# X-RAY INDUCTION OF CELLULAR HYPERSENSITIVITY

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $173,617

## Abstract

We have characterized x-ray induced hypermutability and have observed two
new additional manifestations of hypersensitivity.  These three
observations together suggest that induced hypersensitivity may be a basic
and general phenomenon that occurs when cells are treated with x-rays as
well as other DNA damaging agents.  Treated cells and their progeny appear
to be rendered susceptible to subsequent exposure to certain chemicals and
radiations that damage DNA or induce changes in template structure or
activity.  We now propose to test the hypothesis that induced
hypersensitivity is a general phenomenon whose characteristics make it
relevant to multistage carcinogenesis.  We will determine the
characteristics of induced hypersensitivity in vivo.  Our experimental
procedures will concentrate on x-rays as an initiator of hypersensitivity
but will use comparisons between x-rays and other carcinogens, between
human and rodent cells and between effects on cancer-prone and normally
responsive rats to assess the potential relevance of hypersensitivity to
the cancer process.  We will determine whether the three indicators of
hypersensitivity are manifestations of the same underlying process by
concommitant measurement of their variation when several parameters, known
to modify the biological response of x-rays, are manipulated.  Special
attention will be given to the potency of multiple low doses to induce the
effect, because of the similarity to human exposure patterns.  We will also
evaluate the presence of the hypersensitive state in cells derived from
human beings who are cancer prone due to genetic condition or prior
carcinogen exposure.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3178636
- **Project number:** 5R01CA039543-04
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **Principal Investigator:** JERRY R WILLIAMS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $173,617
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1984-09-01 → 1990-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3178636

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3178636, X-RAY INDUCTION OF CELLULAR HYPERSENSITIVITY (5R01CA039543-04). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3178636. Licensed CC0.

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