Transgenic Mice in Carcinogenicity Testing

Abstract

The ability to transfer oncogenes into the germline of animals, which became available over 10 years ago has contributed to our understanding of the function of oncogenes and their role in genetic diseases and cancer.
Studies have been conducted with transgenics to assess the usefulness of transgenic mice in short term carcinogenicity testing. The next decade should bring about the characterisation of transgenic animal models that are susceptible to  carcinogens leading to a more rapid and precise categorisation of genotoxic carcinogens and to a better understanding of the role of genetic events in the process that results in cancer caused by chemical carcinogens.