In vitro genotoxicity testing–Can the performance be enhanced?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.08.024Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Recent activities have improved the current in vitro genotoxicity testing paradigm.

  • Approaches have been developed to enhance in vitro testing accuracy.

  • Novel tests are being established.

  • New tools are now in place to support advancement in the field.

Abstract

The assessment of genotoxicity represents an essential component of the safety assessment of all types of substances. Several in vitro tests are available at different stages of development and acceptance, yet they are not considered at present sufficient to fully replace animal tests needed to evaluate the safety of substances. For an overall improvement of the traditional genotoxicity testing paradigm, several recent activities have taken place. These include the improvement of existing tests, the development of novel tests, as well as, the establishment and exploration of approaches to optimise in vitro testing accuracy. Furthermore, useful tools, such as databases or reference chemical lists have been developed to support advances in this field.

Keywords

Genotoxicity
In vitro mammalian cell test
Safety assessment
Alternative methods

Abbreviations

Carc
carcinogenicity
CAvit
in vitro chromosomal aberration test
CAviv
in vivo chromosomal aberration test
DB
database
DNAviv
in vivo DNA strand breakage (e.g. comet or alkaline elution) assay
EURL ECVAM
EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing
GFP
green fluorescence protein
HET-MN
Henn's egg test for micronucleus induction
Hprt
hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus
IATA
integrated approach to testing and assessment
MLA/tk
mouse lymphoma tk gene mutation assay
MNvit
in vitro micronucleus test
MNviv
in vivo micronucleus test
NTP
National Toxicology Program
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
PPP
plant protection products
SCCS
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
TG
Test Guideline
TGR
in vivo transgenic rodent mutation assay
UDSviv
in vivo unscheduled DNA synthesis test

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