The gpt delta rat system, first developed by Nohmi et al., contains lambda EG10 phage DNA (5-10 copies) integrated into chromosome 4 (F344 strain) or chromosome 1 (Wistar Hannover strain) . Key advancements:
Generation | Background Strain | Copy Number | Packaging Efficiency* | Homozygosity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Original | F344 | 5-10 | 1×10^5 pfu/reaction | Heterozygous |
WH-Homozygous | Wistar Hannover | ≥30 | 8×10^5 pfu/reaction | Homozygous |
*Measured via lambda phage packaging from liver genomic DNA
The model enables simultaneous analysis of:
gpt assay: 6-thioguanine selection for point mutations
Spi- assay: Deletion detection (>1kb) through gam/red gene inactivation
Experimental validation with mutagens:
*Significant increase vs control (p<0.01)
Detected liver GST-P+ foci formation in F344 gpt delta rats treated with hepatocarcinogens (aflatoxin B1, 2-AAF)
Identified dose-dependent suppression of colon tumors by silymarin (milk thistle extract) in DMH/DSS-induced carcinogenesis
Advantages over conventional models:
Simultaneous assessment of general toxicity and mutagenicity
89% concordance with carcinogenicity data in 56 chemical evaluations
Background mutation frequency varies by tissue (liver: 3.2×10^-6, kidney: 2.1×10^-6)
Requires 100-200 mg tissue samples for reliable phage packaging
Lower transgene recovery vs murine models (40% efficiency compared to mice)
The recombinant form of GPT from rats is a bioactive protein with a molecular weight of approximately 55 kDa . It is typically produced in E. coli and includes a His-tag for purification purposes . The enzyme consists of 496 amino acids and is found in various tissues, including the liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscles .
GPT’s primary function is to facilitate the reversible conversion of L-alanine and alpha-ketoglutarate to L-glutamate and pyruvate . This reaction is essential for the metabolism of nitrogen and the production of glucose in the liver. The enzyme’s activity is crucial for maintaining the balance of amino acids and energy production in cells .
GPT is widely used as a biomarker for liver function. Elevated levels of GPT in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer . It is also used in research to study various diseases and disorders, including liver disease, glucose intolerance, and viral hepatitis .
Recombinant GPT is used in various research applications, including enzyme activity assays, protein-protein interaction studies, and drug development . Its high purity and specific activity make it a valuable tool for studying the biochemical pathways involving amino acid metabolism and liver function .