Transcriptional response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to low doses of ionizing radiation

Tissue Reactions and Mechanism in Cardiovascular Diseases Induced by Radiation

The long-term survival rate of cancer patients has been increasing as a result of advances in treatments and precise medical management. The evidence has accumulated that the incidence and mortality of non-cancer diseases have increased along with the increase in survival time and long-term survival rate of cancer patients after radiotherapy. The risk of cardiovascular disease as a radiation late effect of tissue damage reactions is becoming a critical challenge and attracts great concern. Epidemiological research and clinical trials have clearly shown the close association between the development of cardiovascular disease in long-term cancer survivors and radiation exposure. Experimental biological data also strongly supports the above statement. Cardiovascular diseases can occur decades post-irradiation, and from initiation and development to illness, there is a complicated process, including direct and indirect damage of endothelial cells by radiation, acute vasculitis with neutrophil invasion, endothelial dysfunction, altered permeability, tissue reactions, capillary-like network loss, and activation of coagulator mechanisms, fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. We summarize the most recent literature on the tissue reactions and mechanisms that contribute to the development of radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases (RICVD) and provide biological knowledge for building preventative strategies.

Radiobiological Studies of Microvascular Damage through In Vitro Models: A Methodological Perspective

Ionizing radiation (IR) is used in radiotherapy as a treatment to destroy cancer. Such treatment also affects other tissues, resulting in the so-called normal tissue complications. Endothelial cells (ECs) composing the microvasculature have essential roles in the microenvironment's homeostasis (ME). Thus, detrimental effects induced by irradiation on ECs can influence both the tumor and healthy tissue. In-vitro models can be advantageous to study these phenomena. In this systematic review, we analyzed in-vitro models of ECs subjected to IR. We highlighted the critical issues involved in the production, irradiation, and analysis of such radiobiological in-vitro models to study microvascular endothelial cells damage. For each step, we analyzed common methodologies and critical points required to obtain a reliable model. We identified the generation of a 3D environment for model production and the inclusion of heterogeneous cell populations for a reliable ME recapitulation. Additionally, we highlighted how essential information on the irradiation scheme, crucial to correlate better observed in vitro effects to the clinical scenario, are often neglected in the analyzed studies, limiting the translation of achieved results.

NASA GeneLab Platform Utilized for Biological Response to Space Radiation in Animal Models

Background: Ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) is one of the major risk factors that will impact the health of astronauts on extended missions outside the protective effects of the Earth's magnetic field. The NASA GeneLab project has detailed information on radiation exposure using animal models with curated dosimetry information for spaceflight experiments. Methods: We analyzed multiple GeneLab omics datasets associated with both ground-based and spaceflight radiation studies that included in vivo and in vitro approaches. A range of ions from protons to iron particles with doses from 0.1 to 1.0 Gy for ground studies, as well as samples flown in low Earth orbit (LEO) with total doses of 1.0 mGy to 30 mGy, were utilized. Results: From this analysis, we were able to identify distinct biological signatures associating specific ions with specific biological responses due to radiation exposure in space. For example, we discovered changes in mitochondrial function, ribosomal assembly, and immune pathways as a function of dose. Conclusions: We provided a summary of how the GeneLab's rich database of omics experiments with animal models can be used to generate novel hypotheses to better understand human health risks from GCR exposures.

Single and fractionated ionizing radiation induce alterations in endothelial connexin expression and channel function

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for most tumor types. However, emerging evidence indicates an increased risk for atherosclerosis after ionizing radiation exposure, initiated by endothelial cell dysfunction. Interestingly, endothelial cells express connexin (Cx) proteins that are reported to exert proatherogenic as well as atheroprotective effects. Furthermore, Cxs form channels, gap junctions and hemichannels, that are involved in bystander signaling that leads to indirect radiation effects in non-exposed cells. We here aimed to investigate the consequences of endothelial cell irradiation on Cx expression and channel function. Telomerase immortalized human Coronary Artery/Microvascular Endothelial cells were exposed to single and fractionated X-rays. Several biological endpoints were investigated at different time points after exposure: Cx gene and protein expression, gap junctional dye coupling and hemichannel function. We demonstrate that single and fractionated irradiation induce upregulation of proatherogenic Cx43 and downregulation of atheroprotective Cx40 gene and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Single and fractionated irradiation furthermore increased gap junctional communication and induced hemichannel opening. Our findings indicate alterations in Cx expression that are typically observed in endothelial cells covering atherosclerotic plaques. The observed radiation-induced increase in Cx channel function may promote bystander signaling thereby exacerbating endothelial cell damage and atherogenesis.

