AACR 2026 Poster | Ionising radiation induces DNA damage primarily through the formation of single and double strand breaks, which, if unrepaired, can lead to cell death. These breaks activate the DNA damage response. (DDR) which is a network of cellular pathways that detect and repair any DNA damage and includes the phosphorylation of proteins like H2AX and DNA-PK.
When damage is extensive or incorrectly repaired, this can result in genomic instability, apoptosis, or senescence. In drug discovery, this mechanism can be exploited by combining targeted delivery of ionising radiation to cancer cells with inhibition of key DDR proteins, thereby preventing repair and promoting tumour cell death.
Biomarkers of radiosensitivity and DNA damage are therefore critical for both preclinical and clinical evaluation of novel combination therapies.
Meet the team at AACR 2026 at Booth 1418, Hall C (Ground Level).
PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have released five new contemporary antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strain panels, giving innovators worldwide a resource to test novel therapeutics and diagnostics against today’s resistance patterns.
New appointments support MDC’s mission to turn drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs.
Dr Emma Jones, a Lead Scientist in in vitro Neurobiology at Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), has contributed to a new children’s book celebrating the diversity of careers in science.
