The radioprotective effect of the 24 kDa FGF-2 isoform in HeLa cells is related to an increased expression and activity of the DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) catalytic subunit.

Investigates the involvement of the non-homologous end joining system (NHEJ), a DNA repair process, in cellular resistance to ionizing radiation induced by the expression of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 isoform in HeLa cells. Analysis of the molecular mechanism involved in the up-regulation of DNA-PK holoenzyme expression; Explanations for the observed radioresistant phenotype due to an increase in DNA-PK activity; Reason behind the increase in DNA-PK activity.