Wing Tips

X-rays can cause DNA damage in cells, changing how genes are switched on or expressed – but do all cells respond in the same way? Here, researchers aim X-rays at the developing wings of a fruit fly (Drosophila), comparing 'zapped' wings (bottom) with untreated ones (above). While the X-rays have little effect on the expression of two genes in distinct wing regions (highlighted in pink and yellow), researchers used these genes as beacons when looking at the effects of X-rays on other genes in the same areas. Bioinformatics helps to analyse huge numbers of single cells, finding X-rays affect expression differently in different tissues. A cell’s response to DNA damage may also vary with its position in the cell cycle – giving different outcomes if hit during crucial activities like DNA replication or division. These insights may guide future X-ray ‘radiotherapy’, where deliberate DNA damage aims to encourage cancer cells to self-destruct.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

Website

• Image from work by Joyner Cruz, and colleagues
• Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
• Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
• Published in eLife, February 2026