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Colacci A, Corvi R, Ohmori K, Paparella M, Serra S, Da Rocha Carrico I, Vasseur P, Jacobs MN. The Cell Transformation Assay: A Historical Assessment of Current Knowledge of Applications in an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065659. [PMID: 36982734 PMCID: PMC10057754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The history of the development of the cell transformation assays (CTAs) is described, providing an overview of in vitro cell transformation from its origin to the new transcriptomic-based CTAs. Application of this knowledge is utilized to address how the different types of CTAs, variously addressing initiation and promotion, can be included on a mechanistic basis within the integrated approach to testing and assessment (IATA) for non-genotoxic carcinogens. Building upon assay assessments targeting the key events in the IATA, we identify how the different CTA models can appropriately fit, following preceding steps in the IATA. The preceding steps are the prescreening transcriptomic approaches, and assessment within the earlier key events of inflammation, immune disruption, mitotic signaling and cell injury. The CTA models address the later key events of (sustained) proliferation and change in morphology leading to tumor formation. The complementary key biomarkers with respect to the precursor key events and respective CTAs are mapped, providing a structured mechanistic approach to represent the complexity of the (non-genotoxic) carcinogenesis process, and specifically their capacity to identify non-genotoxic carcinogenic chemicals in a human relevant IATA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Colacci
- Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna (Arpae), Via Po 5, I-40139 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Raffaella Corvi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Kyomi Ohmori
- Chemical Division, Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chigasaki 253-0087, Japan
- Research Initiatives and Promotion Organization, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Martin Paparella
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innbruck, Austria
| | - Stefania Serra
- Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna (Arpae), Via Po 5, I-40139 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Paule Vasseur
- Universite de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7360 LIEC, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux, 57070 Metz, France
| | - Miriam Naomi Jacobs
- Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
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Ge X, He J, Wang L, Zhao L, Wang Y, Wu G, Liu W, Shu Y, Gong W, Ma XL, Wang Y, Jiang BH, Liu LZ. Epigenetic alterations of CXCL5 in Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155713. [PMID: 35660107 PMCID: PMC9290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds [Cr(VI)] is associated with an increased risk of cancers, but the molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we found that CXCL5 levels in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) and plasma from workers with occupational exposure to Cr(VI) were dramatically upregulated compared to non-exposure healthy subjects, and plasma C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CXCL5) CXCL5 levels were positively correlated with Cr concentrations in subjects' toenails. Zinc chromate exposed mice showed higher levels of CXCL5 and its receptor CXCR2 in lung tissues, and in PBMCs. Similar CXCL5 upregulation was evident in Cr(VI)-induced transformed (Cr-T) cells with long-term Cr(VI) treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that elevated CXCL5 expression levels were regulated by Cr(VI)-induced histone modifications and DNA hypomethylation, and that the c-Myc/p300 complex was a key upstream regulator of histone H3 acetylation. CXCL5 overexpression promoted Cr(VI)-induced the epithelial to mesenchyme transition (EMT) by upregulating zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) to promote tumor development. Our findings identify a novel mechanism by which CXCL5 is upregulated and promotes EMT and carcinogenesis upon chronic Cr(VI) exposure. Our work also implies that CXCL5 mRNA and protein levels will elevate in PBMCs and serum after occupational Cr(VI) exposure, which may be a potential target and biomarker for cancer prevention and health surveillance among populations exposed to Cr(VI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ge
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Yifang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Occupational Health, Changzhou Center of Disease Control, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Department of Occupational Health, Jiangsu Center of Disease Control, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin-Liang Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Yajing Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| | - Ling-Zhi Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Wang W, Cui J, Zhao Y, Ye C, Zhou S, Guo X, Zhang C, Li J, Wu D. A label-free approach to detect cell viability/cytotoxicity based on intracellular xanthine/guanine by electrochemical method. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2019; 100:106625. [PMID: 31445082 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2019.106625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell viability and cytotoxicity is one of the most important toxicology indicators. In this study, an electrochemical method for detecting cell viability and cytotoxicity was discussed with the intracellular small molecule metabolite purines as indexes. METHODS The electrochemical behaviors of Balb/c 3T3, CHO, PC-12 and V79 cell suspensions were studies by cyclic voltammetry, and cell viability and cytotoxicity of four cell lines were compared by electrochemical, cell counting, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-Thiazyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue exclusion methods. RESULTS Four cell lines all showed an oxidation peak derived from mixture of xanthine and guanine at about 0.7 V. Using intracellular xanthine and guanine as index, the electrochemical method could not only describe the cell growth curves of four cell lines, but also reflect the changes of cell viability at various phases of the cell growth prior to the counting method. Compared with MTT, cell counting and trypan blue staining methods, the electrochemical method could detect the cytotoxicity of carcinogen earlier and more sensitively. DISCUSSION The electrochemical method could track the change of intracellular xanthine and guanine contents, and used it as index to detect cell viability and cytotoxicity at the molecular level without markers, showing greater advantages over the method with apparent cell proliferation as the endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China
| | - Jiwen Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China
| | - Yanli Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China
| | - Cai Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China
| | - Shi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China
| | - Chunbin Zhang
- Department of Biology, The Basic Medical College, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China.
