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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Grant Numbers U19-AI067773 and 1R21-ES019494, for the Center for High-Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry, from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences or the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St. VC11-240, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Helen C. Turner, P. Sharma, J. R. Perrier, A. Bertucci, L. Smilenov, G. Johnson, M. Taveras, D. J. Brenner & G. Garty

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  1. Helen C. Turner
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  2. P. Sharma
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  3. J. R. Perrier
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  4. A. Bertucci
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  5. L. Smilenov
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  6. G. Johnson
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  7. M. Taveras
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  8. D. J. Brenner
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  9. G. Garty
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Correspondence to Helen C. Turner.

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Turner, H.C., Sharma, P., Perrier, J.R. et al. The RABiT: high-throughput technology for assessing global DSB repair. Radiat Environ Biophys 53, 265–272 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-014-0514-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-014-0514-0

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