DNA Damage Detection
We use a technology called “γ-H2AX assay” to count DNA damage caused by radiation and DNA damage in daily life.
DNA is a thread-like substance, but it resides in the nucleus of a cell in an aggregated state, wrapped around proteins called histones. There are several types of histone proteins, and one of them, H2AX, is phosphorylated when nearby DNA is damaged and takes the form of γ-H2AX. γ-H2AX assay is a method to count the number of DNA damages by visualizing this phosphorylated H2AX with fluorescent staining.
We use the gamma-H2AX assay to count the number of DNA damage in a few ml of blood to estimate the effects of radiation and other factors on the body. Currently, the amount of blood and analysis time required to perform this method will be reduced through further research and development, making it possible for many people to perform DNA damage assessment easily.