Fundamentals Of Genetic Toxicology In The Pharmaceutical Industry Sept 2010

Fundamentals of Genetic Toxicology in the

Pharmaceutical Industry

Prepared by:

David Amacher, Ph.D, DABT

www.tigertox.com

What is Genetic Toxicology? Genetic Toxicology refers to the assessment of the

deleterious effects of chemicals or physical agents on the hereditary material and related genetic processes of living cells.

By altering the integrity and function of DNA1 at the gene or chromosomal level, the damage can lead to heritable mutations ultimately resulting in genetic disorders, congenital defects, or cancer.

Targets of DNA damage include somatic cells (detrimental to the exposed individual), germinal cells (potentially heritable effects), and mitochondria (detrimental to the exposed individual & progeny via maternal inheritance).

1 DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid2

DeletionsRearrangementsBreaks

Genotoxic Classification Scheme

3

Microlesions

Base-pair substitution mutations

Frameshift mutations

Macrolesions[cytologically

visible]

Numerical changes in

chromosomes

Stuructural changes in chromosomes

Mutation

[Qualitative change in 1 or a few

nucleotide pairs]

[Quantitative change in 1 or a few nucleotide

pairs]

Diagram from Bruswick, D.J. Alterations of germ cells leading to mutagenesis and their detection. Environ. Health Perspect. 24(1978):105-112.

Mechanisms for Genetic Damage

Genotoxic chemicals produce genetic damage at subtoxic levels.

The types of DNA1 damage produced include: single- & double-strand breaks, crosslinks between DNA bases and proteins, and chemical additions to the DNA bases (adducts).

DNA replication itself can introduce errors via incorrect base substitution, a process that can be exacerbated by some genotoxic agents.

1 DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid

4

Types of Genetic Damage Base substitution: The replacement of the correct

nucleotide by an incorrect one. A transition involves a change of a purine for a purine or a

pyrimidine for a pyrimidine A transversion involves a change of a purine for a pyrimidine or

vice versa.

Frame shift mutation: The addition or deletion of one or a few base pairs (not in multiples of 3 [codon]) in protein-coding regions.

Structural chromosome aberrations: For non-radiomimetic chemicals, these can arise from errors of DNA replication on a damaged template. Radiomimetic chemicals can directly induce strand breaks.

5

Types of Genetic Damage

Numerical chromosome changes: Numerical aberrations are those involving non-diploid variations

in chromosome number in the nucleus. Monosomies, trisomies, & other ploidy changes arise from errors

in chromosome segregation. Aneuploidy (numerical deviation of the modal chromosome

number) can result from the effects of chemicals on tubulin

polymerization or spindle microtubule stability.

Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE): SCE can be produced during S phase as a consequence of

errors in the replication process and are apparently reciprocal exchanges

6

DNA Repair DNA enzymatic repair mechanisms developed to maintain

fidelity and integrity of genetic information

Enzymes are able to remove and replace damaged segments of DNA

Particularly useful during low-level exposure where excision repair enzymes are not fully saturated by excessive DNA damage

Stimulation of repair activity following treatment at sublethal concentrations can indicate presence of DNA-directed toxicity

Cells in S phase* (DNA synthesis) are most susceptible to genetic injury because they have less time to repair the damage prior to mitosis.* See supplemental slides at end of slide deck.

7

DNA Repair Mechanisms

Base excision repair: To repair DNA1 base damages: A glycosylase removes the damaged base producing an apurinic or

apyrimidinic site, A DNA polymerase fills the gap with the appropriate base A ligase seals the repaired patch.

Nucleotide excision repair: To remove bulky lesions from DNA, a process involving as many as 30 proteins to remove damaged oligonucleotides from DNA in steps involving damage recognition, incision, excision, repair synthesis, and ligation.

1 DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid

8

DNA Repair Mechanisms Double-strand break repair: These are homologous

recombination or nonhomologous end-joining processes which repair broken chromosomes. Homologous recombination steps include:

Exonuclease or helicase activity produces a 3’-ended single-stranded tail.

“Holliday junction DNA complex” is formed via strand invasion. This junction is cleaved to produce two DNA molecules, neither containing a strand break.

