Objective - To harmonize present methods and to work out statistical procedures for the analysis of mutation at the X-linked gene for hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) in human and animal cells in vivo and in vitro- To establish a data base for HPRT mutation allowing the comparisons of population data obtained in different countries, and mutational spectra obtained by various environmental chemicals and radiation in vitro- To study occupational, environmental and life style factors affecting the HPRT mutant frequency in human populations, and to con-elate mutant frequencies and mutational spectra at the HPRT locus with genetic polymorphisms affecting the individual metabolic activityHumans are exposed to a variety of chemical and physical agents with potential reactivity towards the genetic material in the cells of the body. The long term adverse effects of such genotoxic exposures include mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Prevention against these adverse effects requires identification and early detection of the causative factors and the genetic alterations they impose.Modern cell and molecular biology techniques allow the detailed analysis of mutation frequency and mutational spectra at the HPRT locus in human and animal cells in vivo and in vitro. The entire HPRT gene has been sequenced, and it is therefore possible to use molecular genetic technology to identify all types of mutations occurring at the HPRT locus, and to establish mutational spectra.The participating laboratories are specialists in various aspects of measuring and characterizing genetic change at the HPRT locus in human and animal cells. Data generated in these laboratories will form the basis for a HPRT mutation data base. To ensure that data are comparable on a methodological basis, common protocols will be worked out, and experimental methods and statistical procedures will be harmonized. These objectives will be realized by the establishment of network procedures for collection and evaluation of data and distribution of information between partners. Such procedures will be worked out during frequent meetings and workshops, as well as through the exchange of scientific personnel between the laboratories. Literature surveys will be carried out to incorporate data from non-participating laboratories.The project is expected to facilitate an improvement in genetic risk assessment and the understanding of the ætiology of occupation and environmental-related diseases. Ultimately, such understanding will provide a clear rationale for preventive actions. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesenvironmental sciencespollutionnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology Programme(s) FP4-BIOMED 2 - Specific research, technological development and demonstration programme in the field of biomedicine and health, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 4.5.2 - Interaction of genetic and occupational factors Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CON - Coordination of research actions Coordinator Karolinska Institute EU contribution No data Address 7,HAELSOVAEGEN 141 57 HUDDINGE Sweden See on map Total cost No data