title: Radiation exposure assessment using cytological and molecular biomarkers.
abstract: Chromosome aberration analysis is the conventional means of assessing radiation exposure. The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute recently established an alternative method to measure radiation-induced chromosome aberrations in interphase cells. The method uses commercially available chemical agents to induce premature chromosome condensation in resting' G0 human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Then specific whole-chromosome DNA probes are used with fluorescence in situ hybridisation to detect aberrant cells rapidly over a broad dose range. In new research, the real-time fluorogenic 5'-nuclease, or TaqMan, polymerase chain reaction assay is being used to identify radiation-responsive molecular biomarkers, including gene expression targets and DNA mutations. The goal is to establish rapid, precise, high-throughput assay systems that are practical in a variety of radiation exposure scenarios. The new methodologies that have a number of other applications, together with diagnostic software now in development, could improve the United States military's emergency response capability and medical readiness.
authors.affiliation: AFRRI/ACR 8901 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA. blakely@afrri.usuhs.mil
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Blakely
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Prasanna
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Grace
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D015720:5'-Nucleotidase / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015720:5'-Nucleotidase; C501009:HRAS protein, human; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)