Toxicogenomics: Impact on human health

Toxicology is the science of adverse effects of chemicals, drugs, environmental agents, and stressors. Genomics defines the structure, sequence (code), and function of the entire DNA complement of organisms. The interface of these diverse disciplines is called toxicogenomics and is based upon the application of genomic technologies to define globally the changes in gene expression (both mRNA and proteins) as a consequence of exposures. DNA microarray technology enables the simultaneous measurement of transcription of thousands of genes using microchips containing thousands of probes of complementary DNA (cDNA) immobilized in a predetermined array. The ultimate application of this technology to toxicology holds great promise but faces several formidable problems. With the solution to these problems, it will be possible to develop a substantial database of Chemical Effects in Biological Systems (CEBS). Such a database will provide the capacity to relate specific changes in gene expression to specific adverse effects and to look for similar pathways in different organisms. Such data will provide an objective way of assessing surrogate systems for reporting or predicting potential adverse effects in humans. While the potential for toxicogenomics is thus very high for studying active substances, the task must be approached in a deliberate, incremental manner to insure that only high-quality data are compiled and analyzed. This workshop will present the latest results of research conducted in leading international laboratories studying endocrine-mediated toxicity.

Site-specific phosphorylation of human p53 protein determined by mass spectrometry

Human recombinant p53 (r-p53) protein was studied by mass spectrometry (MS) to determine site-specific posttranslational differences between basal and hyperphosphorylated r-p53. Wild-type p53 was basally expressed after baculovirus infection while a parallel preparation was treated with the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid during the terminal stages of expression to create a hyperphosphorylated form of p53 known for its higher DNA binding and transcriptional activation. After immunoaffinity and HPLC purification, MALDI/MS measured a higher molecular mass for r-p53 from okadaic acid treatment relative to control, suggesting a higher phosphorylation state. This was supported by an acidic shift of r-p53 isoforms separated by gel isoelectric focusing. Employing a variety of mass spectrometric analyses combined with separation and affinity techniques, six specific phosphorylation sites of p53 were identified. The MS data indicated that hyperphosphorylated p53 showed a higher degree of phosphorylation than basal p53 at specific amino- and carboxy-terminal sites. In particular, ESI-MS demonstrated that Ser(315) was entirely phosphorylated after okadaic acid treatment, as confirmed biochemically by CDK2 kinase assay and by isoelectric focusing. In summary, MS analysis uniquely revealed increased, site-specific phosphorylations on p53 after phosphatase inhibition, particularly at Ser(315), which may be critical molecular events in defining p53 activity.

Metabolism of carcinogenic 2-hydroxybenz

The rates of metabolism of the carcinogenic 2-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (2-OH-B[a]P) and the non-carcinogenic 3- and 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrenes in cultured cell systems have been studied and compared. While 70-80% of the non-carcinogens are converted to water-soluble derivatives by hamster embryo fibroblasts in 24 h, carcinogenic 2-OH-B[a]P is metabolized at a slower rate (45% in 24 h), comparable to that for the parent hydrocarbon, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Analysis of extracellular organic solvent-soluble metabolites of 2-OH-B[a]P in cultured hamster embryo fibroblasts, using h.p.l.c., indicates the presence of a single major metabolite, which has been identified by mass spectroscopy as a dihydroxy derivative of B[a]P. At least one additional major organic solvent-soluble metabolite is formed in cultures of either mouse epidermal epithelial cells or human foreskin fibroblasts, indicating a different balance of metabolic pathways in these cell systems. The greater persistence of carcinogenic 2-OH-B[a]P in cells and its higher concentration in the cell cytoplasm compared with the non-carcinogenic phenols may be related to its relatively high biological activity. Differences in metabolism of 2-OH-B[a]P in several cultured cell systems indicate the importance of an appropriate choice of activating system in understanding the relationship between metabolism and carcinogenesis.

An intragenic deletion of nuclear localization signal-1 of p53 tumor suppressor gene results in loss of apoptosis in murine fibroblasts

We established mouse lines containing either full-length wild-type p53 or nuclear localization signal-I (NLS-I) deleted p53 to study the role of NLS-I in p53 translocation and function. Induction of apoptosis in response to DNA damage, a primary function of p53, was tested in these cell lines. After exposure to gamma-ionizing radiation or hydrogen peroxide, DNA ladders and labeling of nucelosomal fragments were detected in cells with wild-type p53 gene, but not in p53 null cells or NLS-I deleted cells, suggesting that the NLS-I of p53 protein is necessary for apoptosis. Analysis of p53 protein from subcellular fractions indicated that NLS-I deprived p53 remained in the cytoplasmic fraction, which may explain why NLS-I deleted p53 failed to induce apoptosis.

Induction of novel Grp75 isoforms by 2-deoxyglucose in human and murine fibroblasts

Grp75 is a stress-inducible mitochondrial chaperone which has a high homology to senescence-related protein, p66mot mortalin. In human cells the mortalin gene assigns to the locus of a putative tumor suppressor gene for myeloid malignancies. In order to study expression and localization of Grp75 and p66mot in human and murine fibroblast lines, polyclonal antibodies were raised to conserved portions of each sequence. HT1080 and C3H10T1/2 cells were treated with various Grp-inducing agents. A single 75 kDa band was detected by Western blot of cytoplasmic proteins which was not greatly altered after thermal stress or treatment with L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid or nonactin. However, glucose deprivation by 2-deoxyglucose treatment induced five novel isoforms at 74-75 kDa mass. Mortalin at 66 kDa could not be detected under these treatment conditions.

p53-dependent p21 induction following gamma-irradiation without concomitant p53 induction in a human peripheral neuroepithelioma cell line

We previously generated cell hybrids between a derivative of the E6-containing HeLa cell line and a p53 null peripheral neuroepithelioma (PNET) cell line. Although p53 protein from the hybrids was genotypically wild type, it did not demonstrate wild-type behavior. Therefore, in the present study, we introduced wild-type p53 into the PNET parent to investigate whether p53 retained wild-type function within this cell line. Although the p53 null PNET parent lacked detectable p21 protein, introduction of wild-type p53 resulted in a detectable expression of p21 protein in all clones tested, suggestive of wild-type p53 function. In addition, p53 expression was necessary for induction of p21 in response to irradiation, and, furthermore, we show this induction to occur at the transcriptional level. Although introduction of wild-type p53 seems to be responsible for p21 induction, the overall protein levels of p53 were not induced. The involvement of p53 in up-regulating p21 is further substantiated by the observation that p21 up-regulation was dependent on the introduction of the wild-type protein. Our results suggest that wild-type p53 is capable of up-regulating p21 in response to DNA damage in the absence of p53 induction.

