Analysis of mutation at the hprt locus in human T lymphocytes

Studies of mutation at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (hrpt) locus in human T-cells have the potential to elucidate the molecular basis of in vivo mutagenesis, reveal exposure dependent changes in ther background frequency of mutation, and provide knowledge on individual sensitivity. Styrene exposed lamination workers in Bohemia showed a significantly higher frequency of hprt mutant cells than Swedish control populations studied simultaneously. In a study of 47 healthy, non-smoking male bus maintenance workers exposed to diesel exhausts, soot and oil, and 22 unexposed controls, a significant correlation (P = 0.008) was obtained between the levels of aromatic DNA adducts and frequencies of hprt-mutant T-cells. In the group of workers with the highest exposure, subjects with glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1) deficiency showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) frequency of hprt mutant T-cells than GSTM1-positive subjects. The highest adduct levels were found in subjects with the combined genotype of GSTM1 and NAT2 deficiency (GSTM1-negative slow acetylators). These results indicate that GSTM1 and NAT2 genotypes may play a role in determining the individual levels of hprt mutation and DNA adducts. Using PCR-based screening methods, hprt mutations have been classified in 462 T-cell clones from 43 subjects in this study population. Deletions were found in 3% of the mutants, coding errors in 81% and splice mutations in 17%. Transitions and transversions were equally common, and all types of base substitutions were detected.