Grantee Research Project Results
Isolation and Characterization of Plant-Activated Environmental Arylamines
EPA Grant Number: R823184Title: Isolation and Characterization of Plant-Activated Environmental Arylamines
Investigators: Plewa, Michael J.
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: September 18, 1995 through September 17, 1998
Project Amount: $300,392
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Biology (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Biology/Life Sciences , Human Health , Aquatic Ecosystems
Description:
The purpose of this project is to investigate the mechanisms of the metabolic activation of arylamine promutagens and procarcinogens. Arylamines such as the phenylenediamines, 4-aminobiphenyl, benzidine, 2-aminofluorene and others can be converted into stable, high molecular weight mutagenic products by cultured plant cells as well as intact plants. Plant peroxidases are essential in the metabolic transformation of these chemicals into their mutagenic forms. These plant-activated mutagenic products are substrates for bacterial or human N/O-acetyltransferases and nitroreductases. These activated metabolites are sequestered by plant systems into high molecular weight products that exceed 300 kDa and can induce genetic damage in bacterial tester strains as well as in cultured mammalian cells. These data suggest that the global plant biomass may sequester environmental contaminants that may be recycled and enter the food chain and induce a negative impact upon the environment and the public health. These data will provide information that may be used to model the role of chemical contaminants on the plant kingdom and their possible adverse environmental effects.Supplemental Keywords:
Scientific Discipline, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Biology, chemical characteristics, food chain, bacteria monitoring, plant activated arylamines, plant peroxidases, carcinogens, metabolic activationProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.