Genetic toxicology

Course unit title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Genetic toxicology

Biology N 010

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Total number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures, self-study, consultations, seminars (optional)

8

Aims of course

In-depth knowledge about genotoxic properties, occurrence and biotransformation of substances already existing in nature or those that can be newly introduced into environment. Ability to apply this knowledge in independent scientific study

Main topics

• The objective and short history of genetic toxicology. Mutagens and mutations.
• Chemical mutagens: classification, mechanisms of action, dose–response relationships.
• Metabolic transformation of chemical mutagens, phase I and phase II reactions. Mutagen detoxication. Metabolic activation systems.
• Genetic toxicology assays. Bacterial mutagenicity assays. Plant cell mutagenicity assays. Mammalian cell mutagenicity assays in vitro and in vivo. In vivo assays in germ cells. The use of transgenic organisms in mutation assays. Structure-activity relationship (SAR). Toxicogenomic. New directions of genotoxicity research
• Genotoxicity testing strategies. Risk assessment. Good laboratory practice.
• Genotoxins in air, water, food. Antimutagens. Ecogenotoxicology. Nanogenotoxicology
• Genotoxicity studies in human populations. Prospective and retrospective epidemiological studies.
• Biomarkers. Biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility. Application of biomarkers for human risk assessment. Mutagens and carcinogens. Ethical problems in genetic studies.

Main literature

• Overview of the set of OECD Genetic Toxicology Test Guidelines. OECD Environment, Health and Safety Publications. Series on Testing and Assessment. No. 238. OECD, Paris, 2016
• R. Proudlock (Ed.). Genetic Toxicology Testing: A Laboratory Manual. Academic Press, 2016
• J. Lazutka. Genetinė toksikologija. Vilniaus universiteto leidykla: Vilnius, 2000
• M. J. Graziano, D. Jacobson-Kram (Eds.). Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity Testing of Pharmaceuticals. Springer, 2015

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Exam

or

written report and seminar presentation

During the exam, the candidate answers three open questions. Alternatively, candidates may prepare written report on selected topics and present it during the seminar.

Knowledge and skills are evaluated with points from 1 to 10. 10 (excellent) - excellent, exceptional knowledge and abilities; 9 (very good) - very good knowledge and abilities; 8 (good) - knowledge and abilities are above average (a student independently, reasonably, clearly states the essence of the given question, is well acquainted with the terminology of the taught subject); 7 (average) - average knowledge and abilities; there are few not essential mistakes (a student independently but incoherently and without justification sets out the essence of the question, uses the basic definitions of the subject); 6 (satisfactory) - knowledge and abilities are below average, there are mistakes (a student independently, but inconsistently, superficially, unclearly presents the essence of the question, understands the main definitions of the subject); 5 (weak) - knowledge and abilities meet the minimum requirements (a student independently but vaguely, without analysis, inconsistently presents the essence of the question, partially understands the basic definitions of the subject); 4,3,2,1 (insufficient) - the minimum requirements are not met.

Juozas Rimantas Lazutka

prof.

Veronika Dedonytė

Approved by the Council of Doctoral School of Life Sciences Center No (4.10)600000-KT-… on the 14th of October 2021

Chairman dr. Daiva Baltriukienė