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The National Toxicology Program evaluation of genetically altered mice as predictive models for identifying

W C Eastin1, J K Haseman, J F Mahler

  • 1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2233, USA. Eastin@niehs.nih.gov

Toxicologic Pathology
|August 26, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Genetically altered mouse models show promise for faster, cheaper carcinogen identification. Tg.AC and p53+/- mice may improve chemical safety testing and risk assessment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Carcinogenesis

Background:

  • Researchers are investigating genetically altered mice for studying cancer mechanisms.
  • Two models, Tg.AC and p53+/-, exhibit accelerated chemically induced tumors.
  • These models are proposed for novel carcinogen identification and risk assessment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of Tg.AC and p53+/- genetically altered mouse models for identifying chemical carcinogens.
  • To assess the strengths and weaknesses of these models compared to traditional rodent assays.
  • To determine if these models can serve as rapid and cost-effective testing systems.

Main Methods:

  • Tg.AC and p53+/- mice were tested with 11 chemicals.
  • Chemical candidates were selected from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) historical database and open literature.
  • Results were compared with traditional 2-year rodent carcinogenicity assays and human tumor data.

Main Results:

  • The study evaluated 11 chemicals in Tg.AC and p53+/- mice.
  • Initial findings suggest these models can identify known rodent and human carcinogens.
  • Results support the potential of these models as efficient screening tools.

Conclusions:

  • Genetically altered mouse models demonstrate potential for enhanced carcinogen identification.
  • These models may offer a more rapid and economical approach to chemical safety assessment.
  • Further studies are warranted to fully establish their role in regulatory toxicology.

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