature of many fungi including plant pathogens regardless of being a biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, or necrotrophic group. Moreover, two potentially active human pathogens and one animal pathogen were captured, which indicated their potential risks. This study provided a new perspective for more comprehensive understanding of airborne fungi, including their multidimensional lifestyle, state, functioning, and potential pathogenic risk. It also laid the foundation for further prediction and management of airborne microbial communities, which would be of interest for public health and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xishen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Ziqiong Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yunying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingrong Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Sauban Musa Jibril
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Chengyun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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7
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Inter-laboratory automation of the in vitro micronucleus assay using imaging flow cytometry and deep learning. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3101-3115. [PMID: 34245348 PMCID: PMC8380241 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro micronucleus assay is a globally significant method for DNA damage quantification used for regulatory compound safety testing in addition to inter-individual monitoring of environmental, lifestyle and occupational factors. However, it relies on time-consuming and user-subjective manual scoring. Here we show that imaging flow cytometry and deep learning image classification represents a capable platform for automated, inter-laboratory operation. Images were captured for the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay across three laboratories using methyl methanesulphonate (1.25-5.0 μg/mL) and/or carbendazim (0.8-1.6 μg/mL) exposures to TK6 cells. Human-scored image sets were assembled and used to train and test the classification abilities of the "DeepFlow" neural network in both intra- and inter-laboratory contexts. Harnessing image diversity across laboratories yielded a network able to score unseen data from an entirely new laboratory without any user configuration. Image classification accuracies of 98%, 95%, 82% and 85% were achieved for 'mononucleates', 'binucleates', 'mononucleates with MN' and 'binucleates with MN', respectively. Successful classifications of 'trinucleates' (90%) and 'tetranucleates' (88%) in addition to 'other or unscorable' phenotypes (96%) were also achieved. Attempts to classify extremely rare, tri- and tetranucleated cells with micronuclei into their own categories were less successful (≤ 57%). Benchmark dose analyses of human or automatically scored micronucleus frequency data yielded quantitation of the same equipotent concentration regardless of scoring method. We conclude that this automated approach offers significant potential to broaden the practical utility of the CBMN method across industry, research and clinical domains. We share our strategy using openly-accessible frameworks.
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8
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Jaunay EL, Dhillon VS, Semple SJ, Simpson BS, Deo P, Fenech M. Can a digital slide scanner and viewing technique assist the visual scoring for the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay? Mutagenesis 2021; 35:311-318. [PMID: 32383458 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMNcyt) assay is a comprehensive method to measure DNA damage, cytostasis and cytotoxicity caused by nutritional, radiation and chemical factors. A slide imaging technique has been identified as a new method to assist with the visual scoring of cells for the CBMNcyt assay. A NanoZoomer S60 Digital Pathology slide scanner was used to view WIL2-NS cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and measure CBMNcyt assay biomarkers using a high-definition desktop computer screen. The H2O2-treated WIL2-NS cells were also scored visually using a standard light microscope, and the two visual scoring methods were compared. Good agreement was found between the scoring methods for all DNA damage indices (micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) and nuclear division index with correlation R values ranging from 0.438 to 0.789, P < 0.05. Apoptotic and necrotic cell frequency was lower for the NanoZoomer scoring method, but necrotic frequency correlated well with the direct visual microscope method (R = 0.703, P < 0.0001). Considerable advantages of the NanoZoomer scoring method compared to direct visual microscopy includes reduced scoring time, improved ergonomics and a reduction in scorer fatigue. This study indicates that a digital slide scanning and viewing technique may assist with visual scoring for the CBMNcyt assay and provides similar results to conventional direct visual scoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Jaunay
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Varinderpal S Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Susan J Semple
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Bradley S Simpson
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA, Australia.,Genome Health Foundation, North Brighton, Australia
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Rodrigues MA, Probst CE, Zayats A, Davidson B, Riedel M, Li Y, Venkatachalam V. The in vitro micronucleus assay using imaging flow cytometry and deep learning. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2021; 7:20. [PMID: 34006858 PMCID: PMC8131758 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-021-00179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay is a well-established assay for quantification of DNA damage, and is required by regulatory bodies worldwide to screen chemicals for genetic toxicity. The MN assay is performed in two variations: scoring MN in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells or directly in unblocked mononucleated cells. Several methods have been developed to score the MN assay, including manual and automated microscopy, and conventional flow cytometry, each with advantages and limitations. Previously, we applied imaging flow cytometry (IFC) using the ImageStream® to develop a rapid and automated MN assay based on high throughput image capture and feature-based image analysis in the IDEAS® software. However, the analysis strategy required rigorous optimization across chemicals and cell lines. To overcome the complexity and rigidity of feature-based image analysis, in this study we used the Amnis® AI software to develop a deep-learning method based on convolutional neural networks to score IFC data in both the cytokinesis-blocked and unblocked versions of the MN assay. We show that the use of the Amnis AI software to score imagery acquired using the ImageStream® compares well to manual microscopy and outperforms IDEAS® feature-based analysis, facilitating full automation of the MN assay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Artiom Zayats
- Amnis Flow Cytometry, Luminex Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryan Davidson
- Amnis Flow Cytometry, Luminex Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Riedel
- Amnis Flow Cytometry, Luminex Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Amnis Flow Cytometry, Luminex Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA
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Allemang A, Thacker R, DeMarco RA, Rodrigues MA, Pfuhler S. The 3D reconstructed skin micronucleus assay using imaging flow cytometry and deep learning: A proof-of-principle investigation. Mutat Res 2021; 865:503314. [PMID: 33865536 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The reconstructed skin micronucleus (RSMN) assay was developed in 2006, as an in vitro alternative for genotoxicity evaluation of dermally applied chemicals or products. In the years since, significant progress has been made in the optimization of the assay, including publication of a standard protocol and extensive validation. However, the diverse morphology of skin cells makes cell preparation and scoring of micronuclei (MN) tedious and subjective, thus requiring a high level of technical expertise for evaluation. This ultimately has a negative impact on throughput and the assay would benefit by the development of an automated method which could reduce scoring subjectivity while also improving the robustness of the assay by increasing the number of cells that can be scored. Imaging flow cytometry (IFC) with the ImageStream®X Mk II can capture high-resolution transmission and fluorescent imagery of cells in suspension. This proof-of-principle study describes protocol modifications that enable such automated measurement in 3D skin cells following exposure to mitomycin C and colchicine. IFC was then used for automated image capture and the Amnis® Artificial Intelligence (AAI) software permitted identification of binucleated (BN) cells with 91% precision. On average, three times as many BN cells from control samples were evaluated using IFC compared to the standard manual analysis. When IFC MNBN cells were visually scored from within the BN cell images, their frequency compared well with manual slide scoring, showing that IFC technology can be applied to the RSMN assay. This method enables faster time to result than microscope-based scoring and the initial studies presented here demonstrate its capability for the detection of statistically significant increases in MNBN frequencies. This work therefore demonstrates the feasibility of combining IFC and AAI to automate scoring for the RSMN assay and to improve its throughput and statistical robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Thacker
- Amnis Flow Cytometry, Luminex Corporation, Austin, TX, USA
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Davids J, Ashrafian H. AIM in Haematology. Artif Intell Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-58080-3_182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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