| Capabilities have been developed to analyze the genotoxic behaviour of mineral fibers (asbestos, ceramic fibers and others), ultrafine particles (kerosine soot, titanium dioxide, bentonite), gases etc. at the cellular and molecular level. The damages induced by the fibers and particles to the target cells like specific chromosomal breakage, morphological changes, apoptosis were analyzed using electrorotation, fluorescence, supravital and electron microscopy, multicolor Fluorescence in situ hybridization (tandem labeling, single copy gene FISH), identification of typical DNA ladder pattern by gel electrophoresis, determination of intracellular calcium concentrations and by flow cytometry. The studies showed that the fibers and particles cause specific mitotic disturbances, micronucleus formation, deletion and breakage of specific chromosomes and apoptosis in exposed cells (see below: List of Publications ). The study up to a certain extent helps in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the toxicity of asbestos and other mineral fibers as well as ultrafine particles. |