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

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 146; pp. 185 - 190
• Main Authors: Rubio, Laura, El Yamani, Naouale, Kazimirova, Alena, Dusinska, Maria, Marcos, Ricard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-04-2016
• Subjects: 60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES; Animals; CARBON NANOTUBES; CARCINOGENS; Cell Line; CHROMOSOMES; CONCENTRATION RATIO; Cricetulus; DNA; DNA Damage; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; FIBROBLASTS; Fibroblasts - drug effects; Genes; Genotoxicity; HAMSTERS; HPRT gene; Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase - genetics; Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase - metabolism; Lung - drug effects; LUNGS; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; Mutagens - toxicity; Mutation; MUTATIONS; NANOMATERIALS; Nanostructure; Nanotubes, Carbon - toxicity; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; ROS; TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY; UPTAKE; V79 cells; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; HPRT gene; ROS; V79 cells; Genotoxicity
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.01.004

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/cm2 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.
•MWCNT were tested in V79 cells.•Cellular uptake of MWCNT was detected using TEM.•Intracellular ROS induction was observed after MWCNT exposure.•MWCNT induced a concentration-dependent increase of HPRT mutations.