Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells are less prone to undergo apoptosis than lymphocytes despite similar DNA damage response.

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor CD34+ cells (HSPC) give rise to all types of blood cells and represent a key cellular target for origination of leukemia. Apoptosis and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) are vital processes in leukemogenesis. High doses of ionizing radiation are the best known agent that induces leukemia, but less is known about the leukemogenic potential of low doses.