Induction of mutation and cell differentiation by chemicals which initiate or promote tumor formation

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5606082

Huberman, E

The exact mechanism by which environmental chemicals induce cancer is unknown, yet a most popular concept in carcinogenesis is that of a multistage process that is initiated by a somatic mutation caused by the carcinogen. The somatic mutation hypothesis is supported by experiments which indicated that electrophilic metabolites are generated from many chemical carcinogens by the action of mixed-function oxidases. Such reactive metabolites are capable of binding to cellular macromolecules, including DNA, to presumably initiate a mutagenic and/or carcinogenic event. To further support such a hypothesis, it is important to establish (a) that chemical carcinogens can act as mutagens, (b) that the degree of carcinogenicity of a chemical is associated with its degree of mutagenicity, (c) that the same metabolites are responsible for both mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, and (d) that activation of carcinogens into mutagens by cells from various organs should reflect organ specificity. Studies are presented here which indicate that such requirements can be met using in vitro methodologies.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5606082
• Report Number(s): CONF-801280-1; ON: DE82006813
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550200 -- Biochemistry
560302* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Microorganisms-- (-1987)
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CARCINOGENESIS
CARCINOGENS
CORRELATIONS
DNA
ENZYMES
IN VITRO
METABOLITES
MIXED-FUNCTION OXIDASES
MUTAGEN SCREENING
MUTAGENESIS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
OXYGENASES
PATHOGENESIS
SCREENING