- DNA- DNA

Simulation of Interactions of Radiation with Biological Systems at the Cellular and DNA Level

Based on

Sponsored by Activity of

S. Agostinelli, S. Chauvie, N. Crompton, R. Corvó, F. Foppiano, S. Garelli, M. Krengli, F. Marchetto, P. Nieminen, M.G. Pia, V. Rolando, A. Solano, G. Sanguineti

The concept of “dose” fails at cellular and DNA scales It is desirable to gain an understanding to the processes at all

levels (macroscopic vs. microscopic+cybernetic) Quantitative knowledge and strict user requirements

scientifically satisfying; may be used as feedback to experimentalists

Potential later connection to other than radiation-induced effects at the cellular and DNA level

Relevance for space: astronaut and airline pilot radiation hazards, biological experiments. Applications in radiotherapy, radiobiology, ...

Relevance

Solar flare electrons,protons, and heavy ions

Jovianelectrons

Solar flare neutronsand -rays

SolarX-rays

Galactic and extra-galacticcosmic rays

Induced emission

(Neutrinos)

Trapped particles

Anomalouscosmic rays

The South Atlantic Anomaly

(SAA)

Cou

rtes

y H

. Eva

ns (

ESA

)

Relevance for space: astronaut and aircrew radiation hazards

Programme description

-based “sister” activity to the Geant4 Low-E e.m. Working Group. Follows rigorous software standards

ESA-sponsored + INFN official activity Simulation of nano-scale effects of radiation at the DNA level Multiple approaches (RBE parameterisation, detailed biochemical

processes, etc.) can be implemented with Geant4 First year frame: Collection of user requirements & first prototypes First Milestone: Wide study of the problem area (completed) Various scientific domains involved: medical, biology, genetics,

software engineering, high and low energy physics, space physics

-DNA Collaboration

Physicalprocesses

Biologicalprocesses

Chemicalprocesses

Process userrequirements

Cou

rtes

y N

atur

e

Known, available

Unknown, not available

E.g. generation of free radicals in the cell

User requirements on geometry and visualisation

Collection of User Requirements

Pro

toty

ping

5.3

MeV

alp

ha p

arti

cle

in a

cyl

indr

ical

volu

me

insi

de c

ell n

ucle

us. T

he in

ner

cyli

nder

has

a r

adiu

s of

50

nm.

Cou

rtes

y A

. Bra

hme

(KI)

Courtesy A. Brahme (KI)

Completion of Milestone II (rigorous collection of user requirements) to be completed by March 2001

Completion of the current 1-year programme by June 2001 Follow-on activity: code implementation based on user

requirements and improved prototypes Structure of the follow-on activity being outlined

Future

http://www.ge.infn.it/geant4/dna/