For assessing the cancer-causing potential for humans of a chemical compound, the conventional approach is the use of the 2-year rodent carcinogenicity bioassay, thus alternatives such as in vitro toxicogenomics are highly desired. In the present study, the transcriptomics responses following exposure to genotoxic (GTX) and non-genotoxic (NGTX) hepatocarcinogens and non-carcinogens (NC) in five liver-based in vitro models, namely conventional and epigenetically-stabilized cultures of primary rat hepatocytes, the human hepatoma-derived HepaRG and HepG2 cell lines and the human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells hES-Heps are examined and compared.
Transcriptomic responses generated by hepatocarcinogens in a battery of liver-based in vitro models.
Specimen part, Cell line, Treatment
View SamplesEfforts to develop alternatives which can at least partially replace some of the currently used in vivo tests are ongoing. The recently ended FP6 European project carcinoGENOMICS had the goal to use the combination of toxicogenomics and in vitro cell culture models for identification of genotoxic- and non-genotoxic carcinogen-specific gene signatures. In this study is presented a part of the outcome of the project and in particular the performance of the gene classifier derived after exposure of the HepaRG cell line to prototypical hepatocarcinogens. Upon analyzing the data at a gene and a pathway level by using diverse biostatistical approaches, a clear-cut separation of the genotoxic from the non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogens and non-carcinogens was achieved (up to 88% correct prediction). The most characteristic pathway for genotoxic exposure was DNA damage. Further to show the robustness of the HepaRG model, the interlaboratory reproducibility of 3 blindly tested compounds was assessed. The results showed between 20% and 35% reproducibility. The subsequent classification of the 3 blindly tested compounds resulted in correct prediction of the genotoxicant, whereas the other two compounds were misclassified. In conclusion, the combination of transcriptomics and HepaRG in vitro cell model provides a solid basis for the detection of the genotoxic potential of unknown chemicals.
No associated publication
Cell line, Treatment
View SamplesAt present, substantial efforts are focused on the development of in vitro assays coupled with omics technologies for the identification of carcinogenic substances as an alternative to the classical 2-year rodent carcinogenicity bioassay. A prerequisite for the eventual regulatory acceptance of such assays, however, is the in vivo relevance of the observed in vitro findings.
Comparison of hepatocarcinogen-induced gene expression profiles in conventional primary rat hepatocytes with in vivo rat liver.
Specimen part
View SamplesWe used microarrays to provide a transcriptomic signature of different types of cholestasis evoked by 3 different drugs and obstructive surgery
Robustness testing and optimization of an adverse outcome pathway on cholestatic liver injury.
Specimen part, Cell line, Treatment
View SamplesHuman skin-derived precursor cells (hSKP) are a stem cell population that represents key candidates for cell based-therapy. Inflammation, however, is often present in situations where cellular replacement therapy is required. These inflammatory conditions, and more specifically the presence of the cytokine interferon (IFN)-, might result in an increase of MHC class II antigens in hSKP-derived grafts and facilitate their rejection.
Human skin-derived precursor cells are poorly immunogenic and modulate the allogeneic immune response.
Sex, Age, Specimen part
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