ToxTracker ACE

The ToxTracker assay is a state-of-the-art stem cell-based reporter assay that provides mechanistic insight into genotoxic properties of compounds. ToxTracker ACE (Aneugen Clastogen Evaluation) is an extended version of the ToxTracker assay and includes direct discrimination between an aneugenic and a clastogenic mode-of-action of genotoxic compounds. ToxTracker ACE combines the power of 6 fluorescent reporter cell lines for detection of DNA damage, oxidative stress and protein damage with cell cycle analyses and detection of polyploidy. This unique combination gives unparalleled mechanistic insight into the hazardous properties of chemicals and pharmaceuticals in a single assay. The information generated is particularly useful in Mode-of-Action (MoA) and Adverse-Outcome Pathway (AOP) approaches.

Key Features

  • mechanistic insight into (geno)toxicity
  • unsurpassed sensitivity and specificity of 95%
  • excellent predictor for regulatory in vitro and in vivo assays
  • low amount of compound required
  • rapid and cost effective
  • metabolic activation using S9 liver extract

ToxTracker ACE is an extended version of the ToxTracker assay and includes cell cycle analyses and polyploidy detection to allow direct discrimination between an aneugenic and clastogenic mode-of-action. ToxTracker ACE (Aneugen Clastogen Evaluation) combines the 6 fluorescent reporter cell lines for detection of DNA damage, oxidative stress and protein damage with a DNA staining for cell cycle and chromosome analysis. The combination of differential activation of these endpoints is a unique and very powerful means to separate clastogens from aneugens, as well as to identify potential tubulin poisons and cell cycle kinase inhibitors.

Unique combination of endpoints

 

Clastogen vs. Aneugens example

We compared cisplatin (DNA cross linker), taxol (tubulin poison) and AMG900 (kinase inhibitor).

Clastogens:

  • Activation of both genotoxicity reporters in ToxTracker
  • Cell cycle block in S phase
  • No polyploidy

Aneugens/tubulin poisons

  • Selective activation of the Rtkn genotoxicity reporter
  • Cell cycle block in G2/M phase
  • Polyploidy
  • Optional: perform TubulinTracker

Aneugens/kinase inhibitors

  • No activation of the ToxTracker genotoxicity reporters
  • Cell cycle block in G2/M phase
  • Polyploidy
  • Optional: PhosoH3 staining for Aurora kinase B inhibition

From sample to report

This visualisation illustrates the sequence of events between receiving your test compound, performing the ToxTracker ACE and providing the final results.

Fee-for-Services

We can perform ToxTracker ACE for you at our state-of-the-art laboratory. You can then send your compounds and receive a full report, in most cases within 2 weeks. Most of our customers ask us to perform the assay as a fee-for-service project as we have all tools and equipment in house and are experienced in the data interpretation. We work together on this basis with various of the top 10 pharma, chemical and cosmetics companies.

The following infographic depicts the typical workflow when doing a project with Toxys.

 

Local lab installation

The assay can also be installed in your laboratory under license. We provide full support for integration of ToxTracker ACE in your toxicology laboratory. Please contact us via the contact form below or via email: info@toxys.com

ToxTracker ACE in Japan via Eolas Biosciences

Toxys has partnered with Eolas Biosciences to include ToxTracker ACE in their portfolio of genetic toxicology services for the Japanese Market. Visit this page to learn more.

ToxTracker ACE via research marketplaces Science Exchange and Scientist.com

Toxys has made its ToxTracker ACE assay available through the research service marketplaces Science Exchange and Scientist.com. These platforms are used worldwide by large and small companies to source their testing services. Organisations listed as buyers can now make use of the standardised legal agreements of these platforms and efficiently order ToxTracker services.

ToxTracker ACE offered by other CROs

ToxTracker ACE is also available via Labcorp in Harrogate (UK).

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These are some of the typical application of ToxTracker ACE:

  • Genotoxicity testing of pharmaceutical compounds
  • Identification of aneugens
  • Genotoxicity testing of kinase inhibitors

Meet the study director for ToxTracker ACE

Our study directors are the experts in the field to whom you can ask any question about our assays. From early screening to regulatory safety assessment, our study directors are able to listen to your questions and think along with you to provide a tailored solution. Here are some typical questions they often receive on ToxTracker ACE in understanding where and how ToxTracker ACE can be utilized in their strategies. Please feel free to ask your questions as well.

Can I meet you to talk about my study design?

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Will you also take me through the data after a project in a TC or meeting?

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Dr. Inger Brandsma
Dr. Inger Brandsma
Study director for ToxTracker suite

Inger Brandsma obtained her PhD from the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, where she studied the role of changes in DNA double strand break repair in cancer cells relating to resistance to PARP inhibitors. Inger joined Toxys as a senior scientist, utilising her expertise in DNA damage responses, genome stability and cancer to develop novel mechanistic toxicity assays. Inger was pivotal in developing ToxTracker extensions for ToxTracker ACE, AO and TubulinTracker.

Can you help with a study design for difficult to dissolve compounds?

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Do you also have a question? Click here te send a question to Inger.

More information

Please click here for more information on ToxTracker

If you have any questions on the assay please contact us via info@toxys.com or complete the contact form. Please also see:

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