| | - Jinlian Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China.
| | - Dongmei Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang 154007, China.
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Abstract
A large number of basic researches and observational studies suggested the cancer preventive activity of vitamin E, but large-scale human intervention trials have yielded disappointing results and actually showed a higher incidence of prostate cancer although the mechanisms underlying the increased risk remain largely unknown. Here we show through in vitro and in vivo studies that vitamin E produces a marked inductive effect on carcinogen-bioactivating enzymes and a pro-oxidant status promoting both DNA damage and cell transformation frequency. First, we found that vitamin E in the human prostate epithelial RWPE-1 cell line has the remarkable ability to upregulate the expression of various phase-I activating cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, including activators of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), giving rise to supraphysiological levels of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, our rat model confirmed that vitamin E in the prostate has a powerful booster effect on CYP enzymes associated with the generation of oxidative stress, thereby favoring lipid-derived electrophile spread that covalently modifies proteins. We show that vitamin E not only causes DNA damage but also promotes cell transformation frequency induced by the PAH-prototype benzo[a]pyrene. Our findings might explain why dietary supplementation with vitamin E increases the prostate cancer risk among healthy men.
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Mascolo MG, Perdichizzi S, Vaccari M, Rotondo F, Zanzi C, Grilli S, Paparella M, Jacobs MN, Colacci A. The transformics assay: first steps for the development of an integrated approach to investigate the malignant cell transformation in vitro. Carcinogenesis 2019; 39:955-967. [PMID: 29554273 PMCID: PMC6031005 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of alternative methods to animal testing is a priority in the context of regulatory toxicology. Carcinogenesis is a field where the demand for alternative methods is particularly high. The standard rodent carcinogenicity bioassay requires a large use of animals, high costs, prolonged duration and shows several limitations, which can affect the comprehension of the human relevance of animal carcinogenesis. The cell transformation assay (CTA) has long been debated as a possible in vitro test to study carcinogenesis. This assay provides an easily detectable endpoint of oncotransformation, which can be used to anchor the exposure to the acquisition of the malignant phenotype. However, the current protocols do not provide information on either molecular key events supporting the carcinogenesis process, nor the mechanism of action of the test chemicals. In order to improve the use of this assay in the integrated testing strategy for carcinogenesis, we developed the transformics method, which combines the CTA and transcriptomics, to highlight the molecular steps leading to in vitro malignant transformation. We studied 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MCA), a genotoxic chemical able to induce in vitro cell transformation, at both transforming and subtransforming concentrations in BALB/c 3T3 cells and evaluated the gene modulation at critical steps of the experimental protocol. The results gave evidence for the potential key role of the immune system and the possible involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway as the initial steps of the in vitro transformation process induced by 3-MCA, suggesting that the initiating events are related to non-genotoxic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Mascolo
- Center for Environmental Toxicology, Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna, Viale Filopanti, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Perdichizzi
- Center for Environmental Toxicology, Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna, Viale Filopanti, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Vaccari
- Center for Environmental Toxicology, Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna, Viale Filopanti, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Rotondo
- Center for Environmental Toxicology, Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna, Viale Filopanti, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Zanzi
- Center for Environmental Toxicology, Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna, Viale Filopanti, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sandro Grilli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Section of Cancerology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martin Paparella
- Chemicals and Biocides, Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam N Jacobs
- Department of Toxicology, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards Public Health England, Chilton, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Annamaria Colacci
- Center for Environmental Toxicology, Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy, Emilia-Romagna, Viale Filopanti, Bologna, Italy
