Scrape-loading: a simple method to induce chromosomal aberrations with restriction enzymes in CHO cells.

The restriction endonucleases AluI and EcoRI induce chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells when applied via scrape-loading. The frequencies of chromosomal aberrations induced by AluI are similar to the ones induced when the enzyme is applied by other methods to introduce it into cells (electroporation, glycerol, sorbitol). EcoRI produces lower frequencies of aberrations when applied via scrape-loading, as compared to the application in the presence of high concentrations of glycerol, which may reflect relaxed activities under the latter conditions.