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National Agricultural Library
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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  4. Development of Biomarkers Based on Cell Cycling and Proliferation to Facilitate the Risk Assessment of Food Chemicals

Development of Biomarkers Based on Cell Cycling and Proliferation to Facilitate the Risk Assessment of Food Chemicals

Objective

This research project seeks to develop biomarkers that are predictive of subsequent tumour formation by non-genotoxic chemicals.

<p>Three different approaches are being employed to identify novel biomarkers: i) Quantitative analysis of gene expression, ii) Effects on the p53 pathway including changes in phosphorylation status, iii) Proteomic analysis by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis to examine global changes in protein expression.

More information

A large number of food and environmental chemicals have been shown to produce tumours in experimental animals. Such chemicals can be broadly divided into genotoxic (substances that damage DNA) and non-genotoxic agents.

<p>While screening tests are available for DNA reactive (genotoxic) agents, non-genotoxic carcinogens are only normally identified by performing chronic rodent bioassay studies.

<p>The objective of this project is to develop biomarkers that are predictive of subsequent tumour formation by non-genotoxic chemicals in experimental animals.

<p>Such biomarkers could be employed in conjunction with biomarkers of exposure, to provide a better assessment of the hazard of food chemicals to humans.
<P>

The final report, "<a href="http://www.foodbase.org.uk/results.php?f_report_id=356&quot; target="_new">Development of Biomarkers Based on Cell Cycling and Proliferation to Facilitate the Risk Assessment of Food Chemicals</A>" is available at Foodbase, an open access repository of the <acronym title="Food Standards Agency"> FSA</acronym>.

<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/&quot; target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.

Institution
BIBRA International Ltd and CXR Biosciences Ltd, Dundee
Start date
2000
End date
2004
Funding Source
Food Standards Agency
Project number
T01015/T01019
Categories
Risk Assessment, Management, and Communication