The validity of the established OECD genotoxicity testing protocols is under scrutiny for nanomaterials because their unique physico-chemical properties can result in unexpected interactions with experimental components that generate misleading data-sets. This is problematic as a battery of reliable in vitro assays assessing multiple genotoxicity endpoints is required to minimise extensive in vivo testing. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for a systematic approach to develop a robust in vitro genotoxicity testing strategy to ensure consistency and reliability when evaluating nanomaterials. Specific recommendations to facilitate such standardisation to enhance in vitro genotoxicity test systems will be presented. Additionally, the application of 3D tissue constructs for genotoxicity testing will be highlighted as these models may provide substantial benefits in bridging the in vitro to in vivo gap for hazard assessment.
Shareen Doak is Professor of Genotoxicology and Cancer in Swansea University Medical School where she leads the In Vitro Toxicology Group. Shareen is a UK and EUROTOX Registered Toxicologist, an invited Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and an elected Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (FLSW).
Shareen Coordinates the 13 Million Euro H2020 PATROLS project (www.patrols-h2020.eu) and is Director of the 12 Million Euro Celtic Advanced Life Science Innovation Network (CALIN), an Ireland-Wales INTERREG operation established to build an innovation bridge between Wales and Ireland in life sciences (www.calin.wales).
Shareen's research interests focus on the genotoxic profiles of engineered nanomaterials, the mechanisms underlying their DNA damaging potential and subsequent consequences upon human health. Her interests extend to the development of advanced 3D culture models and mechanism-based bioassays for safety assessment to reduce the need for animal testing. While her prostate cancer research focuses on understanding the molecular basis of progression to invasive, aggressive disease; with an ultimate aim of identifying a prognostic biomarker panel for improved clinical management of patients.