Tumor suppressor p53 gene forms multiple isoforms: evidence for single locus origin and cytoplasmic complex formation with heat shock proteins

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is a major cell cycle control factor, and mutations in p53 are the most common genetic lesion found in human tumors, resulting in loss of function and contributing to malignant transformation. This report reviews several studies which show that p53 protein appears as at least eleven isoforms having the same amino acid backbone but varying in charge by level of phosphorylation. All isoforms are derived from a single locus, which indicates that p53 activity is modulated by post-translational modification. In addition, mutant p53 forms hetero-oligomers with two families of proteins: HSP70 and a 90 kDa group similar to HSP90. Cytoplasmic complexes are most likely formed to protect p53 from proteolysis and are probably involved in translocation of activated p53 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus for transactivation of other cell cycle control genes.

HSP binding and mitochondrial localization of p53 protein in human HT1080 and mouse C3H10T1/2 cell lines

In normal cells, the tumor suppressor actions of p53 protein are mediated by specific DNA binding and protein-protein interactions within the nucleus. Mutant p53 proteins, however, often assume an aberrant conformation devoid of tumor suppressor activity and newly capable of binding to the cognate or inducible HSP70. Recent reports from our laboratory and others show that additional unknown proteins may also complex with mutant p53. In this study, we characterize p53:HSP complexes and their subcellular location in the transformed cell lines, human HT1080 and murine C3H10T1/2, which both contain aberrant p53 conformers. Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE of p53 from whole cell lysates revealed the additional presence of a broad 70 kDa band and a 90 kDa band in both lines, while p53 isolated from nuclear lysates was free from other proteins. 2D-PAGE was used to isolate and identify HSP members from cytoplasmic and nuclear lysates by immunoprecipitation, Western blotting and protein sequencing. Anti-p53 immune complexes from cytoplasmic lysates contained not only HSC70 but also GRP75, GRP78 and a weakly basic 90 kDa protein, which may be related to HSP90. The inducible form of HSP70 was not complexed to p53 protein, even though expressed in these cells. Analysis of anti-HSP70, anti-GRP75 and anti-HSP90 immune complexes suggests that HSP members exist as performed complexes in the cytoplasm, but not the nucleus. The presence of the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticular chaperones, GRP75 and GRP78, in p53:HSP complexes suggested that p53 might be found in these cytoplasmic organelles which was confirmed in mitochondria by biochemical and immunoelectron microscopic evidence. These studies suggest that newly identified members of p53:HSP complexes represent components of a chaperone program which affects the subcellular distribution of p53 protein in these transformed lines.

Human p53 expressed in baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells displays a two-dimensional isoform pattern identical to wild-type p53 from human cells

Baculovirus expression of human p53 protein, a nuclear cell cycle regulator, was examined in Sf9 cells and compared to native p53 synthesized in primary human cells. Maximum expression of the recombinant p53 protein occurred 48 h postinfection. De novo synthesis of the protein was evident for only 2 days postinfection; however, in pulse-chase studies, 30% of the synthesized protein remained stable up to 5 days. Seventy-seven percent of immunoprecipitated, [35S]-methionine-labeled, recombinant p53 protein resided in the cytoplasm of Sf9 cells, while 15% localized to the nucleus and 8% was released extracellularly. Separation of modified p53 protein, by charge and molecular weight, was accomplished by two-dimensional PAGE, and the electrophoretic pattern of the recombinant protein was identical to the wild-type protein from primary human mammary epithelial cells, indicating that the posttranslational modifications of the recombinant protein in this system are similar to those in primary human cells. Eleven isoforms focused between pI 5.75 and pI 6.5. The recombinant p53 isoforms were phosphorylated by 32P-labeling. Phosphatase digestion of immunoprecipitated p53 effectively removed phosphorous groups from the recombinant protein, reducing the number of isoforms from 11 to 2, demonstrating that phosphorylation is the major posttranslational event in the recombinant protein.

HSP70-2 is part of the synaptonemal complex in mouse and hamster spermatocytes

Mouse spermatogenic cells are known to express HSP70-2, a member of the HSP70 family of heat-shock proteins. The purpose of the present study was to characterize further the expression and localization of HSP70-2 in meiotic cells of mice and hamsters. After separating mouse spermatogenic cells into cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and detected with HSP-specific antibodies. Of several HSP70 proteins identified in the cytoplasm, only HSC70 and HSP70-2 were also detected in the nucleus. Immunocytological analyses of spermatocyte prophase cells revealed that HSP70-2 was associated with the synaptonemal complex. Surface-spread synaptonemal complexes at pachytene and diplotene stages labeled distinctly with the antiserum to HSP70-2. Synaptonemal complexes from fetal mouse oocytes failed to show any evidence of HSP70-2. Reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses of gene expression confirmed this sex specificity; Hsp70-2 mRNA was detected in mouse testes, but not ovaries. These findings are suggestive of a previously unsuspected sexual dimorphism in structure and/or function of the synaptonemal complex.

Regulation of microfilament organization and anchorage-independent growth by tropomyosin 1

Variants of chemically immortalized Syrian hamster embryo cells that had either retained (supB+) or lost (supB-) the ability to suppress tumorigenicity when hybridized with a fibrosarcoma cell line were subcloned. Both supB cell types are nontumorigenic; however, the supB- but not supB+ cells exhibit conditional anchorage-independent growth. Alterations of actin microfilament organization were observed in supB- but not supB+ cells that corresponded to a significant reduction of the actin-binding protein tropomyosin 1 (TM-1) in subB- cells. To examine the possibility of a direct relationship between TM-1 expression and the subB- phenotype, subB+ cells were transfected with an expression vector containing the TM-1 cDNA in an antisense orientation. The antisense-induced reduction of TM-1 levels in supB+ clones caused a microfilament reorganization and conferred anchorage-independent growth potential that were indistinguishable from those characteristic of supB- cells. These data provide direct evidence that TM-1 regulates both microfilament organization and anchorage-independent growth and suggest that microfilament alterations are sufficient for anchorage-independent growth.

