To
determine the similarities and differences between genetic
damage caused by low level ionizing radiation and that which
occurs naturally as a byproduct of normal metabolic processes
Project
Goals:
Test the hypothesis that low level ionizing radiation produces
biological effects fundamentally different from those caused
by endogenous oxidative damage
Determine
if the effects from the generation of reactive oxygen species-
whether produced form low-level ionizing radiation or aerobic
metabolism- are being masked or distorted when tested in
environments with high levels of oxygen, such as those encountered
during in vitro radiobiological experiments
Experimental Approach:
Cellular
response to low level ionizing radiation is characterized
by the generation of reactive oxygen species; however, these
species are also produced during aerobic metabolism. Using
physiological oxygen levels as a control, in vitro experiments,
conducted under a wide range of oxygen pressures (from 2.5
to 95% O2), will compare and contrast genetic damage from
exposure to elevated levels of oxygen and that produced from
exposure to low level ionizing radiation.
Expected Outcomes:
Provide
a rationale for radiation protection concepts
Determine
if there are differences in "normal" oxidative
damage and that produced by low level ionizing radiation
Examine
if important cellular responses, such as bystander effects,
the adaptive response, and genomic instability, can be induced
by low dose radiation without the additional oxidative species
produced normally
