Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Measuring DNA Damage and Repair in Mouse Splenocytes After Chronic In Vivo Exposure to Very Low Doses of Beta- and Gamma-Radiation
Published on: July 3, 2015
Cell and tissue responses to genotoxic stress
Philip J Coates1, Sally A Lorimore, Eric G Wright
1Cancer Biology and Clinical Pathology Unit, Division of Pathology and Neurosciences, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. p.j.coates@dundee.ac.uk
Cancer develops from accumulated mutations caused by cellular stress. Cell and tissue-specific DNA repair and microenvironment changes influence tumor susceptibility and progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancers result from accumulated genetic mutations disrupting cellular regulation.
- Cellular stress can cause oncogenic mutations, initiating cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sources of cellular stress causing mutations and cellular responses to DNA damage.
- To assess cell- and tissue-specific responses to genotoxins and their role in tumor susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on DNA damage, repair pathways, and cellular responses.
- Assessment of evidence for cell- and tissue-specific p53 activation and mediators.
- Evaluation of the role of the microenvironment in genotoxin-induced tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- Cellular and tissue-specific responses to DNA damage, including p53-mediated growth arrest and apoptosis, vary.
- Genetic variations influence these responses, impacting tissue-specific tumor susceptibility.
- Genotoxic agents can alter the microenvironment, promoting tumorigenesis through inflammation-like processes.
Conclusions:
- Tumor susceptibility is determined by a balance between cell-intrinsic DNA repair and microenvironment alterations.
- Understanding these specific responses and genetic modifiers can inform novel cancer prevention and therapy strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of DNA Repair
Chemically...
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
Overview of DNA Repair
Chemically...
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Cellular Injury I: Introduction