Pathological effects of ionizing radiation: endothelial activation and dysfunction

The endothelium, a tissue that forms a single layer of cells lining various organs and cavities of the body, especially the heart and blood as well as lymphatic vessels, plays a complex role in vascular biology. It contributes to key aspects of vascular homeostasis and is also involved in pathophysiological processes, such as thrombosis, inflammation, and hypertension. Epidemiological data show that high doses of ionizing radiation lead to cardiovascular disease over time. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on endothelial cell activation and dysfunction after ionizing radiation exposure as a central feature preceding the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Transcriptional response of murine bone marrow cells to total-body carbon-ion irradiation

The need to understand the health effects of heavy ion irradiation is motivated by the use of this modality in radiotherapy and by the potential for exposure during space missions. We have studied the effects of carbon-ion total-body irradiation on the hematopoietic system of the mouse and, in particular, the transcriptional response of bone marrow (BM) cells. Carbon-ion irradiation caused BM cell DNA damage, apoptosis, elevated ROS, and myelosuppression. Transcriptomic analysis showed that overall gene expression in irradiated BM cells differed significantly from the controls. Of 253 genes that were modulated, 192 were up-regulated and 61 down-regulated. Gene ontology analysis showed that the modulated genes are involved in DNA damage response signaling, DNA repair, apoptosis, and the immune response. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that these functions are regulated by the p38 MAPK, TNF, and apoptosis pathways. These findings indicate pathways that may be involved in protection against carbon ion radiation injury.

Early antioxidant responses via the concerted activation of NF-κB and Nrf2 characterize the gamma-radiation-induced adaptive response in quiescent human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The radiation-induced adaptive response (RI-AR) is a non-targeted effect which is outside the scope of the classical Linear-No-Threshold (LNT) dose-response paradigm. However, the mechanisms of the RI-AR are not well understood. We have studied the RI-AR in quiescent human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs in G₀ phase were 'primed' with a low dose (100 mGy gamma radiation) and then, after an 'adaptive window' of 4 h, 'challenged' with a high dose (2 Gy). A small (5.7%) increase in viability and a decrease in DNA strand breaks were seen in primed cells, compared to non-primed cells. This was consistent with lower levels of reactive oxygen species, higher mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin reductase, and glutathione peroxidase, in the primed cells. Reduced oxidative stress in primed PBMCs correlated with greater nuclear translocation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Distinct differences in responses were seen in PBMCs irradiated with low dose (100 mGy) and high dose (2 Gy). These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of radioadaptation in human cells.

Gamma Low-Dose-Rate Ionizing Radiation Stimulates Adaptive Functional and Molecular Response in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells in a Threshold-, Dose-, and Dose Rate-Dependent Manner

A central question in radiation protection research is whether low-dose and low-dose-rate (LDR) exposures to ionizing radiation play a role in progression of cardiovascular disease. The response of endothelial cells to different LDR exposures may help estimate risk of cardiovascular disease by providing the biological mechanism involved. We investigated the effect of chronic LDR radiation on functional and molecular responses of human aorta endothelial cells (HAoECs). Human aorta endothelial cells were continuously irradiated at LDR (6 mGy/h) for 15 days and analyzed at time points when the cumulative dose reached 0.05, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 Gy. The same doses were administered acutely at high-dose rate (HDR; 1 Gy/min). The threshold for the loss of angiogenic capacity for both LDR and HDR radiations was between 0.5 and 1.0 Gy. At 2.0 Gy, angiogenic capacity returned to normal only for HAoEC exposed to LDR radiation, associated with increased expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes. Pre-LDR, but not pre-HDR, radiation, followed by a single acute 2.0 Gy challenge dose sustained the expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes and stimulated angiogenesis. Our results suggest that dose rate is important in cellular response and that a radioadaptive response is involved for a 2.0 Gy dose at LDR.

Global transcriptome profile reveals abundance of DNA damage response and repair genes in individuals from high level natural radiation areas of Kerala coast

The high level natural radiation areas (HLNRA) of Kerala coast in south west India is unique for its wide variation in the background radiation dose (<1.0mGy to 45mGy/year) and vast population size. Several biological studies conducted in this area did not reveal any adverse effects of chronic low dose and low dose rate radiation on human population. In the present study, global transcriptome analysis was carried out in peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells of 36 individuals belonging to different background dose groups [NLNRA, (Group I, ≤1.50 mGy/year) and three groups of HLNRA; Group II, 1.51–5.0 mGy/year), Group III, 5.01-15mGy/year and Group IV, >15.0 mGy/year] to find out differentially expressed genes and their biological significance in response to chronic low dose radiation exposure. Our results revealed a dose dependent increase in the number of differentially expressed genes with respect to different background dose levels. Gene ontology analysis revealed majority of these differentially expressed genes are involved in DNA damage response (DDR) signaling, DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, histone/chromatin modification and immune response. In the present study, 64 background dose responsive genes have been identified as possible chronic low dose radiation signatures. Validation of 30 differentially expressed genes was carried out using fluorescent based universal probe library. Abundance of DDR and DNA repair genes along with pathways such as MAPK, p53 and JNK in higher background dose groups (> 5.0mGy/year) indicated a possible threshold dose for DDR signaling and are plausible reason of observing in vivo radio-adaptive response and non-carcinogenesis in HLNRA population. To our knowledge, this is the first study on molecular effect of chronic low dose radiation exposure on human population from high background radiation areas at transcriptome level using high throughput approach. These findings have tremendous implications in understanding low dose radiation biology especially, the effect of low dose radiation exposure in humans.

