The RABiT: high-throughput technology for assessing global DSB repair

Radiat Environ Biophys. 2014 May;53(2):265-72. doi: 10.1007/s00411-014-0514-0. Epub 2014 Jan 30.

Abstract

At the Center for High-Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry, we have developed a rapid automated biodosimetry tool (RABiT); this is a completely automated, ultra-high-throughput robotically based biodosimetry workstation designed for use following a large-scale radiological event, to perform radiation biodosimetry measurements based on a fingerstick blood sample. High throughput is achieved through purpose built robotics, sample handling in filter-bottomed multi-well plates and innovations in high-speed imaging and analysis. Currently, we are adapting the RABiT technologies for use in laboratory settings, for applications in epidemiological and clinical studies. Our overall goal is to extend the RABiT system to directly measure the kinetics of DNA repair proteins. The design of the kinetic/time-dependent studies is based on repeated, automated sampling of lymphocytes from a central reservoir of cells housed in the RABiT incubator as a function of time after the irradiation challenge. In the present study, we have characterized the DNA repair kinetics of the following repair proteins: γ-H2AX, 53-BP1, ATM kinase, MDC1 at multiple times (0.5, 2, 4, 7 and 24 h) after irradiation with 4 Gy γ rays. In order to provide a consistent dose exposure at time zero, we have developed an automated capillary irradiator to introduce DNA DSBs into fingerstick-size blood samples within the RABiT. To demonstrate the scalability of the laboratory-based RABiT system, we have initiated a population study using γ-H2AX as a biomarker.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Adult
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cesium Radioisotopes / adverse effects
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded / radiation effects*
  • DNA Repair / radiation effects*
  • Gamma Rays
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Radiometry / instrumentation
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Time Factors
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor p53-Binding Protein 1

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • H2AX protein, human
  • Histones
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • MDC1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TP53BP1 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators
  • Tumor Suppressor p53-Binding Protein 1
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins