Induction of inheritable DNA mutations by prenatal exposure to carbon-based nanoparticles

Exposure to air pollution leads to induction of mutations in male germline cells in male mice and herring gulls. This indicates that exposure to air pollution gives inheritable DNA mutations, which may be linked to increased risk of cancer or malformation.

It is not possible to assess the effect of particle exposure on germline DNA in adult females, because all the eggs are already established during fetal development in the mother. Thus, the effects of exposure on female germline cells have to be assessed with in utero exposure.

Carbon nanotubes and other nanomaterials will gain widespread use in the near future, leading to a low-level, but widespread exposure to CNT containing materials as dust or food contaminants.

In the present project we want to assess if in utero exposure to nanoparticles results in germline DNA instability in males and females.