Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency
14:45

Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency

Published on: August 6, 2014

The U.S. National Toxicology Program evaluation of transgenic mice as predictive models for identifying carcinogens

W C Eastin1

  • 1Experimental Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. eastin@niehs.nih.gov

Environmental Health Perspectives
|April 16, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Researchers are evaluating genetically modified mouse models to detect carcinogens and understand cancer development. These transgenic mice, p53def and Tg.AC, show promise for identifying chemical carcinogens and assessing risk.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Toxicology
  • Carcinogenesis Research

Background:

  • Transgenic mouse models are valuable tools for studying chemical carcinogenesis.
  • Genetically altered mice can enhance the expression of chemically induced tumors.
  • Existing research has explored various mouse models for carcinogen detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of p53def and Tg.AC transgenic mouse models for carcinogen detection.
  • To investigate the mechanisms of carcinogenesis using genetically modified mice.
  • To propose a new strategy for identifying chemical carcinogens and assessing risk.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing genetically altered mouse models that enhance chemically induced tumors.
  • Utilizing p53def (hemizygous for the tumor-suppressor gene) mice.
  • Utilizing Tg.AC (carrier of an activated H-ras oncogene) mice.

Main Results:

  • Results from p53def and Tg.AC mice form the basis of a proposed new strategy.
  • These models are being studied to identify documented rodent and human carcinogens.
  • The study explores the models' ability to provide information on effective dosimetry for target organ mutation.

Conclusions:

  • Transgenic mouse models, specifically p53def and Tg.AC, offer a promising approach for carcinogen identification.
  • These models can aid in understanding carcinogenesis mechanisms and risk assessment.
  • Further studies are examining their strengths and weaknesses for regulatory toxicology.

More Related Videos

Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)04:12

Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)

Published on: December 19, 2019

Assessment of Chemical Toxicity in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster07:02

Assessment of Chemical Toxicity in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster

Published on: March 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

In-vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In-vitro Mutagenesis

To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse 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,...
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse 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,...
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity01:25

Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity

Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
Toxicity Testing in Animals01:23

Toxicity Testing in Animals

Toxicity tests in animals are grounded on two main assumptions: first, the effects observed in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans, especially when adjusted for body surface area; second, high-dose exposure in animals is essential to identify potential human hazards from lower doses. This is based on the quantal dose-response concept, which faces the challenge of extrapolating results from relatively few test animals to much larger human populations. For example, a 0.01% incidence...