Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
08:18
Focus Formation: A Cell-based Assay to Determine the Oncogenic Potential of a Gene
Published on: December 31, 2014
Rodent cell transformation assays-a brief historical perspective
1Innovative Toxicology Consulting, LLC, Lake Worth, FL, USA. lschechtman@innovativetoxicologyconsulting.com
Mutation Research
|January 11, 2012
Summary
In vitro cell transformation assays, using cell lines like BALB/c 3T3 A31, detect neoplastic changes. These assays are valuable research tools but require further validation for regulatory carcinogen screening.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Cell Biology
- Chemical Carcinogenesis Research
- In Vitro Toxicology
Background:
- In vitro cell transformation assays mimic in vivo neoplastic progression.
- Key hallmarks include immortality, aneuploidy, and anchorage-independent growth.
- Historically, Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells and mouse cell lines (BALB/c 3T3 A31, C3H 10T 1/2) were utilized.
Observation:
- Transformed foci/colonies induced tumors upon in vivo inoculation.
- Advancements include pH control, metabolic support, and co-detection of mutagenesis.
- The Bhas 42 cell line detects tumor initiators and promoters.
Findings:
- Cell transformation assays provide insights into cancer development.
- These systems are established tools in academic, industrial, and regulatory research.
- Assays have been adapted for screening chemical carcinogens.
Implications:
- Current transformation assays are primarily used for research.
- Wider regulatory acceptance necessitates comprehensive validation.
- Future applications may include broader carcinogen screening and risk assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Bacterial Transformation
In 1928, bacteriologist Frederick Griffith worked on a vaccine for pneumonia, which is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Griffith studied two pneumonia strains in mice: one pathogenic and one non-pathogenic. Only the pathogenic strain killed host mice.
Griffith made an unexpected discovery when he killed the pathogenic strain and mixed its remains with the live, non-pathogenic strain. Not only did the mixture kill host mice, but it also contained living pathogenic bacteria that...
Griffith made an unexpected discovery when he killed the pathogenic strain and mixed its remains with the live, non-pathogenic strain. Not only did the mixture kill host mice, but it also contained living pathogenic bacteria that...
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...