Projects / Programmes
Development of cell biosensor systems for determination of effects of ionizing radiation and chemical carcinogens
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.04.00 |
Medical sciences |
Oncology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B200 |
Biomedical sciences |
Cytology, oncology, cancerology |
biosensor systems, transformed cell lines, chemical carcinogens, ionising radiation, p21, p53
Researchers (6)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0302 |
Institute of Oncology Ljubljana |
Ljubljana |
5055733000 |
15,471 |
Abstract
Primary prevention is of utmost importance in public health for cancer prevention. With changes in lifestyle and decrease in exposure to environmental and professional carcinogenic factors, approximately 30% of cancer could be prevented. Several detection system for carcinogenic factors are developed, however lately biological systems are being developed for monitoring of genetic changes on the level of DNA (genotoxic substances), as well as for epigenetic changes (non-genotoxic substances).
The aim of the project is to develope and validate cell biosensor system for detection of genotoxic and non-genotoxic facrots. The biosensor systems will be developed in cell lines derived from skin fibroblasts, hepatic, colon and endothelial cells. Promoters like Egr1, p53 in p21 will be used, that are activated by several carcinogenic factors. As detection system two reporter genes will be used, gene for luciferase and green fluorescence protein. Stable transformed cell lines (cell biosensors) will be tested and validated by exposure to ionizing radiation and carcinogenic substances with known mechanisms of action.
The goal of the project is to prepare cell bank of transformed cell lines for detection of carcinogenic factors. This model system will be useful for detection of the primary changes in the cells that may lead to late effects or development of the disease, and will as such enable timely action for protection of people. Furthermore, such test represent alternative to relatively expensive and time consuming in vitro tests, as well as to replacement of animals in genotoxicological studies.
Significance for science
The aim of the research project is to identify molecular changes due to carcinogenic factors and to predict biological changes in the cells. It is well established that disease symptoms occur only after several years post exposure to carcinogenic factors.
The goal of the project is also to establish a cell bank of transformed cell lines for detection of carcinogenic factors. Our model system will be useful for determination of early changes in cells, which may lead to late effects. All these parameters will enable measures to protect people from overexposure to carcinogenic factors. In addition, the proposed model enables the use of alternative methods. which replace the use of animals in genotoxicological studies.
Significance for the country
In the frame of the project, we succesfully developed cell line that can be used as a bio-sensors for carcinogenic substances. Such bio-sensors have broad applicability; they can be used in detection of environmental contamination and occupational exposure to chemical carcinogenic substances, as well as to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, new knowledge will be generated, monitored and intellectual property is going to be protected. A patent application was already submitted to Slovenian authorities and will be soon also to EU.
The goal of the project, cell based bio-sensor system is an interesting product that could be of commercial interest. It could replace some costly and time-consuming tests in the pharmaceutical industry, in environmental reasearch of pollution that is hazardous for man as well as in working environments, where exposure to ionising irradation is present.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
