Using low X-ray doses to understand therapeutically relevant structural changes
What is it about?
Transforming growth factor beta-1 is caged by a latent activator peptide. This can be released by therapeutic radiation resulting in unintended side effects. This study attempts to study the structural impact of X-ray doses in the therapeutic regime (~ 0.1-2 Gy) compared to that usually required for structural biology studies (~MGy). It is the first study to make use of tools designed to understand and mitigate radiation damage, in a manner that allows visibility into the impact of therapeutic processes.
Why is it important?
This is important as radiation therapy is a common tool in some health areas. We know a lot about what happens structurally at doses that are orders of magnitude above the therapeutic dose, but very little about structural changes that can occur within this therapeutic regime. Knowledge of this may allow the development of prophylactic approaches to minimizing radiation therapy side effects that can be detrimental to treatment and recovery.