Quantitative analysis of human colon cancer cells has allowed the effects of the protein kinase CK2 on tumour tissue to be investigated.
CK2 is linked with cell survival in a number of ways in response to DNA damage - but is elevated in cancer tissues, singling it out as a potential avenue for enhanced treatment.
Researchers at the University of Heidelberg and Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to undertake quantitative analysis of DNA double-strand break.
Apoptosis induction and cell survival were also assessed through 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, sub-G1 flow cytometry and clonogenic assay.
CK2 inhibitor 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole did not lead to a decrease in DNA rejoining.
However, it did enhance radiation-induced cell death according to the clonogenic assay undertaken, which may make the inhibitor a useful addition to future radiotherapy processes.
The findings are published in Radiation Oncology, which specialises in research relating to the treatment of cancer through radiological means.
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