Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Automation of the Micronucleus Assay Using Imaging Flow Cytometry and Artificial Intelligence
Published on: January 27, 2023
Development of a high-throughput γ-H2AX assay based on imaging flow cytometry
Younghyun Lee1,2, Qi Wang3, Igor Shuryak3
1Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA. younghyun.lee.0123@gmail.com.
This study developed a rapid, high-throughput imaging flow cytometry assay to measure DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair kinetics. The assay quantifies individual radiosensitivity, aiding precision medicine in radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Gamma-H2AX foci levels are a sensitive indicator of radiation-induced DNA damage response.
- Quantifying DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair kinetics is crucial for understanding cellular response to ionizing radiation.
- Existing methods for DSB repair assessment can be time-consuming and lack high-throughput capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, high-throughput gamma-H2AX assay using imaging flow cytometry (IFC).
- To evaluate DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair kinetics in human peripheral blood cells post-irradiation.
- To establish a platform for assessing individual radiosensitivity and predicting radiotherapy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Optimized a gamma-H2AX protocol for small blood volumes (100 μL) in a 96-tube format.
- Utilized the ImageStream®X Mk II (ISX) platform with INSPIRE™ software for lymphocyte identification and capture.
- Analyzed gamma-H2AX levels and foci using Data Exploration and Analysis Software.
Main Results:
- IFC system successfully measured dose- and time-dependent gamma-H2AX levels over 24 hours.
- Gamma-H2AX fluorescence intensity showed a linear dose response (R² = 0.98) at 1 hour post-exposure.
- Mathematical modeling of gamma-H2AX decay revealed individual differences in DNA repair capacity among donors.
Conclusions:
- The IFC-based gamma-H2AX assay offers a practical, high-throughput method for measuring global DNA DSB repair capacity.
- This assay can facilitate precision medicine by predicting individual radiosensitivity.
- Potential to improve radiotherapy treatment planning and reduce adverse effects.
More Related Videos
10:19High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum
Published on: November 23, 2013
08:23An Automated Microscopic Scoring Method for the γ-H2AX Foci Assay in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Published on: December 25, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Flow Cytometry
In...
Gene Flow
Sustainable Development
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Development of the Heart
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...