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Boncler M, Lukasiak M, Dastych J, Golanski J, Watala C. Differentiated mitochondrial function in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and human epithelial or endothelial cells in response to chemical exposure. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 124:199-210. [PMID: 30137675 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts are commonly used for in vitro toxicity testing; however, their sensitivity to stimuli is not well defined. To assess the sensitivity of the 3T3 cell line, the study compared the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) occurring after exposure to eight chemicals known to demonstrate pro-apoptotic activity (glycerol, isopropanol, ethanol, paracetamol, propranolol, cobalt chloride, formaldehyde and atropine). Five cell lines were used as follows: mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, human epithelial cells (A549, Caco-2 and HepG2) and human endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Cell sensitivity was assessed based on the total area under and over the dose-response curves (AUOC) in relation to baselines. The 3T3 fibroblasts had the highest AUOC values and were the most sensitive to the action of all the examined chemicals, with the exception of formaldehyde. Significant changes in MMP between the 3T3 cell line and other cells were observed after cell treatment with atropine (A549, Caco-2 or HMEC-1 cells vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.05), propranolol (A549 vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.01; HepG2 vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.05), cobalt chloride (A549 cells vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.01) or ethanol (HMEC-1 vs 3T3, P < 0.05). Formaldehyde appeared the most toxic compound for Caco-2 cells (Caco-2 vs 3T3 cells, P < 0.05). The surface areas (AUOC) calculated for each other chemical and obtained for HepG2, Caco-2, A549 and HMEC-1 did not differ significantly between cell lines. We postulate that mouse 3T3 fibroblasts demonstrate significantly higher relative sensitivity to many agents with toxic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Boncler
- Department of Haemostasis and Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Jaroslaw Dastych
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jacek Golanski
- Department of Haemostasis and Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Cezary Watala
- Department of Haemostasis and Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Callegaro G, Malkoc K, Corvi R, Urani C, Stefanini FM. A comprehensive statistical classifier of foci in the cell transformation assay for carcinogenicity testing. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 45:351-358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Nantajit D, Jetawattana S, Suriyo T, Grdina DJ, Satayavivad J. Andrographis paniculata Diterpenoids Protect against Radiation-Induced Transformation in BALB/3T3 Cells. Radiat Res 2017; 188:66-74. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14698.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danupon Nantajit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suwimol Jetawattana
- Academic Service Unit, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Tawit Suriyo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - David J. Grdina
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Almeida A, Sarmento B, Rodrigues F. Insights on in vitro models for safety and toxicity assessment of cosmetic ingredients. Int J Pharm 2017; 519:178-185. [PMID: 28104405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
According to the current European legislation, the safety assessment of each individual cosmetic ingredient of any formulation is the basis for the safety evaluation of a cosmetic product. Also, animal testing in the European Union is prohibited for cosmetic ingredients and products since 2004 and 2009, respectively. Additionally, the commercialization of any cosmetic products containing ingredients tested on animal models was forbidden in 2009. In consequence of these boundaries, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) proposes a list of validated cell-based in vitro models for predicting the safety and toxicity of cosmetic ingredients. These models have been demonstrated as valuable and effective tools to overcome the limitations of animal in vivo studies. Although the use of in vitro cell-based models for the evaluation of absorption and permeability of cosmetic ingredients is widespread, a detailed study on the properties of these platforms and the in vitro-in vivo correlation compared with human data are required. Moreover, additional efforts must be taken to develop in vitro models to predict carcinogenicity, repeat dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity, for which no alternative in vitro methods are currently available. This review paper summarizes and characterizes the most relevant in vitro models validated by ECVAM employed to predict the safety and toxicology of cosmetic ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Almeida
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde-Norte, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal.
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Insulin-IGF signaling affects cell transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37120. [PMID: 27849005 PMCID: PMC5111065 DOI: 10.1038/srep37120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased cancer mortality of diabetes type 2 patients is most likely an evidence of the tight connection between tumor development and energy metabolism. A major focus of today's research is still the identification of key proteins of both diseases and the development of corresponding inhibitors. In this study we combined the two-stage BALB/c-3T3 cell transformation assay (BALB-CTA) with the IR/IGF-1R inhibitor OSI-906 (linsitinib) and analyzed alterations in protein activity and energy parameters in non-transformed as well as transformed cells. OSI-906 successfully inhibited the phosphorylation of IR/IGF-1R and decreased cell growth in non-transformed cells. In the BALB-CTA, a permanent treatment with OSI-906 reduced cellular transformation dose-dependently, whereas a temporary treatment gave evidence for a preventive effect in the promotion phase. Furthermore, even though several key proteins were affected, it was possible to show that the phosphorylation of GSK3, Erk 1/2 and the S6 protein are not crucial for the cell foci reducing effect of OSI-906. Taken together, the BALB-CTA confirmed results of OSI-906 from animal studies and enhanced the knowledge of its mode of action. Therefore, the BALB-CTA offers the opportunity to analyze alterations in the transformation process more precisely and will be helpful to identify effective cancer treatments.
