The potential role of DEK over-expression in the radiation response of head and neck cancer

Abstract Objective To determine if DEK over-expression is associated with radiation resistance in HPV positive head and neck cancer cells. Methods Control and DEK over-expressing keratinocytes and an HPV positive head and neck cancer cell line respectively were irradiated with 2-10 Gy and the impact on cell survival, γ-H2AX (a marker of DNA damage) and RAD51 (homologous recombination) were analyzed via clonogenic assays, and immunofluorescence measurements respectively. Results Upon exposure to increasing doses of radiation, DEK over-expression in keratinocytes at 2, 4 (P Conclusion These results suggest DEK over-expression contributes to radio-resistance in HPV positive head and neck cancer cells, potentially by improving repair of DNA double strand breaks through homologous recombination. The molecular mechanisms and relevance to in vivo responses needs further investigation.