Pros and cons of transgenic mouse mutagenesis test systems

Over the last two years, first results of transgenic mouse mutagenicity assays have appeared in the literature. If sufficiently sensitive, this new in vivo transgenic mouse assay may be the first approach that allows us to measure frequencies of induced point mutations for any suspected target organ in mice. It may also be useful as a routine assay and could complement or replace the mouse spot test or the specific locus test. Different transgenic mouse strains exist that can be employed for this assay. This review summarizes some of the data that were generated with this promising novel in vivo test system. Remaining problems with its sensitivity and the question of the optimal test protocol are discussed.