H2AX phosphorylation

H2AX phosphorylation is a cellular process that occurs when DNA experiences damage, especially breaks in the DNA strands. To signal and initiate repair, the cell activates an enzyme that adds phosphate groups to the H2AX protein, resulting in γ-H2AX. This modification creates a mark that helps attract repair proteins to the damaged sites, facilitating efficient repair. Detecting γ-H2AX is a common method used by scientists to identify and measure DNA damage within cells, making it a valuable tool for understanding how cells respond to stress and maintain genetic integrity.