Objective
To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of two available transgenic rodent mutation assays.
The importance of determining chemically-induced DNA damage and induced mutations in experimental species is well-established. The currently available rodent assays are empirical and do not provide data on the heritability of induced DNA changes. Two commercially available mutation assays utilising the bacterial lac I/Z gene may present a solution to these problems. The two assay systems are the lac Z construct (Mutamouse, Hazelton) and the lac I construct (Big Blue, Stratagene). Both assay systems are currently being refined and the protocols simplified. Close cooperation with Hazelton and Stratagene will ensure that advances in assay protocols will be incorporated into the project as they occur. The main questions to be addressed are:
i) What is the sensitivity and specificity of these assays in respect to carcinogenicity bioassays and established genotoxicity assays, and to what extent is sensitivity chemical and/or tissue specific?
ii) To what extent does the cell type selected from a tissue influence the mutation frequency measured?
iii) Are these assay most usefully employed as acute mutation assays or as models of the process of rodent carcinogenesis at bioassay dose-levels?
iv) What is the relationship between somatic and germ cell mutational effects ?
These studies should enable discernment of the appropriate role in human carcinogenic/mutagenic hazard assessment of the lac I/Z rodent mutation assays. Coordination with studies using the non-transgenic restriction site mutation assays (RSM) will be ensured.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contracts
Coordinator
SK10 4TJ Macclesfield
United Kingdom
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Participants (2)
69120 Heidelberg
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85764 Neuherberg
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