Centers for Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation

近年来，放射性袭击的威胁有所增加，这使得人们不得不共同努力，将放射性研究的分子进展转化为真正的医疗产品。这些医疗产品必须用于识别和治疗受到临界剂量范围（约2 Gy至8 Gy）辐射的袭击受害者。如果不及时治疗，这些受害者会死于骨髓衰竭的并发症。该计划的目的是（1）开发、测试和校准生物剂量计，以检测该临界范围内的全身辐射暴露，以及（2）开发和测试新型辐射防护剂，以治疗辐射受害者的骨髓毒性和GI毒性。为了实现这一目标，我们召集了四位来自相关领域的领先基础科学研究人员。项目1（Alan D 'Andrea）将校准生物剂量计并筛选新型辐射防护药物。.项目2（Stephen Elledge）将使用shRNA文库来识别辐射反应途径中的靶点。项目3（Peter Sicinski）将采用新的遗传小鼠模型来研究细胞周期控制在辐射敏感性和抗性中的作用。该计划通过建立两个独特的核心设施（小鼠生物学和干细胞核心，以及化学和化学生物学核心研究所）来加强。我们还创建了一个新的临床医生-科学家培训计划，以发展这一领域的年轻研究人员的职业生涯，以及一个试点资助计划，以利用波士顿的独特机会，并根据需要快速重新分配资源。该计划旨在加速辐射对策领域新医疗应用的开发。

The threat of radiological attacks has grown in recent years, warranting a concerted effort to translate the molecular advances of radiation research into bona fide medical products. These medical products must be directed toward the identification and treatment of attack victims who have received a radiation exposure in a critical dose range (approximately 2Gy to 8Gy). Left untreated, these victims die from complications of bone marrow failure. The purpose of the program is to (1) develop, test, and calibrate a biodosimeter to detect total body irradiation exposure in this critical range and (2) develop and test novel radioprotective agents to treat the bone marrow toxicity, and Gl toxicity, of radiation victims. To accomplish this goal, we have assembled four leading basic science investigators from related fields. Project 1 (Alan D'Andrea) will calibrate a biodosimeter and screen novel radioprotective drugs. . Project 2 (Stephen Elledge) will use shRNA libraries to identify targets in radiation response pathways. Project 3 (Peter Sicinski) will employ novel genetic mouse models to study the role of cell cycle control in radiation sensitivity and resistance. The program is fortified by the establishment of two unique core facilities (the Mouse Biology and Stem Cell Core, and the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Core). We have also created a novel Clinician-Scientist Training Program in order to develop the careers of young investigators in this area, and a Pilot Grant Program, to take advantage of the unique opportunities in Boston and to allow rapid redirection of resources, as needed. The program is designed to accelerate the development of new medical applications in the field of countermeasures against radiation.