DNA double-strand break damage and repair assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Methods Mol Biol. 2012:920:315-21. doi: 10.1007/978-1-61779-998-3_22.

Abstract

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is a technique for resolving large (up to 10 Mb) DNA molecules. Using multiple pairs of electrodes DNA is subject to an alternating electric field through a solid agarose matrix. As the current changes direction the reorientation time of DNA is proportional to molecular weight; thus fragments are separated in the gel based on their size. Here we describe the use of PFGE to analyze DNA double-strand break formation and repair in human chromosomal DNA.

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomes, Human / genetics
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded* / drug effects
  • DNA Repair* / drug effects
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field / methods*
  • Humans