Gel electrophoretic analysis of cellular and secreted proteins from resting and activated rat alveolar macrophages treated with pentamidine isethionate

Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia, which is a major cause of death among patients suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, has often been treated successfully with pentamidine isethionate. This study examines pentamidine effects on cellular and secreted proteins from rat alveolar macrophages by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and computerized image analysis. Over 100 secreted proteins were detected by fluorography. Fluorography showed pentamidine diminished tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 release along with other proteins. Effects of combined bacterial lipopolysaccharide and pentamidine were more pronounced on secreted versus cellular proteins in protein amount and pattern difference. Thus pentamidine exhibited a general repressive effect on cellular and secreted protein expression in resting and activated macrophages.

Baculovirus and insect cell gene expression: review of baculovirus biotechnology

The BEVS continues to evolve as a powerful, flexible tool for molecular biology, protein function, and biomedical research. Future developments offer the promise of replacement of hazardous chemical insecticides with environmentally safe biopesticides, construction of baculovirus vectors which encode genes for specific post-translational modifications, and establishment of efficient, stably transformed insect cell lines. FDA approval of BEVS-produced products offer the prospect of new biopharmaceuticals, in particular human therapeutics and vaccines, to improve human health and increase the quality of life for millions of people.

Phosphor image analysis of human p53 protein isoforms

Phosphor imaging was evaluated for detection, quantitation and resolution of multiphosphorylated protein isoforms separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A nuclear phosphoprotein, p53, was isolated by immunoprecipitation after biosynthetic labeling with 35S, 32P or 33P in cultured human cells. Of the three radionuclides, 35S was the most sensitive in detection after a 1-week exposure, although shorter exposure times were effective. In dividing cells, 11 35S-labeled isoforms were found, of which 10 were phosphorylated by 33P and 32P. Exposure of phosphonuclides for one half-life showed that 33P radiolabeling produced better resolution among isoforms than 32P but was less sensitive in detection. Volume integration showed phosphorylated isoforms comprised from 1% to 25% of total isoform signal. The relative phosphorylation of each p53 isoform was estimated by normalizing 33P or 32P isoform volumes with the corresponding 35S volume and showed progressive phosphorylation of acidic isoforms. Additionally, phosphor imaging capably detected quantitative changes among individual isoforms after experimental modulation of the isoform pattern by serum deprivation. The described electrophoretic isolation and quantitation procedures should find general application in discerning active and inactive phosphoisoforms for eventual identification.

Altered protein synthesis in p53 null and hemizygous transgenic mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Embryonic fibroblasts derived from p53-deficient transgenic mice showed distinct phenotypic and biological changes in vitro. In this study, we investigated the possible impact of p53 on the synthesis of other cellular proteins by comparing the protein profiles of p53 null (-/-), hemizygous (+/-) and p53 positive homozygous (+/+) cells using high resolution two dimensional gel electrophoresis. A total of more than 850 proteins were detected in each cell line labeled with 35S-methionine by using computerized image analysis, and a number of proteins were detected with qualitative or quantitative changes in p53-/- cells and to a lesser extent in p53+/- cells. Specifically, seven proteins became undetectable, and no new proteins were detected in p53-/- cells. Neither newly expressed nor absent proteins were detected in p53+/- cell line. Quantitatively, a total of 97 and 59 proteins were detected with significant quantitative changes (3 fold or greater) in p53-/- and p53+/- cells, respectively. Generally, most protein changes fell into one of the following four patterns: 1) progressively decreased synthesis in cells from p53+/+ to p53+/- to p53-/- cells; 2) progressively increased synthesis in cells from p53+/+ to p53+/- to p53-/- cells; 3) decreased synthesis only in p53-/- cells; and 4) increased synthesis only in p53-/- cells. A 70 kD heat shock protein (Hsp 70) was identified and showed a greater than 1,000-fold increase in p53-/- cells compared to that in p53+/+ cells. Transferrin, tropomyosin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) have also been identified and measured in this study. Synthesis of transferrin and tropomyosin was significantly increased or decreased, respectively in p53-/- cells, whereas expression of PCNA showed no significant change in p53-/- cells despite their much higher (3-4 times) proliferation rate than the other two cell lines (p53+/+ and p53+/- cells). We conclude that disruption of a single important gene, p53, results in a cascade of protein changes which are related to the loss of p53 mediated negative growth effects on cell cycle control.

Separation and sequencing of familiar and novel murine proteins using preparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Strategies are needed for rapid protein isolation in order to identify disease-related proteins and facilitate the design of oligonucleotides for further molecular inquiry. In our laboratory, C3H10T1/2 murine fibroblasts have been found to express a variety of proteins in various subcellular fractions which are relevant to experimental transformation and carcinogenesis. Preparative two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) procedures were developed to identify major cytoplasmic proteins by electroblotting and microsequencing. Isoelectric focusing tube gels were enlarged to 6 mm ID to accommodate larger protein loads at 0.5 to 2 mg protein. Separated proteins were electrotransferred from 6 mm thick slab gels onto 0.22 mu polyvinylidene difluoride membranes. Nearly 100 prominent blotted proteins were stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue between pI 4.5-7.0 and 18-106 kDa and, of these, 27 prominent and well-resolved proteins were selected for sequencing. Sequences of 14 to 24 amino acid residues in length were obtained from 11 proteins which were identified from computerized databases. Some of these identified proteins had structural or enzymatic functions while others had only recently been discovered, including a newly reported Hsp 70 class member and a novel calcium-binding protein, reticulocalbin. The new heat shock protein has a molecular mass of 75 kDa and has been designated as Grp75, PBP74, CSA or p66mot-1 in mice and humans with purported roles in transformation and antigen processing. Reticulocalbin is an endoplasmic reticular protein which contains six domains of the EF-hand motif associated with high-affinity calcium-binding proteins. It may be involved in protein transport and luminal protein processing. In addition, sequences of 5 to 11 residues in length were also obtained from six other unidentified proteins. Thus, we have found that preparative 2-D PAGE serves as a powerful one-step purification method for protein isolation and characterization from an important in vitro murine model for the study of carcinogenesis.

