Genomic approaches for investigating mechanisms of genotoxicity

The current genetic toxicity testing battery enables an accurate and effective detection of genotoxicity associated with exposure to chemicals. However, the interpretation of the data in light of the relevant risk to humans is often difficult due to limited insight into underlying genotoxic mechanisms. Thus, the development of experimental approaches capable of differentiating genotoxic mechanisms is expected to facilitate risk assessment. Recent progress in science and technology has enabled the investigation of the stress response associated with chemical exposure at the genomic level. For instance, gene expression profile analysis, transcriptomics, was proposed as a tool for evaluating toxic mechanisms. In addition, the advancement in genetic tools has allowed the study of stress response on a functional level, functional genomics. This review will outline a number of recent developments in genomic analyses of genotoxic stress response and provide a perspective on their application in genetic toxicology.