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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Oligopeptide Competition Assay for Phosphorylation Site Determination
Published on: May 18, 2017
Determination of Phosphorylated Histone H2AX in Nanoparticle-Induced Genotoxic Studies
Rong Wan1,2, Yiqun Mo2, Ruirui Tong1
1Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), one of the most severe lesions of DNA damage triggered by various genotoxic insults, can lead to chromosome change, genomic instability, and even tumorigenesis if not repaired efficiently. In response to DNA damage, histone H2AX molecules are rapidly phosphorylated at serine 139 near the site of DNA DSBs and form γ-H2AX foci. As an early important cellular event linked to DNA damage and repair, γ-H2AX is a highly sensitive biomarker for "monitoring" DNA damage and consequently is a useful tool in genetic toxicology screen. We and other researchers have used γ-H2AX as a marker to assess the potential genotoxic effects of some nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. In this chapter, we describe several useful methods for γ-H2AX detection, which can be used to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of nanoparticles.
Insights
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are severe DNA damage. Detecting gamma-H2AX foci, a biomarker for DSBs, helps assess nanoparticle genotoxicity and monitor DNA repair.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are critical DNA lesions.
- Unrepaired DSBs can cause genomic instability and cancer.
- Histone H2AX phosphorylation (forming γ-H2AX foci) is an early response to DSBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for detecting γ-H2AX.
- To evaluate γ-H2AX as a biomarker for nanoparticle genotoxicity.
- To aid in genetic toxicology screening.
Main Methods:
- γ-H2AX detection assays.
- Assessment of nanoparticle genotoxic effects in vitro and in vivo.
- Utilizing γ-H2AX foci as a sensitive indicator of DNA damage.
Main Results:
- γ-H2AX is a sensitive biomarker for DNA damage.
- γ-H2AX detection can reveal genotoxic effects of nanoparticles.
- Methods described are useful for evaluating genotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- γ-H2AX is a valuable tool for monitoring DNA damage.
- γ-H2AX detection facilitates the assessment of nanoparticle safety.
- This approach aids in genetic toxicology screening.
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