The Influence of C-Ions and X-rays on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Damage to the endothelium of blood vessels, which may occur during radiotherapy, is discussed as a potential precursor to the development of cardiovascular disease. We thus chose human umbilical vein endothelial cells as a model system to examine the effect of low- and high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. Cells were exposed to 250 kV X-rays or carbon ions (C-ions) with the energies of either 9.8 MeV/u (LET = 170 keV/μm) or 91 MeV/u (LET = 28 keV/μm). Subculture of cells was performed regularly up to 46 days (~22 population doublings) post-irradiation. Immediately after exposure, cells were seeded for the colony forming assay. Additionally, at regular intervals, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (JC-1 staining) and cellular senescence (senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining) were assessed. Cytogenetic damage was investigated by the micronucleus assay and the high-resolution multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) technique. Analysis of radiation-induced damage shortly after exposure showed that C-ions are more effective than X-rays with respect to cell inactivation or the induction of cytogenetic damage (micronucleus assay) as observed in other cell systems. For 9.8 and 91 MeV/u C-ions, relative biological effectiveness values of 2.4 and 1.5 were obtained for cell inactivation. At the subsequent time points, the number of micronucleated cells decreased to the control level. Analysis of chromosomal damage by mFISH technique revealed aberrations frequently involving chromosome 13 irrespective of dose or radiation quality. Disruption of the MMP was seen only a few days after exposure to X-rays or C-ions. Cellular senescence was not altered by radiation at any time point investigated. Altogether, our data indicate that shortly after exposure C-ions were more effective in damaging endothelial cells than X-rays. However, late damage to endothelial cells was not found for the applied conditions and endpoints.

Global Gene Expression Alterations as a Crucial Constituent of Human Cell Response to Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) is inevitable to humans in real-life scenarios; the hazards of IR primarily stem from its mutagenic, carcinogenic, and cell killing ability. For many decades, extensive research has been conducted on the human cell responses to IR delivered at a low dose/low dose (LD) rate. These studies have shown that the molecular-, cellular-, and tissue-level responses are different after low doses of IR (LDIR) compared to those observed after a short-term high-dose IR exposure (HDIR). With the advent of high-throughput technologies in the late 1990s, such as DNA microarrays, changes in gene expression have also been found to be ubiquitous after LDIR. Very limited subset of genes has been shown to be consistently up-regulated by LDIR, including CDKN1A. Further research on the biological effects and mechanisms induced by IR in human cells demonstrated that the molecular and cellular processes, including transcriptional alterations, activated by LDIR are often related to protective responses and, sometimes, hormesis. Following LDIR, some distinct responses were observed, these included bystander effects, and adaptive responses. Changes in gene expression, not only at the level of mRNA, but also miRNA, have been found to crucially underlie these effects having implications for radiation protection purposes.

Ionizing radiation-induced adaptive response in fibroblasts under both monolayer and 3-dimensional conditions

To observe the adaptive response (AR) induced by ionizing radiation in human fibroblasts under monolayer and 3-dimensional (3-D) condition. Three kinds of fibroblasts were cultured under both monolayer and 3-D condition. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the γ-H2AX foci and the morphological texture. Trypan blue staining was used to detect the cell death. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of γ-H2AX, p53 and CDKN1A/p21 (p21). We found that DNA damage increased in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner after high doses of radiation. When cells were pretreated with a priming low dose of radiation followed by high dose radiation, DNA damage was attenuated under both monolayer and 3-D condition, and the adaptive response (AR) was induced. Additionally, the morphology of cells under monolayer and 3-D conditions were different, and radiation also induced AR according to morphological texture analysis. Priming low dose radiation induced AR both under monolayer and 3-D condition. Interestingly, 3-D microenvironment made cells more sensitive to radiation. The expression of p53 and p21 was changed and indicated that they might participate in the regulation of AR.

