Direct DNA damage via beta radiation

Direct DNA damage via beta radiation refers to the physical and chemical injuries sustained by cell DNA when exposed to beta particles. While the major component of beta radiation damage is indirect (mediated through ROS that create SSBs, DSBs, and base modifications), some direct DNA damage does occur when beta particles physically collide with DNA, ionizing atoms, breaking chemical bonds, and causing strand breaks. This damage triggers cellular DNA repair pathways (notably base excision repair and non-homologous end joining) or leads to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or permanent genomic instability. These molecular events underlie both the desired therapeutic effects (e.g., in cancer radiopharmaceuticals) and the key toxicities of beta-emitting agents, including the potential for secondary malignancies and normal tissue injury.

Other names

Beta-radiation induced DNA damageDNA lesions from beta particlesGenomic damage by beta radiation

Induction of DNA damage directly via ionization (breaking DNA strands or bases by direct collision/energy transfer); Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing indirect DNA damage; Induction of single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs); Initiation of apoptosis via DNA damage response pathways.