Modulation by neighboring cells of the responses and fate of melanoma cells irradiated with UVA

Factors Influencing Effects of Low-dose Radiation Exposure

ABSTRACT

It is now well accepted that the mechanisms induced by low-dose exposures to ionizing radiation (LDR) are different from those occurring after high-dose exposures. However, the downstream effects of these mechanisms are unclear as are the quantitative relationships between exposure, effect, harm, and risk. In this paper, we will discuss the mechanisms known to be important with an overall emphasis on how so-called "non-targeted effects" (NTE) communicate and coordinate responses to LDR. Targeted deposition of ionizing radiation energy in cells causing DNA damage is still regarded as the dominant trigger leading to all downstream events whether targeted or non-targeted. We regard this as an over-simplification dating back to formal target theory. It ignores that last 100 y of biological research into stress responses and signaling mechanisms in organisms exposed to toxic substances, including ionizing radiation. We will provide evidence for situations where energy deposition in cellular targets alone cannot be plausible as a mechanism for LDR effects. An example is where the energy deposition takes place in an organism not receiving the radiation dose. We will also discuss how effects after LDR depend more on dose rate and radiation quality rather than actual dose, which appears rather irrelevant. Finally, we will use recent evidence from studies of cataract and melanoma induction to suggest that after LDR, post-translational effects, such as protein misfolding or defects in energy metabolism or mitochondrial function, may dominate the etiology and progression of the disease. A focus on such novel pathways may open the way to successful prophylaxis and development of new biomarkers for better risk assessment after low dose exposures.

Bystander effect of ultraviolet A radiation protects A375 melanoma cells by induction of antioxidant defense

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiated cells release factors that result in varied responses by non-irradiated cells via bystander effects (BE). The UV-BE is dependent on the cell types involved and on the wavelength of the radiation. Using conditioned medium from UVA-irradiated A375 human melanoma cells (UVA-CM), UVA-bystander response was evaluated on the viability of naïve A375 cells. UVA-CM treatment itself did not alter cell viability; however, UVA-CM treated bystander cells were more resistant to the lethal action of UVA, UVB, UVC or H₂O₂. Effects of UVA-CM on cell proliferation, mechanism of cell death, DNA damage, malondialdehyde formation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant status were studied in A375 cells. We observed that UVA-CM triggered antioxidant defenses to elicit protective responses through elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities in cells, which persisted until 5 h after exposure to UVA-CM. This was possibly responsible for decreased generation of ROS and diminished DNA and membrane damage in cells. These bystander cells were resistant to killing when exposed to different genotoxic agents. Damaged nuclei, induction of apoptosis and autophagic death were also lowered in these cells. The influence of UVA-CM on cancer stem cells side population was assessed.Highlights:UVA radiation induced bystander effects in A375 cellsDamage by genotoxicants is suppressed due to lower ROS generation on UVA-CM treatmentUVA-CM exposure enhanced higher activities of CAT and GPxResistance to genotoxic agents in such cells was due to elevated antioxidant defenceUVA-bystander phenomenon was a protective response.

Cell type-specific differences in redox regulation and proliferation after low UVA doses

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is harmful for living organisms but in low doses may stimulate cell proliferation. Our aim was to examine the relationships between exposure to different low UVA doses, cellular proliferation, and changes in cellular reactive oxygen species levels. In human colon cancer (HCT116) and melanoma (Me45) cells exposed to UVA doses comparable to environmental, the highest doses (30–50 kJ/m²) reduced clonogenic potential but some lower doses (1 and 10 kJ/m²) induced proliferation. This effect was cell type and dose specific. In both cell lines the levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide fluctuated with dynamics which were influenced differently by UVA; in Me45 cells decreased proliferation accompanied the changes in the dynamics of H₂O₂ while in HCT116 cells those of superoxide. Genes coding for proteins engaged in redox systems were expressed differently in each cell line; transcripts for thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin and glutathione peroxidase showed higher expression in HCT116 cells whereas those for glutathione transferases and copper chaperone were more abundant in Me45 cells. We conclude that these two cell types utilize different pathways for regulating their redox status. Many mechanisms engaged in maintaining cellular redox balance have been described. Here we show that the different cellular responses to a stimulus such as a specific dose of UVA may be consequences of the use of different redox control pathways. Assays of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide level changes after exposure to UVA may clarify mechanisms of cellular redox regulation and help in understanding responses to stressing factors.

Bystander Me45 Melanoma Cells Increase Damaging Effect in UVC-irradiated Cells

The aim of our study was to investigate the possible mechanism(s) of the bystander effect induced by UVC light in malignant melanoma Me45 cells that were co-incubated with irradiated cells of the same line. We have found that the UVC band effectively generated apoptosis, premature senescence, single and double DNA strand breaks and reduced clonogenic survival of bystander cells. However, in the feedback response, the bystander cells intensified damage in directly irradiated cells, especially seen at the level of apoptosis and survival of clonogenic cells. Pretreatment of bystander cells with inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase blocks this signaling. It seems that the mediators of this phenomenon produced and secreted by neighboring cells are superoxide, nitric oxide and TGF-β. The reverse deleterious effect caused by cells not exposed to UVC in directly exposed cells is opposed to the protective/rescue effect exerted by the bystander cells in the case of ionizing radiation known in the literature. Whether this opposite adverse effect is a feature of only Me45 melanoma cells or whether it is a general phenomenon occurring between cells of other types exposed to ultraviolet radiation requires further research.