Methods of detecting radiation sensitivity - ATM mutations as a model for characterizing individual susceptibility (ATModelDirect)

Aim of the study

The aim of this study is to investigate individual sensitivity to ionizing radiation using at least three different methods: cell viability assay, Comet assay and chromosomal aberration (CA) assay.

Implementation

The study model (the ATM model) will include lymphoblastoid cell lines from breast cancer patients carrying previously characterized ATM mutations. ATM is known to be a major activator of cellular responses to DNA double-strand breaks and is involved in several signaling pathways including cell cycle control and mitotic recombination. At the cellular level, the AT heterozygotes have been shown to be intermediate in radiation sensitivity between normal and AT-deficient cells. The experiments will be conducted by using low LET- X-ray doses (100mGy, 1Gy, and 2Gy). These methods will be used also in studies of non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation: the NOTE-project ‘Individual sensitivity in non-targeted effects of radiation - ATM as a model for characterizing individual susceptibility (ATModel) 2009-2010.

Dissemination and exploitation of the results

The results are part of the NOTE-project and will be reported accordingly.

Collaborators

Oulu University hospital and the University of Oulu, Finland

Timetable

2009–2010

Responsible scientist

Virpi Launonen

Page updated 12/06/2009