DNA damage induced by beta radiation

DNA damage induced by beta radiation is a consequence of exposure of cellular DNA to beta particles, a form of ionizing radiation. This process primarily occurs through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and direct ionization events, leading to a spectrum of DNA lesions including single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, and base modifications. The resulting DNA damage can activate multiple cellular pathways, such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the recruitment of DNA repair mechanisms like base excision repair (BER) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Such damage is an important component of the mechanism of action for beta-emitting radiotherapeutics in oncology but also underlies the risk of genomic instability and tissue toxicity in off-target cells.

Other names

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

Generation of **reactive oxygen species (ROS)** leading to indirect DNA damage (single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, base modifications) Direct ionization and bond disruption in DNA, causing strand breaks and base/sugar modifications