Changes in telomere length distribution in low-dose X-ray-irradiated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to be a cause of telomere dysfunction in tumor cells; however, very few studies have investigated X-ray-related changes in telomere length and the telomerase activity in normal human cells, such as umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The loss of a few hundred base pairs from a shortened telomere has been shown to be important with respect to cellular senescence, although it may not be detected according to traditional mean telomere length [assessed as the terminal restriction fragment (TRF)] analyses. In the present study, a continuous time window from irradiation was selected to examine changes in the telomere length, including the mean TRF length, percentage of the telomere length, telomerase activity, apoptotic rate, and survival rate in HUVECs from the first day to the fourth day after the administration of a 0.5-Gy dose of irradiation. The mean TRF length in the irradiated HUVECs showed shorter telomere length in first 3 days, but they were not statistically significant. On the other hand, according to the percentage analysis of the telomere length, a decreasing tendency was noted in the longer telomere lengths (9.4-4.4 kb), with a significant increase in the shortest telomeres (4.4-2.3 kb) among the irradiated cells versus the controls from the first day to the third after irradiation; no significant differences were noted on the fourth day. These results suggest that the shortest telomeres are sensitive to the late stage of radiation damage. The proliferation of irradiated cells was suppressed after IR in contrast to the non-irradiated cells. The apoptotic rate was elevated initially both in IR- and non-IR-cells, but that of IR-cells was maintained at an elevated level thereafter in contrast to that of non-IR-cells decreasing promptly. Therefore, a 0.5-Gy dose of IR induces persistent apoptosis leading to an apparent growth arrest of the normal HUVECs.

Does short-term exposure to elevated levels of natural gamma radiation in Ramsar cause oxidative stress?

BACKGROUND

Ramsar, a city in northern Iran, has areas with some of the highest recorded levels of natural radiation among inhabited areas measured on the earth.

AIMS

To determine whether short-term exposure to extremely high levels of natural radiation induce oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 53 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10-12 animals. Animals in the 1(st) group were kept for 7 days in an outdoor area with normal background radiation while the 2(nd) , 3(rd) , 4(th) and 5(th) groups were kept in four different outdoor areas with naturally elevated levels of gamma radiation in Ramsar. A calibrated RDS-110 survey meter, mounted on a tripod approximately 1 m above the ground, was used to measure exposure rate at each location. On days 7 and 9 blood sampling was performed to assess the serum levels of catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). On day 8, all animals were exposed to a lethal dose of 8 Gy gamma radiations emitted by a Theratron Phoenix (Theratronics, Canada) Cobalt-60 (55 cGy/min) at Radiotherapy Department of Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran.

RESULTS

Findings obtained in this study indicate that high levels of natural radiation cannot induce oxidative stress. CAT and MDA levels in almost all groups were not significantly different (P = 0.69 and P = 0.05, respectively). After exposure to the lethal dose, CAT and MDA levels in all groups were not significantly different (P = 0.054 and P = 0.163, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that short-term exposure to extremely high levels of natural radiation (up to 196 times higher than the normal background) does not induce oxidative stress.

Adaptive response in mammalian cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: A review and gaps in knowledge

Adaptive response is a phenomenon in which cells which were pre-exposed to extremely low and non-toxic doses of a genotoxic agent became resistant to the damage induced by subsequent exposure to a higher and toxic dose of the same, similar (in action) or another genotoxic agent. Such response has been well documented in scientific literature in cells exposed in vitro and in vivo to low doses of physical (especially, ionizing radiation) and chemical mutagens. The existence of similar phenomenon in mammalian cells exposed in vitro and in vivo to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields has been reported in several research publications. In in vitro studies, human blood lymphocytes exposed to radiofrequency fields and then treated with a genotoxic mutagen or subjected to ionizing radiation showed significantly decreased genetic damage. Similar studies in tumor cells showed significantly increased viability, decreased apoptosis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased intracellular free Ca2+ and, increased Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity. In in vivo studies, exposure of rodents to radiofrequency fields and then to lethal/sub-lethal doses of γ-radiation showed survival advantage, significantly decreased damage in hematopoietic tissues, decreased genetic damage in blood leukocytes and bone marrow cells, increased numbers of colony forming units in bone marrow, increased levels of colony stimulating factor and interleukin-3 in the serum and increased expression of genes related to cell cycle. These observations suggested the ability of radiofrequency fields to induce adaptive response and also indicated some potential mechanisms for the induction of such response. Several gaps in knowledge that need to be investigated were discussed.

Chronic low dose-rate radiation down-regulates transcription related to mitosis and chromosomal movement similar to acute high dose in prostate cells

PURPOSE

Despite concerns over risks from exposure to low-dose ionizing radiations encountered in the environment and workplace, the molecular consequences of these exposures, particularly at representative doses and dose-rates, remains poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a novel flood source construct, we performed a direct comparison of genome-wide gene expression regulations resulting from exposure of primary human prostate fibroblast cultures to acute (10 cGy and 200 cGy) and longer-term chronic (1.0-2.45 cGy cumulative over 24 h) exposures.