Phenotypic change and altered protein expression in X-ray and methylcholanthrene-transformed C3H10T1/2 fibroblasts

The morphology, growth properties and cellular protein patterns from parent and two transformed C3H10T1/2 cell lines were analyzed to associate the phenotypic and protein differences with cell transformation. Transformed 10T1/2 cells were obtained by colony isolation after exposure of parent 10T1/2 cells to methylcholanthrene (MCA-1 cell line) or X-ray irradiation (XR-III cell line). Compared to parent 10T1/2 and MCA-1 cells, XR-III cells were much smaller in size and exhibited the highest growth rate, greatest cell saturation density, increased plating efficiency and greater expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. MCA-1 cells showed intermediate characteristics between parent and XR-III cells. Among the three cell lines, only XR-III cells showed anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. When [35S]methionine-labeled whole cell lysate proteins were separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, computer comparison algorithms revealed a 97% similarity in protein profiles among almost 800 proteins detected from each cell line. However, comparison of proteins patterns of the transformed cell lines to that of parent 10T1/2 cells showed that 30 and 20 proteins were induced or repressed in XR-III cells and MCA-1 cells, respectively. Similarly, 81 and 24 proteins showed significant quantitative changes (threefold or greater) in XR-III and MCA-1 cells, respectively, as compared with parent 10T1/2 cell proteins. The anchorage-independent growth and increased proliferation properties of XR-III cells suggest a later stage of transformation compared to MCA-1 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of 14C-amino acid mixture and [35S]methionine labeling of cellular proteins from mouse fibroblast C3H10T1/2 cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Total cellular proteins from mouse C3H10T1/2 fibroblasts were compared by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis after radiolabeling with [35S]methionine (35S-Met) or 14C-amino acids (14C-AA). 35S-Met labeling of protein was three to four times greater than 14C-AA incorporation over a 24 h period. Automated comparative analysis of replicate fluorographs after 6, 12, and 24 h of labeling showed considerable homology between radiolabeling methods. More than 88% percent of 35S-Met and 14C-AA-labeled proteins were common at each time point. However, the total number of 35S-Met-labeled proteins dropped from 6 to 24 h while the number of 14C-AA-labeled proteins increased. Additionally, twenty-one proteins were uniquely labeled by 14C-AA that were not detectable by 35S-Met over the labeling period. Densitometric analysis showed that several 35S-Met and 14C-AA-labeled proteins exhibited time-related differences in radiolabel incorporation while most proteins remained relatively constant. Protein patterns of silver-stained gels from 6 to 24 h were highly registered and showed few qualitative differences. Proteins detected in radiolabeled gels were generally, but not always, found in silver-stained gels. Thus, 35S-Met appears better suited for short-term radiolabeling of cellular protein while more comprehensive labeling of protein occurs with 14C-AA during prolonged incubation of cell cultures under present experimental conditions.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of cytoplasmic proteins from Friend erythroleukemia cells chemically induced to undergo terminal erythroid differentiation

The proerythroblastoid Friend erythroleukemia cell (FELC) line, clone TR 19-9, was treated with 4 mM hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) over a 6-day period. Greater than 94% of the FELC reacted positively to the benzidine assay for hemoglobin by Day 4 of treatment. Protein accumulation during the final 4 days of treatment (from Days 2 to 6) was monitored by labeling for 24-h periods with a 14C-labeled amino acid mixture. At the end of each radiolabeling time point, cells were harvested and cytoplasmic proteins were isolated and subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in triplicate. Short-term fluorographic exposures were made in the linear X-ray film response range to monitor those polypeptides which were most rapidly accumulated. Fluorographs were digitized for computer image analysis and gel data comparison rationales were used to combine the polypeptides contained on the replicate fluorographs into a single cytoplasmic polypeptide profile or Master Image for each of the two experimental conditions, control and HMBA-treated FELC. These two images were merged into a single Master Composite Image containing a total of 211 polypeptides so that those polypeptides common to both and/or unique to each of the experimental conditions could be viewed graphically in the same plane. A total of 98 polypeptides in HMBA-treated FELC were shown to have large accumulation rate differences from the control FELC;32 of these polypeptides were present in the HMBA Master Image which were not detected in the Control Master Image and 66 polypeptides were present in the Control Master Image but not detected in the HMBA Master Image. Five polypeptides, found in both Master Images, were shown to vary quantitatively in the HMBA-treated FELC from the corresponding polypeptides in the control. These quantitative data measurements on the rates of accumulation of various common polypeptides offer a mode for simultaneously monitoring the kinetics of induction and repression of many gene products throughout an experimental time course.

Benzo(a)pyrene:DNA adduct formation in normal human mammary epithelial cell cultures and the human mammary carcinoma T47D cell line

The benzo(a)pyrene (BaP):DNA adducts formed in normal human mammary epithelial cell cultures and the human mammary carcinoma T47D cell line were analyzed by chromatography and acid hydrolysis of the BaP:deoxyribonucleoside adducts to BaP:purine adducts and BaP:tetraols. Human mammary epithelial cell cultures and human mammary carcinoma T47D cells were exposed to [3H]BaP for 24 h, and the levels of binding were 81 and 182 pmol BaP/mg DNA in normal and T47D cultures, respectively. Analysis of BaP:deoxyribonucleoside adducts resolved by immobilized boronate chromatography and reversephase high-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated the presence of three BaP:deoxyribonucleoside adducts in both cells: M2, MS1, and MS2 in a ratio of 1.6:1:14. Two adducts (MS1 and MS2) bound to the immobilized boronate column indicating the presence of cis-vicinal hydroxyl groups, a configuration which would result from reaction of 7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha, 10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBaP (anti-BaPDE) with DNA. MS2 was identified as (+)-anti-BaPDE:deoxyguanosine (dGuo) for it cochromatographed with a [14C]-(+)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo marker, the BaP:purine hydrolysis product of MS2 cochromatographed with [14C]-(+)-anti-BaPDE:guanine, and the tetraol hydrolysis products cochromatographed with (+/-)-anti-BaPDE:tetraols. MS1 was identified as (-)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo for MS1 eluted in the same relative position as a (-)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo marker, the BaP:purine hydrolysis product of MS1 cochromatographed with [14C]-(+)-anti-BaPDE:guanine, and the tetraol hydrolysis products cochromatographed with (+/-)-anti-BaPDE:tetraols. Thus, both adducts that bound to the immobilized boronate column were formed from (+/-)-anti-BaPDE. One major adduct that did not contain cis-vicinal hydroxy groups, M2, was detected in both cell types. M2 was formed from (+/-)-7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 beta, 10 beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroBaP (syn-BaPDE) as M2 eluted in the same relative position as a syn-BaPDE:dGuo adduct marker and the tetraol hydrolysis products of M2 cochromatographed with tetraols formed from (+/-)-syn-BaPDE. The isolation of the individual BaP:DNA adducts followed by acid hydrolysis allowed the identification of the BaP:DNA adducts formed in human mammary cell cultures and demonstrated the presence of (-)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo. Thus, this work provides the first evidence, other than cochromatography, that (-)-anti-BaPDE is formed in cell systems and reacts with DNA in cells to form (-)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Benzo[a]pyrene metabolism in human T 47D mammary tumor cells: evidence for sulfate conjugation and translocation of reactive metabolites across cell membranes

