Modifications of GSF-μ and p53 gene expression in head and neck human tumor cell lines after gamma irradiation: induction, cellular and molecular studies

Cell sub-populations surviving to high radiation doses were selected. The KBm survival part was obtained by exposure to a mutagenic agent and irradiation, FaDum results of a progressive irradiation of FaDu. A semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed a significant overexpression of GST-μ and p53 genes for'KBm and FaDum cell fines that remained stable for 18 months. The SF2, α, β, and MID parameters, determined by clonogenic assays, show no modifications of radiosensitivity. The variations of expression observed are not correlated to a radiosensitivity variation. The overexpression of GST-μ and p53 does not seem to be a radiosensitivity marker. (authors)