Recommended protocol for the Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) Cell Transformation Assay

The Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay (CTA) is a short-term in vitro assay recommended as an alternative method for testing the carcinogenic potential of chemicals. SHE cells are “normal” cells since they are diploid, genetically stable, non-tumorigenic, and have metabolic capabilities for the activation of some classes of carcinogens. The CTA, first developed in the 60’s by Berwald and Sachs (1963, 1965), is based on the change of the phenotypic feature of cell colonies expressing the first steps of the conversion of normal to neoplastic-like cells with oncogenic properties. Pienta (1977) developed a protocol using cryopreserved cells to enhance the robustness of the assay. Several variants of the assay are currently in use, which mainly differ by the pH at which the assay is performed. We present here the common version of the SHE pH 6.7 CTA and SHE pH 7.0 CTA protocols used in the ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) prevalidation study on CTA reported in this issue (Pant et al. and Maire et al. for the SHE pH 6.7 and SHE pH 7.0 CTAs, respectively). It is recommended that this protocol, in combination with the photo catalogues presented in this issue (Bohnenberger et al. and Maire et al. for the SHE pH 6.7 and SHE pH 7.0 CTAs, respectively), should be used in the future and serve as a basis for the development of the OECD test guideline.

MAIRE Marie-Aline;  PANT Kamala;  PHRAKONKHAM Pascal;  POTH Albrecht;  SCHWIND Karl-Rainer;  RAST Claudine;  BRUCE Shannon Wilson;  SLY Jamie E.;  BOHNENBERGER Susanne;  KUNKELMANN Thorsten;  SCHULZ Markus;  VASSEUR Paule; 

2018-03-13

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

JRC66211

1383-5718,   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383571811003639?via%3Dihub,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC66211,   

10.1016/j.mrgentox.2011.12.010,