Mechanisms and role of genomic instability in radiation-induced carcinogenesis

Ionizing radiation induces genomic stability, which is transmitted over many generations after irradiation. Since induced genomic instability accumulates gene mutations, it has been thought to play a role in radiation-induced carcinogenesis. Understanding the mechanism of genomic instability will provide unique opportunities to identify new diagnosis and therapeutic targets. This review focuses on recent discoveries on the mechanisms governing the formation of genomic instability. (authors)