Objective To analyze the upstream region of radiation-induced junB gene. Methods Four plasmids containing 250 bp, 590 bp, 900 bp and 1650 bp, and CAT reporter gene were constructed separately and introduced to L8704 cells. The cells were irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays and incubated at different intervals. Total RNA was extracted from the cells and fluctuation of the CAT mRNA level was assessed by the RNA ratio of CAT/β-actin measured by quantitative Northern blot hybridization. Results CAT mRNA expression containing 900 bp and 1560 bp junB promoter remarkably and rapidly increased, and reached its peak 30 min after 2 Gy X-ray irradiation. Conclusions 590~900 bp fragments located in the upstream region of junB gene play an important role in the early process of cells against radiation. The genes were constructed separately and introduced into L8704 cells. The cells were irradiated with 2 Gy X -rays and incubated at different intervals. Total RNA was extracted from the cells and fluctuation of the CAT mRNA level was assessed by the RNA ratio of CAT / β-actin measured by quantitative Northern blot hybridization. Results CAT mRNA expression containing 900 bp and 1560 bp junB promoter remarkably and rapidly increased, and reached its peak 30 min after 2 Gy X-ray irradiation. Conclusions 590-900 bp fragments located in the upstream region of junB gene play an important role in the early process of cells against radiation.