title: Sensitivity, specificity, and persistence of chromosome translocations for radiation biodosimetry.
abstract: The analysis of chromosome translocations by fluorescence in situ hybridization ("whole chromosome painting") is the gold standard endpoint for radiation biological dosimetry. Translocation formation requires mis-repair of two or more DNA double-strand breaks, a critical class of damage that is efficiently induced by ionizing radiation in a dose-responsive manner. Translocations are widely used for radiation exposure assessment because they provide a sensitive detection system for low doses, show good specificity for radiation exposure, persist for decades, and are highly relevant to tumorigenesis. This paper provides a brief evaluation of the use of translocation analyses by chromosome painting for biological dosimetry following chronic or low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation.
authors.affiliation: Biology and Biotechnology Research Program, 7000 East Avenue, P.O. Box 808, L-448, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Tucker
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014178:Translocation, Genetic