A second mechanism, the nonhomologous end-joining processes, involves a DNA-dependent protein kinase.

Unrepaired breaks result in checked cell cycle progression or the induction of apoptosis.

9

DNA Repair Mechanisms

Mismatch repair: Mismatched bases can be formed during DNA replication, genetic recombination, or chemically-induced DNA damage. A specific protein recognizes & binds to the mismatch and additional proteins stabilize it. This is followed by excision, resynthesis, and ligation.

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase repair: By transferring methyl groups from O6-methylguanine in affected DNA, this repair mechanism protects against simple aklylating agents.

10

Testing Requirements The fundamental purpose of genetic toxicology testing is to safeguard the human

gene pool from chemical damage. There are two basic types of screening assays: (1) tests for gene mutations, (2) tests for chromosomal aberrations.

A gene mutation assay is generally considered sufficient to support all single-dose clinical trials1. In support of multiple-dose clinical trials, 2 batteries of tests, Option 1 and Option 2, are described2. Option 2, if selected, should be completed prior to first human use in multiple-dose studies1. The in vitro components of Option 1, if selected, should be completed prior to first multiple-dose human studies1. The in vivo component of Option 1 should be completed prior to Phase 21.

If an equivocal or positive finding occurs, additional tests should be performed as described in S2(R1)2,3 & by the FDA4.

The standard battery of tests [S2(R1)]2 should be completed prior to the initiation of Phase II studies. Testing must be GLP-compliant (21 CFR part 55).

1 ICH Harmonized Tripartite Guideline M3(R2) Nonclinical Safety Studies for the Conduct of Human Clinical Trials and Marketing Authorization for Pharmaceuticals. (Final, January 2010).

(http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm073246.pdf )

2 ICH Harmonized Tripartite Guideline. Guideline for Industry: S2(R1) Genotoxicity Testing and Data Interpretation for Pharmaceuticals Intended for Human Use (Step 3, March 2008). (http://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/index.htm)

3 See also supplemental slides.

4 FDA Guidance for Industry and Review Staff Recommended Approaches to Integration of Genetic Toxicology Study Results (January, 2006). (http://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/6848fnl.pdf).

11

12

Special Requirements for Testing during Preclinical Drug Development

If positive or equivocal findings are found in vitro, then in vivo genetic tox tests are required prior to Phase I.

For women of child bearing potential, pregnant women, children, and for compounds bearing structural alerts, both in vitro and in vivo genetic tox assays must be completed prior to any clinical trials.

FDA & EMA require phototoxicity testing by systemic or cutaneous applications of drugs that absorb light & penetrate into skin in relevant concentrations.

FDA = US Food and Drug Administration; EMA = European Medicines Agency

12

Examples of Genetic Toxicology Assays

Gene Mutations Chromosome Damage Primary DNA Damage

Salmonella Mammalian Microsome (Ames) Assay *‡

In vitro metaphase chromosomal aberrations * †

Transformation Assays (BALB/c or SHE)

Mouse Lymphoma TK Assay (MLA) *†

In vitro micronucleus test

Comet Assay for DNA strand breakage (in vitro & in vivo)

CHO/HGPRT Assay In vivo metaphase chromosomal aberrations

Alkaline Elution Assay for DNA strand breakage

Transgenic Assays (e.g. Big Blue® mouse & rat, Muta™ Mouse, lacZ plasmid mouse)

In vivo micronucleus test * ‡

Unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) (in vitro & in vivo).

DNA covalent binding assay

13

CHO = Chinese Hamster Ovary, HGPRT = hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase gene in CHO cells, SHE = Syrian Hamster Embryo, BALB = BALB/3T3 cell transformation assay, Comet = also called single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)., DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid.* ICH S2B assay‡ Good correlation with carcinogenicity (see: Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 44:83-96, 2006)† Poor correlation with carcinogenicity (see: Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 44:83-96, 2006)

The standard test battery

Assessment in a bacterial reverse mutation assay. These assays detect the majority of genotoxic rodent and human carcinogens. Bacterial mutagens are detected by selecting tester

strains that detect base substitution & frameshift point mutations. Bacterial mutation assays for base pair substation and frameshift point mutations include the following base set of strains:

• TA98; TA100; TA1535; TA1537 or TA97 or TA97a; TA102 or E. coli WP2 uvrA or E. coli WP2 uvrA (pKM101).