Human mammary tumor T 47D cells were examined for their capacity to metabolize benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) to gain insight into potential metabolic pathways for BaP in human epithelial tissue. Confluent cultures metabolized 95% of 4 microM BaP after 24 h incubation. BaP metabolites were analyzed from culture medium since only residual amounts remained in cells. Tetraols/triols, dihydrodiols, quinones and phenols were either unconjugated or existed as sulfate conjugates. Glucuronide conjugation was minor. Remaining water-soluble (WS) metabolites could be extracted with butanol or removed from culture medium protein with methanol/water and suggestive evidence indicates these may be glutathione conjugates. A portion of BaP-WS metabolites were covalently bound to medium protein. This latter phenomenon is attributed to translocation of reactive BaP metabolites across cell membranes which could potentially occur in vivo during cellular processing of BaP.

H.p.l.c. of benzo[a]pyrene glucuronide, sulfate and glutathione conjugates and water-soluble metabolites from hamster embryo fibroblasts

Chromatography of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) sulfate, glucuronide and glutathione (GSH) conjugate standards were examined by h.p.l.c. on a C8 column as modified by various organic acids and solvents. Sulfate and glucuronide standards were positional isomers derived from BaP-1,3,6,7,9 phenols and BaP-GSH conjugates consisted of a racemic mixture of BaP-4,5-GSH. In the absence of acid, BaP conjugates appeared as rapidly eluting, unresolved peaks in aqueous-methanol or acetonitrile gradients or coeluted as broad peaks in a water-propanol gradient, with the exception of BaP-7-OH sulfate which eluted as a distinct symmetrical peak. Addition of acetic or trifluoroacetic (TFA) acids enhanced column retention of BaP conjugates in each solvent system. Upon acidification of mobile phases, BaP-GSH isomers were partially resolved, isomers of BaP sulfates or of BaP glucuronides coeluted, and BaP-7-OH sulfate was resolved from all conjugates. BaP-GSH conjugates were most resolved and preceded elution of other conjugates when TFA was added to mobile phases. BaP sulfates and glucuronides generally coeluted but were partially resolved at 0.1% TFA in a water-methanol gradient. Water-soluble metabolites from cultured hamster embryo fibroblasts (HEF) incubated with [3H]BaP for 24 h were chromatographed by h.p.l.c. in a water-methanol gradient with TFA. BaP glucuronides, consisting of tetraols, triols, quinones, dihydrodiols and phenols eluted as a single peak which could be removed by beta-glucuronidase treatment and organic extraction. BaP sulfates were not detected. The remaining BaP metabolites which were resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, generally eluted prior to BaP glucuronides suggesting they constitute a family of BaP-GSH derivatives.

Metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene by variant mouse hepatoma cells

Four mouse hepatoma cell lines, a parent (Hepa-1c1c7) and three variants (MUL12, BPrc1, and TAOc1BPrc1) which had been derived from Hepa-1c1c7 by the fluorescence-activated cell sorter, were incubated with benzo(a)pyrene, and the metabolites were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Among these four cell lines, Hepa-1c1c7 and MUL12 metabolized benzo(a)pyrene the most quickly and to the greatest extent, and BPrc1 had the weakest metabolic activity for this substrate. TAOc1BPrc1 had intermediate benzo(a)pyrene-metabolizing activity, depending on cell density and incubation time. At low cell density, the active variant TAOc1Bprc1 resembled the weakly active Bprc1 in accumulating a low amount of ethyl acetate-soluble metabolites in the medium while, at high cell density, TAOc1Bprc1 resembled the parent clone Hepa-1c1c7 and the highly active variant MUL12. At short incubation times, TAOc1Bprc1 also had low conjugating activity while, at longer incubation times, the conjugating activity approached that of Hepa-1c1c7 and MUL12. At low cell density, Bprc1 was able to produce phenols, but this variant did not seem to have this ability at high cell density. When the substrate concentration was 4 microM and the incubation time was 24 h, beta-glucuronidase treatment of water-soluble metabolites released about 5.3 times more pmol of quinones compared with phenols. But when the substrate concentration was 25 nM, beta-glucuronidase released about 2.0 times as many phenols compared with quinones. The parent and the two more actively metabolizing variants showed differences in the peak times of accumulation of 9,10-diol and 7,8-diol of benzo(a)pyrene, which may have implications for binding to DNA and nuclear proteins. It was concluded that BPrc1 has basal but not easily inducible aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, whereas Hepa-1c1c7, MUL12, and TAOc1Bprc1 have basal and inducible aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. These results show that variants of a single parent cell line can exhibit significant differences in the rate and extent of metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene.

Differential induction of sister-chromatid exchanges by benzo[a]pyrene in variant mouse hepatoma cells

Two variant mouse hepatoma cell lines had been separated from a parent cell line, Hepa-1c1c7, by fluorescence activated cell sorting. Earlier metabolic studies had shown that variant TAOc1BPrc1 was more active in the metabolism of the indirect carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene than was variant BPrc1. In an extension of these studies, the relationship between the metabolic capabilities of these two cell lines and the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges by B[a]P was investigated. It was observed that TAOc1BPrc1 yielded a significant dose-dependent increase in the induction of SCE by B[a]P whereas BPrc1 did not show a response significantly greater than control. Metabolic results indicated that the induction of SCE in TAOc1BPrc1 was due to the production of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene by this variant. This metabolite did not appear to be produced by BPrc1. Furthermore, TAOc1BPrc1 required only 40 nM B[a]P to induce a 2-fold increase in SCE frequency. This concentration is considerably lower than that required to elicit a similar response in other reported cell lines. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a mouse hepatoma cell line for determining the relationship of metabolic capability to the induction of SCE.