RESULTS

Expression profiling showed significant differential regulation of 396 genes with no measureable changes in the acute 10 cGy dose. However, there were 106 genes in common between samples given an acute 200 cGy dose compared to those given chronic doses, most of which were decreased and related to cell cycle or chromosomal movement in M-phase. Biological pathway analysis showed decreases in cell cycle, chromosomal movement, cell survival and DNA replication, recombination and repair as well as a predicted activation of transcriptional regulators TP53, RB1 and CDKN2A. In agreement with these results, prostate epithelial cells given 200 cGy or chronic doses displayed functional decreases in proliferation and mitotic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we showed a contrast to the common observation of constant or reduced effect per unit dose as the dose (acute) was diminished, that even very low total doses delivered chronically could rival the perturbing effect of acute doses 100 times as intense. Underscored is the importance of the means of dose delivery, shown to be as important as dose size when considering biologic effect.

The transcriptional response of mammalian cancer cells to irradiation is dominated by a cell cycle signature which is strongly attenuated in non-cancer cells and tissues

PURPOSE

Our goal was to identify genes showing a general transcriptional response to irradiation in mammalian cells and to analyze their response in function of dose, time and quality of irradiation and of cell type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a modified MIAME (Minimal Information About Microarray Experiments) protocol to import microarray data from 177 different irradiation conditions in the Radiation Genes database and performed cut-off-based selections and hierarchical gene clustering.

RESULTS

We identified a set of 29 genes which respond to a wide range of irradiation conditions in different cell types and tissues. Functional analysis of the negatively modulated genes revealed a dominant signature of mitotic cell cycle regulation which appears both dose and time-dependent. This signature is prominent in cancer cells and highly proliferating tissues but it is strongly attenuated in non cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcriptional response of mammalian cancer cells to irradiation is dominated by a mitotic cell cycle signature both dose and time-dependent. This core response, which is present in cancer cells and highly proliferating tissues such as skin, blood and lymph node, is weaker or absent in non-cancer cells and in liver and spleen. CDKN1A (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A) appears as the most generally induced mammalian gene and its response (mostly dose- and time-independent) seems to go beyond the typical DNA damage response.

Low dose radiation response curves, networks and pathways in human lymphoblastoid cells exposed from 1 to 10cGy of acute gamma radiation

We investigated the low dose dependency of the transcriptional response of human cells to characterize the shape and biological functions associated with the dose-response curve and to identify common and conserved functions of low dose expressed genes across cells and tissues. Human lymphoblastoid (HL) cells from two unrelated individuals were exposed to graded doses of radiation spanning the range of 1-10cGy were analyzed by transcriptome profiling, qPCR and bioinformatics, in comparison to sham irradiated samples. A set of ∼80 genes showed consistent responses in both cell lines; these genes were associated with homeostasis mechanisms (e.g., membrane signaling, molecule transport), subcellular locations (e.g., Golgi, and endoplasmic reticulum), and involved diverse signal transduction pathways. The majority of radiation-modulated genes had plateau-like responses across 1-10cGy, some with suggestive evidence that transcription was modulated at doses below 1cGy. MYC, FOS and TP53 were the major network nodes of the low-dose-response in HL cells. Comparison our low dose expression findings in HL cells with those of prior studies in mouse brain after whole body exposure, in human keratinocyte cultures, and in endothelial cells cultures, indicates that certain components of the low dose radiation response are broadly conserved across cell types and tissues, independent of proliferation status.

HUVEC respond to radiation by inducing the expression of pro-angiogenic microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting mRNAs and triggering either repression of translation or RNA degradation. They have been shown to be involved in a variety of biological processes such as development, differentiation and cell cycle control, but little is known about their involvement in the response to irradiation. We showed here that in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) some miRNAs previously shown to have a crucial role in vascular biology are transiently modulated in response to a clinically relevant dose of ionizing radiation. In particular we identified an early transcriptional induction of several members of the microRNA cluster 17-92 and other microRNAs already known to be related to angiogenesis. At the same time we observed a peculiar behavior of the miR-221/222 cluster, suggesting an important role of these microRNAs in HUVEC homeostasis. We observed an increased efficiency in the formation of capillary-like structures in irradiated HUVEC. These results could lead to a new interpretation of the effect of ionizing radiation on endothelial cells and on the response of tumor endothelial bed cells to radiotherapy.

