A novel DNA double-strand breaks biosensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Revealing the spatiotemporal behavior of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is crucial for understanding the processes of DNA damage and repair. Traditionally, γH2AX and DNA damage response (DDR) factors have been used to detect DSBs using classical biochemical assays, such as antibody-based immunostaining. However, a reliable method to visualize and assess DSB activity real-time in living cells is yet to be established. Herein, we developed a novel DNA double-strand breaks biosensor (DSBS) based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) by employing the H2AX and BRCT1 domains. By applying FRET imaging with DSBS, we show that DSBS specifically reacts to drug- or ionizing radiation (IR)-induced γH2AX activity, allowing for the quantification of DSB events at high spatiotemporal resolutions. Taken together, we provide a new experimental tool to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of DNA double-strand breaks. Ultimately, our biosensor can be useful for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA damage and repair processes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40824-023-00354-1.