Cell specific activation of benzo[a]pyrene by fibroblasts and hepatocytes

The cell specific activation of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) by embryonic fibroblasts and by mature hepatocytes to intermediates that can interact with DNA, or cause mutations in Chinese hamster V79 cells has been investigated. At BP concentrations of up to 15 muM, BP was activated to mutagenic intermediates for the V79 cells by embryonic fibroblasts but not by hepatocytes. However, hepatocytes from rats that had been pretreated with an inducer of the mixed function oxidases, 3-methylcholanthrene, did metabolize higher doses of BP (greater than 15 muM) to mutagenic intermediates. BP was extensively metabolized by both cell types, but the hepatocytes and fibroblasts showed differences both in the profiles of BP metabolites and the nature of the BP-DNA adducts formed. Hepatocytes metabolized BP principally to 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, phenols, and quinones, which underwent further metabolism to water-soluble metabolites. Metabolism of BP to 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo[a]-pyrene (BP-7,8-diol) occurred but proceeded rapidly to the formation of triols and tetraols. Fibroblasts metabolized BP predominantly toward the formation of BP-7,8-diol. The proportion of primary metabolites undergoing further metabolism to conjugates was less extensive than in the hepatocytes. Hepatocytes bound more BP to their DNA than the fibroblasts. In the hepatocytes the major DNA adducts formed were hydrophilic derivatives, and no [+/-]7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha, 10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE) adducts were detected even after treatment with BP-7,8-diol. In the fibroblasts, the major BP--DNA adduct was derived from the reaction of BPDE with deoxyguanosine. These results suggest that the differences in the response of embryonic fibroblasts and mature hepatocytes in the activation of BP to a mutagen for mammalian cells is determined at least in part by the overall balance of oxidation and detoxification processes in the cells and, hence, by the levels of critical oxidative intermediates that interact with DNA.

Metabolism of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene by hamster embryonic fibroblasts and its interaction with nuclear macromolecules

Incubation of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene (6-nitroBaP) with hamster embryonic fibroblasts led to formation of both organic solvent-soluble and water-soluble products. High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of organic solvent-soluble extracellular metabolites showed the predominant presence of dihydrodoils, with only small amounts of phenolic products. This differed from microsomal metabolism, using hepatic preparations from 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated rats, where a major phenolic peak was obtained. Subsequent treatment of aqueous layer with beta-glucuronidase, however, revealed that most of the phenols were associated with glucuronic acid to form water soluble products. Interaction of 6-nitroBaP with nuclear macromolecules from HEF was also studied. The chemical interacted with both DNA and RNA, but the specific activity was highest with nuclear proteins. This binding profile was found to be similar to that when benzo[a]pyrene was used, although the affinity toward protein binding was slightly higher for 6-nitroBaP.

Comparative metabolism and macromolecular binding of benzo[a]pyrene in explant cultures of human bladder, skin, bronchus and esophagus from eight individuals

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) metabolism and macromolecular binding have been studied in explants from 4 tissues, bladder, skin, bronchus and esophagus from 8 donors sampled within 4 h after death. Explants were incubated with [3H]benzo[a]pyrene for 24 h, then the metabolites extracted and analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Fibroblasts were grown from explants from 2 patients and also incubated with B[a]P. Metabolite profiles were qualitatively the same for explants and fibroblasts with similar product ratios, although fibroblasts were less active in B[a]P metabolism. DNA binding studies showed a broad variance between patients and tissues with the relative distribution being widest in bladder, followed by skin, bronchus and esophagus, respectively.

Time course of metabolism of benzo[e]pyrene by hamster embryo cells and the effect of chemical modifiers

In cultures of hamster embryo cells, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is metabolized primarily in the bay region. In contrast, little or no bay region metabolism of the noncarcinogenic isomer benzo[e]pyrene (B[e]P) could be detected during 12--96-h incubations of hamster embryo cells with 4 microM [3H]B[e]P. The upper limit to 9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxy-B[e]P formation is about 0.2% of the ethyl acetate-soluble metabolites (less than 0.1% of the total metabolites). The major identified metabolites of B[e]P were 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy B[e]P and the glucuronide conjugates of 3-OH-B[e]P and 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy B[e]P. Simultaneous treatment of cells with either B[a]P or 7,8-benzoflavone (BF) did not induce bay region metabolism of [3H]B[e]P.

Selective modification of nuclear proteins by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and by benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxides

Metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) have been shown to modify chromosomal proteins with great specificity. Using the (+) and (-) enantiomers of anti-B[a]P diol epoxide to label isolated nuclei we found a remarkable difference in the capacity of these two compounds to modify histones H2A and H3. The (+) enantiomer modified histones H2A and H3, while the (-) enantiomer, which was shown to modify mainly histone H2A, had a much lower affinity for histone H3. We have also examined the selective, modification of chromosomal proteins by different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and it was observed that 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene (DMBA), 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and B[a]P showed qualitative similarities in terms of their protein binding. This suggests that stereospecific interactions leading to binding of reactive metabolites of DMBA, B[a]P and 3-MC to chromosomal proteins share common features.

Benzo[a]pyrene metabolites: formation in rat liver cell-culture lines, binding to macromolecules, and mutagenesis in V79 hamster cells

Benzo(a]pyrene was metabolized in liver cell lines derived from BC-IV and BD-IV rats which included several chemically-transformed lines (IAR-6-1; IAR-19; IAR-28), one spontaneous transformant (IAR-27) as well as one non-malignant line (IAR-20). Cultures were treated with tritiated benzo[a]pyrene over a 5-day period. The cells and medium were extracted with ethyl acetate and the distribution between organic-soluble and water-soluble metabolites determined. Organic-soluble metabolites consisting of dihydrodiols, phenols and quinones were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and macromolecular binding of BP to each cell line was measured over a 24-h period. Comparisons between binding and overall metabolism were not directly proportional in these liver cell lines. However, there was a positive correlation for benzo[a]pyrene mutagenesis in the V-79 hamster cell assay with 8-azaguanine as a marker when the cell lines with the highest (IAR-20) and lowest (IAR-27) metabolic competence were used as activating cell layers.

