Induction of Germline Mutation at Minisatellite Loci by Environmental Factors

摘要

The results of this study show that minisatellite loci can be used as a reliable bio-monitoring system for assessing mammalian germline mutation induction. Thus the ability of minisatellites to reflect radiation-induced damage in DNA at premeiotic stages of spermatogenesis makes them a useful marker for long-term radiation exposure, including chronic exposure. In sharp contrast to previously used genetic systems, elevated germline mutation rates at minisatellites can be detected in very small population samples and at relatively low doses of chronic and acute exposure to low- and high-LET radiation. In most cases the pattern of mutation induction at mouse minisatellites is close to that obtained by the specific-locus test, historically the most efficient system for studying mutations in mice. If the elevated minisatellite mutation rate proportionally reflects the amount of DNA damage induced by ionising radiation, then the system described here is clearly a very efficient means of monitoring radiation-induced germline mutation in mammals.