Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NM401) induce ROS-mediated HPRT mutations in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts

Environ Res. 2016 Apr:146:185-90. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Jan 9.

Abstract

Although there is an important set of data showing potential genotoxic effects of nanomaterials (NMs) at the DNA (comet assay) and chromosome (micronucleus test) levels, few studies have been conducted to analyze their potential mutagenic effects at gene level. We have determined the ability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, NM401), to induce mutations in the HPRT gene in Chinese hamster lung (V79) fibroblasts. NM401, characterized in the EU NanoGenotox project, were further studied within the EU Framework Programme Seven (FP7) project NANoREG. From the proliferation assay data we selected a dose-range of 0.12 to 12µg/cm(2) At these range we have been able to observe significant cellular uptake of MWCNT by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as a concentration-dependent induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species. In addition, a clear concentration-dependent increase in the induction of HPRT mutations was also observed. Data support a potential genotoxic/ carcinogenic risk associated with MWCNT exposure.

Keywords: Genotoxicity; HPRT gene; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; ROS; V79 cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cricetulus
  • DNA Damage
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase / genetics*
  • Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase / metabolism
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Mutation*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / toxicity*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Mutagens
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase