PIGRET assay can detect mutagenicity of ethyl methanesulfonate much earlier than RBC Pig-a assay

Satoru Itoh1, Chiharu Hattori2, Shiho Nakayama1

  • 1Medicinal Safety Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., 1-16-13, Kitakasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 134-8630, Japan.

Insights

The PIGRET assay detects Pig-a gene mutations earlier than the traditional RBC Pig-a assay. This new method allows for faster assessment of mutagenicity from chemicals like ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS).

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • The Pig-a gene assay is crucial for evaluating mutagenicity.
  • Comparing the traditional red blood cell (RBC) Pig-a assay with the newer PIGRET assay is important for improving detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the sensitivity and speed of the RBC Pig-a assay and the PIGRET assay in detecting in vivo mutagenicity.
  • To evaluate the PIGRET assay's potential for early detection of Pig-a gene mutations.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo mutagenesis study using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) in male rats.
  • Administration of three dose levels of EMS via oral gavage.
  • Measurement of Pig-a mutant frequency in both RBCs and reticulocytes (PIGRET assay) at multiple time points post-dosing.

Main Results:

  • The PIGRET assay detected a statistically significant increase in Pig-a mutant frequency one week after EMS administration at the highest dose.
  • The RBC Pig-a assay showed a significant increase in mutant frequency starting from two weeks post-dosing, with higher values at four weeks only at the highest dose.
  • Pig-a mutant frequency in the PIGRET assay appeared to plateau by one week, while it might continue to increase beyond four weeks in the RBC Pig-a assay.

Conclusions:

  • The PIGRET assay offers earlier detection of Pig-a mutants compared to the conventional RBC Pig-a assay.
  • The PIGRET assay enables a more rapid assessment of mutagenicity, potentially within one week after a single exposure to mutagens like EMS.