The effect of repair-gene polymorphisms on DNA-damage in a population exposed to ionising radiation

Aim of study

The aim of the study is to investigate the role of individual susceptibility factors on the yield of chromosomal aberrations from the blood samples obtained from the Estonian Chernobyl cleanup workers.

Implementation

The yield of chromosomal aberrations will be evaluated in the Estonian males who participated in the cleaning operations after the Chernobyl accident. The work involves aberration analysis applying FISH chromosome painting of about 300 exposed and 100 controls whose lymphocyte samples are available. Analysis of more than half of the samples has been performed. Translocation frequencies can be used as a retrospective dosimeter. Other factors may also influence the frequency of translocations, in which substantial individual variation has been observed. Individual differences in DNA may be one of the sources for the variation. The samples will be genotyped with respect to polymorphisms occurring in DNA repair and cell cycle control genes and the association between polymorphisms, other confounders and the yield of translocations will be assessed.

Dissemination and exploitation of results

The research results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and they form a part of a doctoral thesis. The different genotypes may help in explaining the large individual differences in translocation yields and indirectly the results may also help understanding low-dose risks.

Collaborator

National Institute of Health Development, Estonia

Timetable

2004–2010

Responsible scientist

Carita Lindholm

Page updated 06/06/2009