Involvement of poly (ADP-ribose) in the radiation response of mammalian cells.

The evidence implicating poly (ADP-ribose) in the radiation response of mammalian cells is reviewed. It is concluded that the apparently conflicting results using inhibitors of ADP-ribosyl transferase (ADPRT) can be explained by a working hypothesis. This hypothesis maintains that poly (ADP-ribose) is required for repair of radiation damage (presumably to facilitate ligation). In most cells the synthesis of poly (ADP-ribose) is not rate limiting for repair and therefore, an almost complete inhibition of ADPRT activity is required to potentiate the radiation response. In radiation-sensitive cells (e.g. resting lymphocytes, L5178Y-S cells) with a deficient poly (ADP-ribose) metabolism, its synthesis can become rate limiting for repair. In such cells even a partial inhibition of ADPRT activity may enhance radiation-induced cell killing. It is suggested that if such differences exist between normal and cancer cells, they can be utilized to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy.