Evaluation of the robustness of classification of carcinogen-modified transcriptomic responses in HepaRG cells and the interlaboratory reproducibility of the model

Efforts to develop alternatives which can at least partially replace some of the currently used in vivo tests are ongoing. The recently ended FP6 European project carcinoGENOMICS had the goal to use the combination of toxicogenomics and in vitro cell culture models for identification of genotoxic- and non-genotoxic carcinogen-specific gene signatures. In this study is presented a part of the outcome of the project and in particular the performance of the gene classifier derived after exposure of the HepaRG cell line to prototypical hepatocarcinogens. Upon analyzing the data at a gene and a pathway level by using diverse biostatistical approaches, a clear-cut separation of the genotoxic from the non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogens and non-carcinogens was achieved (up to 88% correct prediction). The most characteristic pathway for genotoxic exposure was DNA damage. Further to show the robustness of the HepaRG model, the interlaboratory reproducibility of 3 blindly tested compounds was assessed. The results showed between 20% and 35% reproducibility. The subsequent classification of the 3 blindly tested compounds resulted in correct prediction of the genotoxicant, whereas the other two compounds were misclassified. In conclusion, the combination of transcriptomics and HepaRG in vitro cell model provides a solid basis for the detection of the genotoxic potential of unknown chemicals.

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