Embryonic development and skeletogenic gene expression affected by X-rays in the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

International concern over environmental nuclear contamination of salt water fisheries and coastal resources has attracted the interests of ecologists, marine biologists and stakeholders. There are not many studies on the effects of X-rays, a component of radionuclides emissions, on embryonic development and gene expression. The sea urchin embryo is emerging as a useful model system for environmental and eco-toxicological studies. Here, we describe how X-rays affect development and gene expression in embryos of the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Cleavage embryos were exposed to doses from 0.1 to 5 Gy, using an Ag source of X radiation. We found a dose-dependent increase in developmental delays and severe morphological defects in embryos microscopically inspected at two endpoints, 24 and 48 h after irradiation. By analogy with classical toxicity tests parameters we defined the No Observed Effect Dose at 0.1 Gy, the Lowest Observed Effect Dose at 0.5 Gy and ED50 at 1.0 Gy. Major perturbations concerned primitive intestine and skeleton differentiation and development: X-rays exposed embryos had both no gut and arms or poorly and abnormally developed ones. We found a dose-dependent reduction in the mRNA levels of two skeleton-specific genes, Pl-SM30 (spicule matrix 30) and Pl-msp130 (matrix spicule protein 130), as measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and whole mount in situ hybridization, respectively. These findings indicate the sea urchin embryo as a sensible bioindicator of X-radiation and propose its use as an alternative model, emphasizing the need for further investigation aimed to protect ecosystem health.

Gene expression signatures in the peripheral blood after radiosurgery of human cerebral arteriovenous malformations

PURPOSE

To unravel biological mechanisms potentially resulting in the obliteration process after radiosurgery (RS) of human cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) by investigating molecular signatures on the transcriptomic level in peripheral blood of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Venous blood samples were obtained at definite points of time before and after RS. The samples were tested for radiation-induced changes regarding biological markers (mRNA) using cDNA and oligo-microarray technology. The corresponding expression profiles were correlated with clinical data and obliteration signs in radiologic imaging.

RESULTS

The proof of principle that RS outcome can be successfully correlated with transcriptomics of cellular blood components as disease parameter was demonstrated. The authors identified 76 differentially regulated genes (p < 0.001) after RS. Interestingly, in particular genes with known roles in anti-angiogenic and pro-coagulative pathways were identified as potentially relevant. In particularly, the authors found a significant downregulation of neuropilin-2, protein C inhibitor and cyclin-dependent kinase 6. They also found that low pretreatment blood mRNA levels of TLR4 (toll-like receptor 4) and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) correlated with fast obliteration of AVMs.

CONCLUSION

The authors report on a novel technique for molecular biological analysis of blood from patients with cerebral AVM treated with RS. Differential regulation of genes in peripheral blood was successfully correlated with RS and time to obliteration of AVMs. The identified genes indicate a potential new methodology to monitor RS, which may result in an individualized therapy and optimized follow-up.

Biological effects of Echinacea purpurea on human blood cells

The aim of this study was to investigate radioprotective properties of Echinacea purpurea tablets in vivo. We analysed lymphocyte chromosome aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), apoptosis of leukocytes and haematological parameters in a group of radiation workers who were identified as carrying dicentric chromosomes in their lymphocytes. All radiation workers were taking two 275 mg Echinacea tablets b.i.d., according to a pharmacist's recommendation. All parameters were analysed before and after the two-week treatment. At the end of the treatment lymphocyte CA frequency dropped significantly, and the number of apoptotic cells increased. The inverse lymphocyte-to-granulocyte ratio at the beginning of the study changed to normal at its end. In conclusion, biological effects observed after administration of Echinacea purpurea preparation suggest that it may be beneficial for the prevention of adverse health effects in workers exposed to ionising radiation.

Radiation Genes: a database devoted to microarrays screenings revealing transcriptome alterations induced by ionizing radiation in mammalian cells

The analysis of the great extent of data generated by using DNA microarrays technologies has shown that the transcriptional response to radiation can be considerably different depending on the quality, the dose range and dose rate of radiation, as well as the timing selected for the analysis. At present, it is very difficult to integrate data obtained under several experimental conditions in different biological systems to reach overall conclusions or build regulatory models which may be tested and validated. In fact, most available data is buried in different websites, public or private, in general or local repositories or in files included in published papers; it is often in various formats, which makes a wide comparison even more difficult. The Radiation Genes Database (http://www.caspur.it/RadiationGenes) collects microarrays data from various local and public repositories or from published papers and supplementary materials. The database classifies it in terms of significant variables, such as radiation quality, dose, dose rate and sampling timing, as to provide user-friendly tools to facilitate data integration and comparison.

