title: Use of a dual-labelled oligonucleotide as a DNA dosemeter for radiological exposure detection.
abstract: A reporter molecule consisting of a synthetic oligonucleotide is being characterised for a novel damage detection scenario for its potential use as a field-deployable, personal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) dosemeter for radiation detection. This dosemeter is devoid of any biological properties other than being naked DNA and therefore has no DNA repair capabilities. It supports biodosimetry techniques, which require lengthy analysis of cells from irradiated individuals, and improves upon inorganic dosimetry, thereby providing for a more relevant means of measuring the accumulated dose from a potentially mixed-radiation field. Radiation-induced single strand breaks (SSBs) within the DNA result in a quantifiable fluorescent signal. Proof of concept has been achieved over 250 mGy-10 Gy dose range in radiation fields from ⁶⁰Co, with similar results seen using a linear accelerator X-ray source. Further refinements to both the molecule and the exposure/detection platform are expected to lead to enhanced levels of detection for mixed-field radiological events.
authors.affiliation: Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7K 7B4.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McDermott
authors.forename: L G I
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Avarmaa
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Corcoran
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Prud'homme-Lalonde
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Boudreau
authors.forename: J-F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Gravel
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drolet
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Schreiner
authors.forename: J R M
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Pierre
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blagoeva
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Veres
mesh_terms: D001681:Biological Assay / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D004247:DNA