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Poburski D, Thierbach R. Improvement of the BALB/c-3T3 cell transformation assay: a tool for investigating cancer mechanisms and therapies. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32966. [PMID: 27611302 PMCID: PMC5017208 DOI: 10.1038/srep32966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cancer preventive or therapeutic substances as well as carcinogenic risk assessment of chemicals is nowadays mostly dependent on animal studies. In vitro cell transformation assays mimic different stages of the in vivo neoplastic process and represent an excellent alternative to study carcinogenesis and therapeutic options. In the BALB/c-3T3 two-stage transformation assay cells are chemically transformed by treatment with MCA and TPA, along with the final Giemsa staining of morphological aberrant foci. In addition to the standard method we can show, that it is possible to apply other chemicals in parallel to identify potential preventive or therapeutic substances during the transformation process. Furthermore, we successfully combined the BALB/c cell transformation assay with several endpoint applications for protein analysis (immunoblot, subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence) or energy parameter measurements (glucose and oxygen consumption) to elucidate cancer mechanisms in more detail. In our opinion the BALB/c cell transformation assay proves to be an excellent model to investigate alterations in key proteins or energy parameters during the different stages of transformation as well as therapeutic substances and their mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doerte Poburski
- Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburgerstraße 24, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - René Thierbach
- Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburgerstraße 24, 07743 Jena, Germany
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Callegaro G, Stefanini FM, Colacci A, Vaccari M, Urani C. An improved classification of foci for carcinogenicity testing by statistical descriptors. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:1839-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Vaccari M, Mascolo MG, Rotondo F, Morandi E, Quercioli D, Perdichizzi S, Zanzi C, Serra S, Poluzzi V, Angelini P, Grilli S, Colacci A. Identification of pathway-based toxicity in the BALB/c 3T3 cell model. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:1240-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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14
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Vinardell M. The use of non-animal alternatives in the safety evaluations of cosmetics ingredients by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 71:198-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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15
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Alternative Testing Methods for Predicting Health Risk from Environmental Exposures. SUSTAINABILITY 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/su6085265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Detection of cell carcinogenic transformation by a quadruplex DNA binding fluorescent probe. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86143. [PMID: 24489694 PMCID: PMC3904876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer can be easily treated when found early. A probe capable of detecting cell transformation may increase the success rate of early diagnosis of cancer. In this report we have tested the ability of a fluorescent, quadruplex DNA binding probe, 3,6-bis(1-methyl-4- vinylpyridinium) carbazole diiodide (BMVC), to detect cell transformation in vitro. BMVC was applied to living cells in several different models of cell transformation, and the fluorescence signals of BMVC were measured. The degrees of cell transformation in these models were characterized by alterations in cellular morphological phenotype and subcellular organization. When BMVC probes were applied, the number of BMVC-positive cells increased in accordance with the degree of transformation. BMVC was capable of significantly detecting formation of foci, increased cellular motility, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, anchorage-independent growth, and increased invasiveness of transformed cells. These results demonstrate the ability of BMVC probes to detect cell transformation and indicate that BMVC is of promise for use as a probe in early cancer detection.
