Induction of aneuploidy by oncodazole (nocodazole), an anti-tubulin agent, and acetone.

Oncodazole (nocodazole) is a compound which interacts with yeast and bovine tubulin. We have shown that it induces aneuploidy in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at very low concentrations. In the course of a search for an appropriate solvent for oncodazole we observed that acetone also induces mitotic aneuploidy in yeast. This effect of acetone was greatly enhanced when the treatment of growing cells at 28 degrees C was interrupted by a period of holding at ice-bath temperature.