14

The standard test battery

Evaluation in mammalian cells in vitro and/or in vivo In vitro mammalian cell systems include: Mouse

lymphoma L5178Y cells, Chinese hamster cells, primary rat hepatocytes, & human peripheral lymphocytes.

In vivo tests provide additional relevant ADME factors. Commonly used in vivo systems include: Rodent bone marrow or lymphocytes following in vivo exposure, rat liver or other target organs following in vivo exposure, & transgenic mice.

ADME = absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion

15ADME = absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Assays for Detecting DNA Damage & Repair

Chromososmal aberrations are assayed in vitro by metaphase analysis in cultured cells and in vivo by metaphase analysis of rodent bone marrow or lymphocytes. Chromosomal structural or numerical changes are detected in vitro via cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay in human lymphocytes or mammalian cell lines and in vivo by the micronucleus assay in rodent bone marrow or blood.

In mammalian cells, DNA1 repair is commonly assayed by measuring unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). Also, comparisons of a test chemical in DNA repair-deficient vs. DNA repair-proficient bacteria strains (e.g., E. coli polA- & polA+ or Bacillis subtilis rec- & rec+) is another indirect use of DNA repair for the detection of DNA damage.

1 DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid.

16

Assays for Detecting DNA Damage & Repair

Standardized assays are used to identify germ-cell mutagens, somatic-cell mutagens, and potential carcinogens through the detection of gene mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and/or aneuploidy following chemical exposure.

Direct measures of DNA damage involve the detection of chemical adducts or DNA strand breaks.

Indirect assays measure DNA repair processes.

Assays for bulky DNA adducts include: the 32P-postlabeling assay. DNA strand-breakage assays include alkaline elution assay and

electrophoretic methods. Single-cell gel electrophoresis (the Comet assay) is now widely

used to measure DNA damage.

17

Options for the standard battery

Option 1A test for gene mutation in bacteria.

A cytogenetic test for chromosomal damage (choice of three)

An in vivo test for chromosome damage using rodent hematopoietic cells (either micronuclei or chromosomal aberrations in metaphase cells).

18

Options for the standard battery

Option 2 A test for gene mutation in bacteria.

An in vivo assessment with two tissues (e.g., micronuclei using rodent hematopoietic cells + a second in vivo assay (e.g., liver UDS1 assay, transgenic mouse assay, Comet assay, etc.)

For compounds giving negative results, the completion of either test battery (Options 1 or 2), performed and evaluated as recommended, will usually suffice with no further testing required.

1 UDS = unscheduled DNA synthesis.

19

Outcomes & Follow-up

If results from any of the 3 assays in the ICH1 genotoxicty standard battery are positive, complete a 4th test from the ICH battery to confirm.

Equivocal studies should be repeated to determine reproducibility.

If a positive response is seen in 1 or more assays, the sponsor should choose from the following options: (a) weight of evidence decision, (b) mechanism of action decision, or (c) conduct additional supporting studies.

1 ICH = International Conference for Harmonization

20

Confounding Factors

Examples of some experimental factors that may produce study artifacts: Accelerated erythropoiesis (micronucleus assay)

Non-physiological conditions (mammalian cells)

Positive only @ highly cytotoxic concentrations (in vitro assays)

Presence of mutagenic impurities or precursors

Pharmacologically related indirect threshold mechanisms

Metabolic differences between “induced” rat S9 (overrepresentation of CYP1A & 2B enzymes) vs. human cells

Non-DNA thresholds

S9 = metabolic activation, CYP = cytochrome P-450 enzymes, DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid.

21

22

Rationale for Early Genetic Toxicology Evaluation (Screening Assays)

Frequently, presumptive mutagens are dropped from development. If continued, potential clastogens require disclosure & consent in clinical trials, unfavorable labeling, & can result in diminished market potential.

