Molecular Biology and Signaling

Abstract

The target of radiation for the purpose of therapy is the DNA. DNA is made up of sugars phosphates and bases and will form superstructures with other proteins to form chromosomes, which can be viewed under a microscope in the M-phase. Within the chromosome are genes that may be transcribed into proteins. The function of these genes can be altered by mutations or by epigenetic changes in expression. The RNA expression of genes can be visualized and measured through gene expression profiling. Once translated, proteins may cause changes in the cell by undergoing structural changes or by participating in signaling pathways. Radiation may cause several different kinds of cell death, which combine with various mediators and pathways to display the clinically evident acute and late effects of radiation.