Generation of micronuclei and detection of chromosome pulverization

Abstract

Lagging chromosomes that arise after chromosome mis-segregation during cell division can be encapsulated within small structures known as micronuclei. A link between whole-chromosome mis-segregation and chromothripsis has been demonstrated via micronuclear chromosome pulverization. Here, we describe methods to efficiently generate micronuclei and examine downstream cell fates, specifically with regard to DNA damage and chromosome pulverization.