The Influence of DNA Configuration on the Direct Strand Break Yield

Autor(es)

Bernal, M. A. ; deAlmeida, C. E. ; Incerti, S. ; Champion, C. ; Ivanchenko, V. ; Francis, Z.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE; v. 2015, p. 8-pg., 2015-01-01.

Resumo

Purpose. To study the influence of DNA configuration on the direct damage yield. No indirect effect has been accounted for. Methods. The GEANT4-DNA code was used to simulate the interactions of protons and alpha particles with geometrical models of the A-, B-, and Z-DNA configurations. The direct total, single, and double strand break yields and site-hit probabilities were determined. Certain features of the energy deposition process were also studied. Results. A slight increase of the site-hit probability as a function of the incident particle linear energy transfer was found for each DNA configuration. Each DNA form presents a well-defined site-hit probability, independently of the particle linear energy transfer. Approximately 70% of the inelastic collisions and similar to 60% of the absorbed dose are due to secondary electrons. These fractions are slightly higher for protons than for alpha particles at the same incident energy. Conclusions. The total direct strand break yield for a given DNA form depends weakly on DNA conformation topology. This yield is practically determined by the target volume of the DNA configuration. However, the double strand break yield increases with the packing ratio of the DNA double helix; thus, it depends on the DNA conformation. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 11/51594-2 - Desenvolvimento de um sistema computacional para a simulação da interação da radiação ionizante com o material genético humano
• Beneficiário: Mario Antonio Bernal Rodriguez
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Jovens Pesquisadores