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Zhang Z, Lu H, Huan F, Meghan C, Yang X, Wang Y, Wang X, Wang X, Wang SL. Cytochrome P450 2A13 mediates the neoplastic transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells at a low concentration of aflatoxin B1. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1539-48. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Zhang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Institute of Toxicology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyuan Lu
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- Animal, Plant and Food Inspection Center; Jiangsu Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Huan
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Cromie Meghan
- Department of Environmental Toxicology; Texas Tech University; Lubbock TX
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Institute of Toxicology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Wang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Institute of Toxicology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Xichen Wang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Institute of Toxicology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Xinru Wang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Institute of Toxicology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Shou-Lin Wang
- Key Lab of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education; School of Public Health; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Institute of Toxicology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
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Baderna D, Colombo A, Amodei G, Cantù S, Teoldi F, Cambria F, Rotella G, Natolino F, Lodi M, Benfenati E. Chemical-based risk assessment and in vitro models of human health effects induced by organic pollutants in soils from the Olona Valley. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:790-801. [PMID: 23859898 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessment of soils is usually based on chemical measurements and assuming accidental soil ingestion and evaluating induced toxic and carcinogenic effects. Recently biological tools have been coupled to chemical-based risk assessment since they integrate the biological effects of all xenobiotics in soils. We employed integrated monitoring of soils based on chemical analyses, risk assessment and in vitro models in the highly urbanized semirural area of the Olona Valley in northern Italy. Chemical characterization of the soils indicated low levels of toxic and carcinogenic pollutants such as PAHs, PCDD/Fs, PCBs and HCB and human risk assessment did not give any significant alerts. HepG2 and BALB/c 3T3 cells were used as a model for the human liver and as a tool for the evaluation of carcinogenic potential. Cells were treated with soil extractable organic matters (EOMs) and the MTS assay, LDH release and morphological transformation were selected as endpoints for toxicity and carcinogenicity. Soil EOMs induced dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth at low doses and cytotoxicity after exposure to higher doses. This might be the result of block of cell cycle progression to repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress; if this DNA damage cannot be repaired, cells die. No significant inductions of foci were recorded after exposure to EOMs. These results indicate that, although the extracts contain compounds with proven carcinogenic potential, the levels of these pollutants in the analyzed soils were too low to induce carcinogenesis in our experimental conditions. In this proposed case study, HepG2 cells were found an appropriate tool to assess the potential harm caused by the ingestion of contaminated soil as they were able to detect differences in the toxicity of soil EOMs. Moreover, the cell transformation assay strengthened the combined approach giving useful information on carcinogenic potential of mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Baderna
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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Dhondge A, Surendran S, Seralathan MV, Naoghare PK, Krishnamurthi K, Devi SS, Chakrabarti T. Cellular alterations and modulation of protein expression in bitumen-challenged human osteoblast cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 19:4030-4041. [PMID: 22528993 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-0879-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are many arguments on the carcinogenic potential of bitumen extract. The mechanism of bitumen-induced damage is not well understood at the molecular level. Therefore, in the present study, cell-transforming and tumor-inducing potential of bitumen extract was studied using in vitro [human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells] and in vivo [nude and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice] models. METHODS Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was carried out to find out the existence of carcinogenic compounds in the bitumen extract. Cell transformation test, anchorage independence assay, karyotyping assay, tumorigenicity assay, and 2-DE analysis were used to find out the effect of bitumen using the in vitro and in vivo models. RESULTS GC/MS analysis showed the existence of carcinogenic compounds in the bitumen extract. HOS cells were treated with different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μl/ml) of bitumen extract. Compared to the parental HOS cells, bitumen transformants (HOS T1 and HOS T2) showed the characteristics of anchorage independency, chromosomal anomaly, and cellular transformation. Interestingly, bitumen transformants were not able to form tumor in nude/SCID mice. Proteomic analysis revealed the existence of 19 differentially expressed proteins involved in progression of cancer, angiogenesis, cell adhesion, etc. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of bitumen extract to HOS cells results in the cellular transformation similar to cancer cells and can modulate proteins involved in the progression of cancer. We state that the non-tumorogenic potential of bitumen transformant in nude/SCID mice can be attributed to the downregulation of galectin-1, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1-like gene, and membrane-associated guanylate kinase 2 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Dhondge
- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, India
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20
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Abstract
There has been a current resurgence of interest in the use of cell transformation for predicting carcinogenicity, which is based mainly on rodent carcinogenicity data. In view of this renewed interest, this paper critically reviews the published literature concerning the ability of the available assays to detect IARC Group 1 agents (known human carcinogens) and Group 2A agents (probable human carcinogens). The predictivity of the available assays for human and rodent non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGCs), in comparison with standard and supplementary in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests, is also discussed. The principal finding is that a surprising number of human carcinogens have not been tested for cell transformation across the three main assays (SHE, Balb/c 3T3 and C3H10T1/2), confounding comparative assessment of these methods for detecting human carcinogens. This issue is not being addressed in the ongoing validation studies for the first two of these assays, despite the lack of any serious logistical issues associated with the use of most of these chemicals. In addition, there seem to be no plans for using exogenous bio-transformation systems for the metabolic activation of pro-carcinogens, as recommended in an ECVAM workshop held in 1999. To address these important issues, it is strongly recommended that consideration be given to the inclusion of more human carcinogens and an exogenous source of xenobiotic metabolism, such as an S9 fraction, in ongoing and future validation studies. While cell transformation systems detect a high level of NGCs, it is considered premature to rely only on this endpoint for screening for such chemicals, as recently suggested. This is particularly important, in view of the fact that there is still doubt as to the relevance of morphological transformation to tumorigenesis in vivo, and the wide diversity of potential mechanisms by which NGCs are known to act. Recent progress with regard to increasing the objectivity of scoring the transformed phenotype, and prospects for developing human cell-based transformation assays, are reviewed.
