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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
06:53
Quantification of γH2AX Foci in Response to Ionising Radiation
Published on: April 7, 2010
GammaH2AX and cancer
William M Bonner1, Christophe E Redon, Jennifer S Dickey
1Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. bonnerw@mail.nih.gov
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|November 14, 2008
Summary
Detecting gammaH2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), aids in cancer detection and treatment. This sensitive marker helps monitor therapy effectiveness and develop new anticancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Histone H2AX phosphorylation creates gammaH2AX, a key indicator of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).
- DSBs are implicated in cancer development and are also a target for cancer cell death induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of gammaH2AX detection for assessing DNA double-strand breaks.
- To explore the potential applications of gammaH2AX in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing gammaH2AX detection as a sensitive marker.
- Quantifying the extent of DSB induction through gammaH2AX analysis.
Main Results:
- GammaH2AX serves as a sensitive biomarker for DNA double-strand breaks.
- The detection of gammaH2AX has broad implications for cancer management.
Conclusions:
- GammaH2AX detection is valuable for identifying precancerous cells and staging cancers.
- Monitoring gammaH2AX levels can guide cancer therapy monitoring and novel drug development.
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