Track structure, chromosome geometry and chromosome aberrations.

Abstract

The joint role of radiation track structure and chromosome geometry in determining yields of chromosome aberrations is discussed. Ideally, the geometric models of chromosomes used for analyzing aberration yields should have the same degree of realism as track structure models. However, observed chromosome aberrations are produced by processes on comparatively large scales, e.g., misrepair involving two DSB located on different chromosomes or two DSB separated by millions of base pairs on one chromosome, and quantitative models for chromatin on such large scales have to date almost never been attempted. We survey some recent data on large-scale chromosome geometry, mainly results obtained with fluorescence in situ hybridization ("chromosome painting") techniques. Using two chromosome models suggested by the data, we interpret the relative yields, at low and high LET, of inter-chromosomal aberrations compared to intra-chromosomal, inter-arm aberrations. The models consider each chromosome confined within its own "chromosome localization sphere," either as a random cloud of points in one model or as a confined Gaussian polymer in the other. In agreement with other approaches, our results indicate that at any given time during the G0/G1 part of the cell cycle a chromosome is largely confined to a sub-volume comprising less than 10% of the volume of the cell nucleus. The possible significance of the ratio of inter-chromosomal aberrations to intra-chromosomal, inter-arm aberrations as an indicator of previous exposure to high LET radiation is outlined.