Induced expression of the IER5 gene by gamma-ray irradiation and its involvement in cell cycle checkpoint control and survival

The immediate-early response gene 5 (IER5) was previously shown, using microarray analysis, to be upregulated by ionizing radiation. Here we further characterized the dose- and time-dependency of radiation-induced expression of IER5 at doses from 0.5 to 15 Gy by quantitative real-time PCR analyses in HeLa cells and human lymphoblastoid AHH-1 cells. A radiation-induced increase in the IER5 mRNA level was evident 2 h after irradiation with 2 Gy in both cell lines. In AHH-1 cells the expression reached a peak at 4 h and then quickly returned to the control level, while in HeLa cells the expression only remained increased for a short period of time at around 2 h after irradiation before returning to the control. After high-dose irradiation (10 Gy), the induction of the IER5 expression was lower and delayed in AHH-1 cells as compared with 2-Gy irradiated cells. In HeLa cells, at this dose, two peaks of increased expression were observed 2 h and 12-24 h post-irradiation, respectively. RNA interference technology was employed to silence the IER5 gene in HeLa cells. siRNA-mediated suppression of IER5 resulted in an increased proliferation of HeLa cells. Cell growth and survival analyses demonstrated that suppression of IER5 significantly increased the radioresistance of HeLa cells to radiation doses of up to 6 Gy, but barely affected the sensitivity of cells at 8 Gy. Moreover, suppression of IER5 potentiated radiation-induced arrest at the G2-M transition and led to an increase in the fraction of S phase cells. Taken together, we propose that the early radiation-induced expression of IER5 affects the radiosensitivity via disturbing radiation-induced cell cycle checkpoints.

Induction of rhodanese, a detoxification enzyme, in livers from mice after long-term irradiation with low-dose-rate gamma-rays

The health effects of low-dose radiation exposure are of public concern. Although molecular events in the cellular response to high-dose-rate radiation exposure have been fully investigated, effects of long-term exposure to extremely low-dose-rate radiation remain unclear. Protein expression was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis in livers from mice irradiated for 485 days (22 hr/day) at low-dose-rates of 0.032 microGy/min, 0.65 microGy/min and 13 microGy/min (total doses of 21 mGy, 420 mGy and 8000 mGy, respectively). One of the proteins that showed marked changes in expression was identified as rhodanese (thiosulfate sulfurtransferase). Rhodanese expression was increased after irradiation at 0.65 microGy/min and 13 microGy/min, while its expression was not changed at 0.032 microGy/min. Rhodanese is a detoxification enzyme, probably related to the regulation of antioxidative function. However, antioxidative proteins, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 (also known as Cu,Zn-SOD) and SOD2 (also known as Mn-SOD), which can be induced by high-dose-rate radiation, were not induced at any low-dose-rates tested. These findings indicate that rhodanese is a novel protein induced by low-dose-rate radiation, and further analysis could provide insight into the effects of extremely low-dose-rate radiation exposure.

Alteration of apoptotic signaling molecules as a function of time after radiation in human neuroblastoma cells

Ascertaining the time-dependent regulation of induced apoptosis and radioresistance is important to understand the relationship between the level of spontaneous apoptosis in cells and their radiosensitivity. Accordingly, we investigated the time-dependent expression of apoptosis related genes and radioresistance in neuroblastoma cells. Serum-starved human SK-N-MC cells were exposed to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation (2 Gy) and incubated for 15, 30, 45 min, and 48 h. Radioresistance was investigated by examining the NF kappa B DNA-binding activity, cellular toxicity, DNA fragmentation, and expression of apoptotic signal transduction molecules. NF kappa B DNA binding activity was analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Cellular toxicity was measured using MTT assay. DNA fragmentation was quantified by labeling with fluorescein-conjugated deoxynucleotides. Microarray analysis was performed using cDNA microarray and relative gene expression was measured as % GAPDH and, subsequently validated using Q-PCR. Induction of NF kappa B analyzed using EMSA showed an increased DNA-binding activity at all time points investigated. Induced DNA fragmentation was observed after 15, 30, and 45 min post-radiation. Relatively, induced fragmentation was reduced after 48 h. Compared to the untreated controls cellular toxicity was induced with low LET radiation after 15, 30, and 45 min. Conversely, cytotoxicity was relatively less at 48 h after low LET radiation. Microarray analysis after low LET radiation revealed time-dependent modulation of apoptosis-related genes that are involved in radio-adaptation, spontaneous apoptosis-related early-responsive genes and late response genes. These results suggest that the time-dependent regulation of apoptotic response may determine the relationship between the level of spontaneous apoptosis in cells and their radiosensitivity.

