Genetic analysis of the anti-mutagenic effect of genistein in Escherichia coli

Genistein, the main isoflavone in soy, has received considerable attention for its potential anti-carcinogenic properties. In a previous report, we investigated the possible role of genistein in anti-mutagenesis, using an Escherichia coli reversion assay system. Genistein reduced ENU-induced mutagenesis in a dose-dependent manner and the reduction of mutation frequency was differential among several categories of mutation. Most notable was a loss of transversion mutations, which require SOS functions. In this report, we further investigated the anti-mutagenic effect of genistein using a genetic approach. E. coli strains having alterations in genes involved in SOS-m