DNA damage via Auger electron emission from indium radioisotope localized in nucleus

DNA damage via Auger electron emission from indium radioisotope localized in the cell nucleus refers to a radiobiological mechanism whereby radionuclides like indium-111, when delivered and retained proximal to nuclear DNA, emit Auger electrons during decay[4]. These low-energy, high-LET electrons deposit their energy over very short ranges (nanometer–micrometer), causing dense ionization and leading to DNA double- and single-strand breaks as well as base and protein-DNA crosslinks[1][4]. The resulting lesions are often complex and difficult for tumor cells to repair, making this strategy of particular interest for targeted radiotherapy in cancer[4]. However, this is not a canonical molecular target (like a receptor or enzyme), but rather a description of a physical process resulting from radionuclide decay localized to DNA, and thus is not considered a conventional therapeutic target but rather a radiotherapeutic principle or mechanism[1][2][4].

Other names

Auger electron–mediated DNA damageIndium radioisotope-mediated DNA damageAuger electron emitter-induced DNA damage

Localized emission of Auger electrons causes direct and indirect (via ROS) damage to DNA, leading to complex DNA lesions and cancer cell death[1][3][4].