Texas A&M University
Superfund Basic Research Program
Procedures To Assess The Hazards Of A Superfund Site

Project 2

Genotoxicity

Project Investigator: Kirby C. Donnelly

This project is focused on the genotoxicity of complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mixtures, including coal tar or petroleum waste; and mixtures of PAHs and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs), such as wood-preserving waste. Microbial genotoxicity assays are being used to characterize mutagenicity of complex mixtures and their ability to inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication.

In addition, formation of DNA adducts in vivo, induction of Phase I and Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes and modulation of p53, p21, or Gadd45 protein expression following exposure to PAH and PAH/HAH mixtures is also being determined. These genotoxicity studies have identified key genotoxic PAH contaminants, and also determined potential interactions with HAHs which often co-occur at Superfund sites.

Bap Adduct Formation Bap adduct formation in p53 knockout and wild-type mice

Highlights

  • The pattern of in vitro ERa activation by synthetic and phytochemical-based estrogenic compounds suggests that these chemicals may exhibit "unique" in vivo biologies.
  • HPTE and some structurally-related methoxychlor metabolites exhibit ERa agonist and ERb antagonist responses.