Risks of aneuploidy induction from chemical exposure: twenty years of collaborative research in Europe from basic science to regulatory implications

Publication date: Available online 27 December 2018Source: Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation ResearchAuthor(s): M. Kirsch-Volders, F. Pacchierotti, E.M. Parry, A. Russo, U. Eichenlaub-Ritter, I.-D. AdlerAbstractAlthough Theodor Boveri linked abnormal chromosome numbers and disease more than a century ago, an in-depth understanding of the impact of mitotic and meiotic chromosome segregation errors on cell proliferation and diseases is still lacking. This review reflects on the efforts and results of a large European research network that, from the 1980's until 2004, focused on protection against aneuploidy-inducing factors and tackled the following problems: 1) the origin and consequences of chromosome imbalance in somatic and germ cells; 2) aneuploidy as a result of environmental factors; 3) dose-effect relationships; 4) the need for validated assays to identify aneugenic factors and classify them according to their modes of action; 5) the need for reliable, quantitative data suitable for regulating exposure and preventing aneuploidy induction; 6) the need for mechanistic insight into the consequences of aneuploidy for human health. This activity brought together a consortium of experts from basic science and applied genetic toxicology to prepare the basis for defining guidelines and to encourage regulatory activities for the prevention of induced aneuploidy. Major strengths of the EU research programmes on aneuploidy were having a valuable scientific approach based on we...
Source: Mutation Research Reviews in Mutation Research - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research