Mutagenicity pre-screening in drug discovery/lead optimization can identify potential mutagens & remove them from development at an early stage.

Early in vitro clastogenicity screening can facilitate the efficient planning of follow-up in vivo testing. The latter can often be integrated into other toxicity studies to expedite preclinical development and reduce cost.

22

23

Discovery/Lead Optimization Screening Assays

Non-GLP Assays can be used at early stages in drug discovery to select chemical candidates for further development.

Early screening assay advantages include:Low cost

Rapid turn-around time

Require minimal amounts of test articles

Can be highly predictive

23

Rapid Pre-screening Methods Examples of Modified or High-throughput methods for

early screening include: Computer-assisted (in silico) SAR methods for predictive toxicity

screening1 Modified assays such as the in vitro assessment of micronucleus

induction in CHO cells2 , the Ames II assay (TA98 & TAMix), the in vitro Comet assay3, or well-based (e.g. ,96- or 384-well format) modifications of the yeast DEL assay4

Proprietary assays such as Vitotox™ (mutagenicity), RadarScreen®

(clastogenicity), & GreenScreen® GC5

1 Mohan et al. Mini Rev. Med. Chem. 7(5): 499-507, 2007.

2 Jacobson-Kram & Contrera Toxicol. Sci. 96(1): 16-20, 2007.

3 Witte et al. Toxicol. Sci. 97: 21-26, 2007

4 Schoonen et al. EXS 99: 401-452, 2009.

5 Hontzeas et al. Mutat. Res. 634(1-2): 228-234, 2007.

SAR = structure-activity relationship; CHO = Chinese Hamster Ovary.

24

Suggested sources for further reading

Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Risk Assessment by Wai Nang Choy. 1st edition, 2001, Informa Healthcare.

Genetic Toxicology by R. Julian Preston & George R. Hoffman in: Toxicology. The Basic Science of Poisons. 7th edition, Curtis D. Klassen editor, 2008, McGraw-Hill.

Genetic Toxicology by Donald L. Putnam et al. in: Toxicological Testing Handbook: Principles, Applications, and Data Interpretation. 2nd edition, David Jacobson-Kram & Kit A. Keller editors, 2006, Informa Healthcare.

Genetic Toxicology by David Brusick in: Principles & Methods of Toxicology. 5th edition, Wallace A Hayes editor, 2007, Informa Healthcare.

25

Further Information

About the Author:

David Amacher is a senior investigative and biochemical toxicologist with extensive experience in the safety evaluation of human and animal health products. Dr. Amacher is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, a Fellow of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry, and serves as an Assistant Research Professor of Toxicology and Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of the University of Connecticut. His professional affiliations include memberships in the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Society of Toxicology, American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics, American Association of Clinical Chemistry, and the American College of Toxicology.

An accompanying commentary on historical and current perspectives on genetic toxicology, assay predictivity and shortcomings, regulatory guidance, and high-throughput screens to enhance preclinical drug safety can be found at ToxInsights (http://www.tigertox.com/2010/09/20/genetic-toxicology-historical-and-current-perspectives/).

26

Supplemental

Slides

27

Mammalian Somatic Cell Cycle

• G1 (interphase) – energy stores replenished & daughter cell growth

• S phase (DNA synthesis) – DNA is duplicated in process of replication.

• G2 – energy reserves restored.

• Mitosis - DNA is divided into two identical sets before the cell divides.

• Cytokinesis - the division of the cytoplasm of a parent cell. It occurs at the end of Mitosis or the beginning of Interphase.

28

Referenced from http://bit.ly/byhKxT on 19 Sept 2010.Meiosis, which occurs only in germ cells, is the process of nuclear division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half.

Genotoxicity ICH Regulatory Guidelines

ICH Harmonized Tripartite Guideline S2(R1). Genotoxicity Testing and Data Interpretation for Pharmaceuticals Intended for Human Use (Step 3, March 2008).

This guidance replaces and combines the ICH S2A & S2B guidelines. The revised guidance describes internationally agreed upon standards for follow-up testing & interpretation of positive findings in vitro & in vivo in the standard genetic toxicology battery, including assessment of non-relevant findings.

29