Adapting the γ-H2AX assay for automated processing in human lymphocytes. 1. Technological aspects

Radiat Res. 2011 Mar;175(3):282-90. doi: 10.1667/RR2125.1. Epub 2010 Dec 28.

Abstract

The immunofluorescence-based detection of γ-H2AX is a reliable and sensitive method for quantitatively measuring DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in irradiated samples. Since H2AX phosphorylation is highly linear with radiation dose, this well-established biomarker is in current use in radiation biodosimetry. At the Center for High-Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry, we have developed a fully automated high-throughput system, the RABIT (Rapid Automated Biodosimetry Tool), that can be used to measure γ-H2AX yields from fingerstick-derived samples of blood. The RABIT workstation has been designed to fully automate the γ-H2AX immunocytochemical protocol, from the isolation of human blood lymphocytes in heparin-coated PVC capillaries to the immunolabeling of γ-H2AX protein and image acquisition to determine fluorescence yield. High throughput is achieved through the use of purpose-built robotics, lymphocyte handling in 96-well filter-bottomed plates, and high-speed imaging. The goal of the present study was to optimize and validate the performance of the RABIT system for the reproducible and quantitative detection of γ-H2AX total fluorescence in lymphocytes in a multiwell format. Validation of our biodosimetry platform was achieved by the linear detection of a dose-dependent increase in γ-H2AX fluorescence in peripheral blood samples irradiated ex vivo with γ rays over the range 0 to 8 Gy. This study demonstrates for the first time the optimization and use of our robotically based biodosimetry workstation to successfully quantify γ-H2AX total fluorescence in irradiated peripheral lymphocytes.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Shape
  • Cell Size
  • Gamma Rays
  • Heparin / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Lymphocytes / radiation effects
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality Control
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Radiometry / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Robotics

Substances

  • H2AX protein, human
  • Histones
  • Heparin