Benzo(a)pyrene-binding proteins of hamster embryo cell nuclei: comparison of nuclear isolation procedures

Hamster embryo cells metabolize benzo(a)pyrene to derivatives that covalently modify the nuclear macromolecules including proteins. Not all proteins are modified to the same extent nor by the same metabolites. In particular, a protein of apparent molecular weight 32,000 is highly modified by derivatives of trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxy B(a)P. This protein is shown here to be preferentially lost from nuclei during purification by centrifugation through high molarity sucrose solutions followed by osmotic shock. It does not appear to be a cytoplasmic contaminant, but shares many properties of an abundant protein from Xenopus laevis oocytes, nucleoplasmin.

Physical interactions of isomeric benzo [a] pyrene diol-epoxides with DNA

The physical interactions of two diol-epoxides derived from benzo [a] pyrene (B[a]P), 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro B[a]P (BPDE) and 9,10-dihydroxy-7,8-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro B[a]P, (reverse BPDE) with DNA have been studied in a simple, in vitro system. The effects of DNA on the rates of hydrolysis of BPDE and reverse BPDE were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. For both compounds, interaction with DNA was indicated by an increase in the rate of hydrolysis in the presence of DNA. This increased hydrolysis was more marked for BPDE than for reverse BPDE. Direct confirmation of physical binding was obtained by u.v. spectroscopy, where a 10 nm redshift in absorbance maxima characteristic of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.DNA intercalation complexes was observed. Using absorbance changes to monitor binding, association constants of 6580 L/mol and 5080 L/mol were determined for BPDE and reverse BPDE, respectively. Consistent with the intercalation model, binding was inhibited by low concentrations of Mg2+. The enhancement of hydrolytic rate by DNA for BPDE and reverse BPDE was also inhibited by low concentrations of Mg2+, suggesting involvement of intercalation complexes in the mechanism of enhanced hydrolysis.

Binding of benzo(a)pyrene derivatives to specific proteins in nuclei of intact hamster embryo cells

In hamster embryo cells incubated for 24 hr with 4 microM [3H]benzo(a)pyrene, a major portion of the nonextractable radioactivity in nuclear preparations copurifies with the protein fraction. When these proteins are analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate:polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, significant variations in the labeling intensities of the various proteins are seen. Control experiments demonstrate that the labeling is due to covalent binding to protein. Histones H3 an H2A are heavily labeled while the other histones of the nucleosome core, H2B and H4, are devoid of radioactivity. Large amounts of label are associated with proteins with mobilities similar to the very lysine-rich histones H1. However, the results of differential extraction experiments suggest that the labeled proteins do not belong to either the H1 or the high-mobility-group class of chromosomal proteins. During 6 hr of inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide, the metabolism of [3H]benzo(a)pyrene, as monitored by high-pressure liquid chromatography, remained normal. Patterns of labelling of nuclear proteins after 3 or 6 hr were identical in the presence and absence of cycloheximide. This finding strongly suggests that binding of benzo(a)pyrene derivatives to nuclear proteins occurs in situ.

Pyrimidine nucleotide pool changes during the cell cycle and quiescence. Pyrimidine excretion and metabolic isolation of the pyrimidine mononucleoside polyphosphate pool

We have measured the pyrimidine nucleotide contents of the culture fluid, acid-soluble fraction, and acid-insoluble fraction of cultures of hamster embryo fibroblasts (third subculture) through the final two divisions of growth in culture. The cells show a growth delay between the penultimate and ultimate division periods and a concomitant biochemical synchrony of pyrimidine metabolism. The cells exhibit normal excretion of pyrimidine nucleotides beginning with the ultimate division cycle. This excretion results from the net breakdown of ribonucleic acid and a cell-regulated maximum for pyrimidine mononucleoside polyphosphate content. This upper limit for the pyrimidine nucleoside polyphosphate content is not a steady state phenomenon but rather an absence of both synthesis and utilization. The hamster embryo fibroblast exhibits a directed flow of salvage uridine for ribonucleic acid synthesis. We show that de novo synthetic uridine 5'-monophosphate also can be used for ribonucleic acid synthesis without prior entry into the cytoplasmic uridine nucleoside polyphosphate pool. During attachment and first division salvage uridine does enter the cytoplasmic nucleotide pool. The properties of the cytidine pools differ from the uridine pools in specific activity and levels of cytidine, due to turnover of the terminal C-C-A of cytoplasmic transfer ribonucleic acid and the delay in conversion of of nonradioactive de novo synthetic uridine 5'-monophosphate to cytidine 5'-triphosphate. The partial synchrony in these cultures has been used as a temporal marker of the observed events.

Specificity in interaction of benzo[a]pyrene with nuclear macromolecules: implication of derivatives of two dihydrodiols in protein binding

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-B[a]P, and 9,10-dihydro-B[a]P are metabolized by hamster embryo cells to derivatives that bind to nuclear macromolecules. The selectivity for different classes of macromolecules varies depending on the compound analyzed. The ratio of DNA specific activity to protein specific activity (pmol bound/mg of macromolecules) is high (1.51) for 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-B[a]P, extremely low (0.03) for 9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydro-B[a]P, and intermediate (0.26) for B[a]P. Histones H3 and H2A are the major targets of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-B[a]P; a protein(s) with a mobility similar to that of histone H1 is heavily labeled by 9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydro-B[a]P, with minor labeling of other (nonhistone) bands. The labeling pattern seen with B[a]P is a combination of the patterns seen with the two dihydrodiol metabolites studied. Analysis of the ethyl acetate-soluble metabolites suggests that hamster embryo cells produce 9,10-dihydroxy-7,8-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-B[a]P from 9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydro-B[a]P and raise the possibility that this vicinal diol epoxide is an intermediate in the binding of 9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydro-B[a]P to nuclear proteins. The differences seen suggest that factors other than the intrinsic chemical reactivity of the epoxide group are extremely important in the interaction of potential ultimate carcinogens with biological systems.