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Doktorova TY, Pauwels M, Vinken M, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V. Opportunities for an alternative integrating testing strategy for carcinogen hazard assessment? Crit Rev Toxicol 2011; 42:91-106. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2011.623151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Martín SA, Emilio R, Mahara V. Role of oxidative stress in transformation induced by metal mixture. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2011; 2011:935160. [PMID: 22191014 PMCID: PMC3236433 DOI: 10.1155/2011/935160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Metals are ubiquitous pollutants present as mixtures. In particular, mixture of arsenic-cadmium-lead is among the leading toxic agents detected in the environment. These metals have carcinogenic and cell-transforming potential. In this study, we used a two step cell transformation model, to determine the role of oxidative stress in transformation induced by a mixture of arsenic-cadmium-lead. Oxidative damage and antioxidant response were determined. Metal mixture treatment induces the increase of damage markers and the antioxidant response. Loss of cell viability and increased transforming potential were observed during the promotion phase. This finding correlated significantly with generation of reactive oxygen species. Cotreatment with N-acetyl-cysteine induces effect on the transforming capacity; while a diminution was found in initiation, in promotion phase a total block of the transforming capacity was observed. Our results suggest that oxidative stress generated by metal mixture plays an important role only in promotion phase promoting transforming capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silva-Aguilar Martín
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria 04510, DF Mexico
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Lee HJ, Jin YB, Lee JS, Choi JI, Lee JW, Myung SH, Lee YS. Combined effects of 60 Hz electromagnetic field exposure with various stress factors on cellular transformation in NIH3T3 cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 33:207-14. [PMID: 21898471 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have suggested that extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) are associated with an increased incidence of cancer. Studies using in vitro systems have reported mixed results for the effects of ELF-MF alone, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Research Agenda published in 2007 suggested that high priority research should include an evaluation of the co-carcinogenic effects of ELF-MF exposure using in vitro models. Here, the carcinogenic potential of ELF-MF exposure alone and in combination with various stress factors was investigated in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts using an in vitro cellular transformation assay. NIH3T3 cells were exposed to a 60 Hz ELF-MF (1 mT) alone or in combination with ionizing radiation (IR), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), or c-Myc overexpression, and the resulting number of anchorage-independent colonies was counted. A 4 h exposure of NIH3T3 cells to ELF-MF alone produced no cell transformation. Moreover, ELF exposure did not influence the transformation activity of IR, H₂O₂, or activated c-Myc in our in vitro assay system, suggesting that 1 mT ELF-MF did not affect any additive or synergistic transformation activities in combination with stress factors such as IR, H₂O₂, or activated c-Myc in NIH3T3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-June Lee
- Division of Radiation Effects, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
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Colacci A, Mascolo MG, Perdichizzi S, Quercioli D, Gazzilli A, Rotondo F, Morandi E, Guerrini A, Silingardi P, Grilli S, Vaccari M. Different sensitivity of BALB/c 3T3 cell clones in the response to carcinogens. Toxicol In Vitro 2011; 25:1183-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2011.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Procaccianti C, Stefanini FM, Urani C. The cell transformation assay: toward a statistical classification of mixed and intermediate foci images. Altern Lab Anim 2011; 39:23-36. [PMID: 21452912 DOI: 10.1177/026119291103900118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human carcinogenicity evaluation of chemicals has a great impact on public health. In vitro methods, such as the cell transformation assay (CTA), allow for a fast and reliable assessment of the carcinogenic potential of a chemical compound in comparison with the standard two-year bioassay. The scoring and classification of foci in selected cell lines is performed, after staining, by light microscopy. Foci can be separated into three classes: type I, which are scored as non-transformed, and types II and III that are considered to include fully transformed foci. However, in a number of cases, even an expert is uncertain about the attribution of a focus to a given class, due to its mixed or intermediate nature. Here, we suggest a simple approach to classifying mixed or intermediate foci by exploiting the quantitative information available from images, which is captured by statistical descriptors. A quantitative index is proposed, to describe the degree of dissimilarity of mixed and intermediate images to the three well-distinguished classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Procaccianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e del Territorio, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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