Chromosomal instability in unirradiated cells induced in vivo by a bystander effect of ionizing radiation.
Using a bone marrow transplantation protocol in which we transplanted a mixture of irradiated and nonirradiated bone marrow cells that were distinguishable by a cytogenetic marker, we have demonstrated chromosomal instability in the progeny of nonirradiated hemopoietic stem cells. This first demonstration of a link between a bystander effect of ionizing radiation and the induction of genomic instability in vivo clearly poses a major challenge to current views of the mechanisms of radiation-induced DNA damage with mechanistic implications for the health consequences of radiation exposure particularly in the context of the induction of malignancy.
Watson
G E
GE
Radiation and Genome Stability Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
Lorimore
S A
SA
Macdonald
D A
DA
Wright
E G
EG
D000818:Animals; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D009502:Neutrons; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000528:radiation effects