Comparison of epoxide and free-radical mechanisms for activation of benzo[a]pyrene by Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes

Coincubation of [6-3H]benzo[a]pyrene ([6-3H]BP) and [14C]BP with SD rat liver microsomes produced metabolic profiles that showed that the C-6 of BP was not affected by formation of 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy-BP, 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxy-BP, and 9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxy-BP nor the 3- and 9-phenols of BP. Complete retention of tritium at C-6, except in the three quinones, confirmed the radical-cation model for formation of the 6-oxo-radical followed by oxidation to quinones. Epoxide formation at the carcinogenically active regions of BP appeared to biochemically isolate from 6-position activation and suggested that the microsomal epoxide pathway is unrelated to the radicalcation scheme. These molar ratios derived from double-label experiments reinforced the current literature that indicates the epoxide mechanism as the major pathway toward carcinogenic forms of BP.

Metabolism and macromolecular binding of carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic metabolites of benzo(a)pyrene by hamster embryo cells

The metabolism and macromolecular binding of four metabolites of benzo(a)pyrene in hamster embryo fibroblasts has been studied. Two noncarcinogenic phenolic derivatives, 3-hydroxybenz(a)pyrene and 9-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, are rapidly metabolized, primarily to their respective glucuronic acid conjugates and other H2O-soluble conjugates (78.4 to 80.8% of total radioactivity). Water-soluble conjugates were also formed from the carcinogenic phenol, 2-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, and from 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, but in lower amounts (36.8 to 43.8% of total radioactivity. With each of the compounds, from 10 to 20% of the radioactivity was converted to ethyl acetate-soluble metabolites. The amount of unmetabolized 2-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene recovered intracellularly was 20-fold higher than that recovered in incubations with the other phenols. Covalent binding to nuclear macromolecules was monitored after isopyknic separation. Binding of the three phenols tested was similar and was lower than the binding of benzo(a)pyrene to nuclear DNA, RNA, and protein. In contrast to the results with the monohydroxybenzo(a)pyrenes, high levels of covalent binding were observed with 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo(a)pyrene; binding to DNA was 8-fold higher (315 pmol bound per mg DNA) than binding of benzo(a)pyrene to DNA.

Critical importance of microsome concentration in mutagenesis assay with V79 Chinese hamster cells

For optimum mutagensis in V79 Chinese hamster cells, the amount of liver postmitochondrial fraction in the assay was found to be of critical importance, depending on the chemicals being tested. Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) required lower (1-5%) concentrations of the liver 15 000 X g supernatant (S15) from methylcholanthrene pretreated rats for a maximum induction of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity, as determined by 8-azaguanine- and ouabain-resistance. A sharp peak of mutagenicity and cytotoxicity was induced by 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene (7,8-diol BP) at a concentration of 1% of the S15 fraction. Little or no response was induced by these compounds with the S15 concentrations of more than 10%. Similarly, aflatoxin B1 induced a sharp peak of mutagenicity and cytotoxicity at a concentration of 2% of the liver S15 fraction from Aroclor-pretreated rats. Under the same condition, non-carcinogenic aflatoxin G2 did not induce cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. Analysis of BP metabolites by high-pressure liquid chromatography indicates that with the 30% S15 fraction, more than 80% of BP was metabolized during the first 15 min, while with the 2% S15 fraction, 7,8-diol BP increased continuously throughout the 120-min incubation period, suggesting a strong metabolic competition to rapidly remove BP and 7,8-diol BP with a high concentration of the S15. In contrast with these compounds, N-nitrosodimethylamine induced mutagenicity and cytotoxicity which increased linearly in proportion to the increasing amount of the S15 fraction from phenobarbitone- and Aroclor-pretreated rats. Various nitrosamines with different lipophilicity were examined at a high (30%) and low (2%) concentration of the S15 fraction from Aroclor-pretreated rats, in which ratios of mutation frequencies at 30% and 2% correlated inversely with lipophilicity of the compound. This result suggests that the lipid solubility of test compounds may be one factor which determines the concentration of post-mitochondrial supernatant for optimum mutagenesis.

Pyrimidine nucleoside, pseudouridine, and modified nucleoside excretion by growing and resting fibroblasts

We are examining the relationship of RNA metabolism and de novo pyrimidine synthesis as parameters of malignant transformation. These initial experiments on normal hamster embryo fibroblasts have shown that excreted nucleosides are markers for intracellular RNA metabolism. We employed affinity chromatography to concentrate the nucleosides in the medium and sensitive column chromatographic procedures to quantitatively measure them. The excretion of pyrimidine nucleoside from hamster embryo fibroblasts in sulture was found to be dependent on the growth state of the cells, with the greatest accumulation occurring cell quiescence. The major nucleoside excretion products, uridine and cytidine, were both normal end products of RNA metabolism and the major nucleoside excretion products from cultured cells. The modified nucleosides N-1-methylguanosine, N-2-methylguanosine, N-2-dimethylguanosine, N-4-acetylcytidine, N-1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, N-1-methyladenosine, N-3-methylcytidine, and 5-methyleycytidine were found, as were several unidentified nucleosides.

Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of benz(a)anthracene diols and diol-epoxides

Benz(a)anthracene (BA) and its five possible trans-dihydrodiols were evaluated for determination of their skin tumor-initiating activity and their mutagenic activity in Chinese hamster V79 cells. In addition, the skin tumor-initiating abilities of five diol-epoxides of BA were tested. Results showed (+/-)-trans-3,4-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydrobenz(a)anthracene (BA 3,4-dihydrodiol) to be approximately 10 times more mutagenic than was BA and about 20 times more mutagenic than were the other possible dihydrodiols in the V79 cells cocultivated with irradiated hamster embryo cells. As a skin tumor initiator, BA 3,4-dihydrodiol was approximately 5 times more active than BA, whereas the other BA dihydrodiols were all less active tumor initiators. (+/-)-trans-3alpha,4beta-Dihydroxy-1alpha,2alpha-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenz(a)anthracene was found to be approximately 20% more active as a tumor initiator than was BA 3,4-dihydrodiol, whereas the other diol-epoxides of BA were less active than BA itself. The results suggest that the bay-region diol-epoxide of BA may be the ultimate carcinogen and mutagenic form of BA.