Quantitative analysis of irradiated colon cells looks at CK2 impact

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.