Gene Mutation, Quantitative Mutagenesis, and Mutagen Screening in Mammalian Cells: Study with the CHO/HGPRT System

Abstract

SummaryWe have employed CHO cells to develop and define a set of stringent conditions for studying mutation induction to TG resistance. Several lines of evidence support the CHO/HGPRT system as a specific-locus mutatational assay. The system permits quantification of mutation at the HGPRT locus induced by various physical and chemical mutagens. The quantitative nature of the system provides a basis for the study of structure-futvction relationships of various classes of chemical mutagens. The intraand interlaboratory reproducibility of this system suggests its potential for screening environmental agents for mutagenic activity.