The order of sequential exposure of U2OS cells to gamma and alpha radiation influences the formation and decay dynamics of NBS1 foci

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are a deleterious form of DNA damage. Densely ionising alpha radiation predominantly induces complex DSBs and sparsely ionising gamma radiation—simple DSBs. We have shown that alphas and gammas, when applied simultaneously, interact in producing a higher DNA damage response (DDR) than predicted by additivity. The mechanisms of the interaction remain obscure. The present study aimed at testing whether the sequence of exposure to alphas and gammas has an impact on the DDR, visualised by live NBS1-GFP (green fluorescent protein) focus dynamics in U2OS cells. Focus formation, decay, intensity and mobility were analysed up to 5 h post exposure. Focus frequencies directly after sequential alpha → gamma and gamma → alpha exposure were similar to gamma alone, but gamma → alpha foci quickly declined below the expected values. Focus intensities and areas following alpha alone and alpha → gamma were larger than after gamma alone and gamma → alpha. Focus movement was most strongly attenuated by alpha → gamma. Overall, sequential alpha → gamma exposure induced the strongest change in characteristics and dynamics of NBS1-GFP foci. Possible explanation is that activation of the DDR is stronger when alpha-induced DNA damage precedes gamma-induced DNA damage.