Expression of DNA-damage response and repair genes after exposure to DNA-damaging agents in isogenic head and neck cells with altered radiosensitivity

Abstract

Increased radioresistance due to previous irradiation or radiosensitivity due to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection can be observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The DNA-damage response of cells after exposure to DNA-damaging agents plays a crucial role in determining the fate of exposed cells. Tightly regulated and interconnected signaling networks are activated to detect, signal the presence of and repair the DNA damage. Novel therapies targeting the DNA-damage response are emerging; however, an improved understanding of the complex signaling networks involved in tumor radioresistance and radiosensitivity is needed.

Keywords

• head and neck cancer
• squamous cell carcinoma
• radioresistance
• irradiation
• dna-damaging agents
• gene expression profiles