Induction of DNA double-strand breaks by zeocin in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the role of increased DNA double-strand breaks rejoining in the formation of an adaptive response

This study aimed to test the potential of the radiomimetic chemical zeocin to induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and "adaptive response" (AR) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CW15 as a model system. The AR was measured as cell survival using a micro-colony assay, and by changes in rejoining of DSB DNA. The level of induced DSB was measured by constant field gel electrophoresis based on incorporation of cells into agarose blocks before cell lysis. This avoids the risk of accidental induction of DSB during the manipulation procedures. Our results showed that zeocin could induce DSB in C. reinhardtii strain CW15 in a linear dose-response fashion up to 100 microg ml(-1) which marked the beginning of a plateau. The level of DSB induced by 100 microg ml(-1) zeocin was similar to that induced by 250 Gy of gamma-ray irradiation. It was also found that, similar to gamma rays, zeocin could induce AR measured as DSB in C. reinhardtii CW15 and this AR involved acceleration of the rate of DSB rejoining, too. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that zeocin could induce AR in some low eukaryotes such as C. reinhardtii.

Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Stimulates Transcription and Production of Endothelin by Human Vein Endothelial Cells

A transient increase of EDN1 mRNA accumulation is observed in human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after a low dose of ionizing radiation. The kinetics of this mRNA accumulation parallels that of other AP1-regulated transcripts, showing a sharp peak 2 h after irradiation. This accumulation is followed by a net increase of endothelin 1 and big endothelin 1 in the cytoplasm that reaches a peak 4 h after irradiation. We followed the kinetics of endothelin 1 secretion in cell culture medium and did not find a detectable increase in the rate of secretion by the irradiated cells compared to sham-irradiated cells. We conclude that in HUVEC monolayers, an increase in endothelin production does not automatically correspond to an increase in secretion. These findings suggest that endothelin is an important component in the response of endothelial cells to ionizing radiation and that it could be used as a biomarker for low-dose irradiation of endothelial tissues.

TP53 and TP53-Related Genes Associated with Protection from Apoptosis in the Radioadaptive Response

We investigated the effect of administering priming low-dose radiation prior to high-dose radiation on the level of apoptosis and on the expression of TP53 and TP53-related genes in mouse splenocytes. The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in TP53(+/+) mice receiving priming radiation 2 to 168 h before the high-dose irradiation, compared to TP53(+/+) mice exposed to 2 Gy alone. In contrast, TP53(+/-) mice exhibited a reduced level of apoptosis only when priming was performed for 2 or 4 h prior to the high-dose irradiation. In TP53(+/+) mice, primed mice had higher TP53 expression than mice exposed to 2 Gy. Phospho-TP53 (ser15/18) expression was the highest in mice exposed to 2 Gy and intermediate in primed mice. Expression of p21 (CDKN1A) was higher in primed mice compared with mice exposed to 2 Gy. MDM2 expression remained at a high level in all mice receiving 2 Gy. Elevated phospho-ATM expression was observed only in mice exposed to 2 Gy. We conclude that TP53 plays a critical role in the radioadaptive response and that TP53 and TP53-related genes might protect cells from apoptosis through activation of the intracellular repair system.

Microarray analysis of radiation response genes in primary human fibroblasts

PURPOSE

To identify radiation-induced early transcriptional responses in primary human fibroblasts and understand cellular pathways leading to damage correction.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Primary human fibroblast cell lines were irradiated with 2 Gy gamma-radiation and RNA isolated 2 h later. Radiation-induced transcriptional alterations were investigated with microarrays covering the entire human genome. Time- and dose dependent radiation responses were studied by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

About 200 genes responded to ionizing radiation on the transcriptional level in primary human fibroblasts. The expression profile depended on individual genetic backgrounds. Thirty genes (28 up- and 2 down-regulated) responded to radiation in identical manner in all investigated cells. Twenty of these consensus radiation response genes were functionally categorized: most of them belong to the DNA damage response (GADD45A, BTG2, PCNA, IER5), regulation of cell cycle and cell proliferation (CDKN1A, PPM1D, SERTAD1, PLK2, PLK3, CYR61), programmed cell death (BBC3, TP53INP1) and signaling (SH2D2A, SLIC1, GDF15, THSD1) pathways. Four genes (SEL10, FDXR, CYP26B1, OR11A1) were annotated to other functional groups. Many of the consensus radiation response genes are regulated by, or regulate p53. Time- and dose-dependent expression profiles of selected consensus genes (CDKN1A, GADD45A, IER5, PLK3, CYR61) were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR. Transcriptional alterations depended on the applied dose, and on the time after irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here could help in the better understanding of early radiation responses and the development of biomarkers to identify radiation susceptible individuals.

The initiator motif is preferentially used as the core promoter element in ionizing radiation-responsive genes

Recent improvements in DNA microarray technologies and bioinformatics have made it possible to look for common features of ionizing radiation-responsive genes and their regulatory regions. We analyzed the promoters of 217 radiation-responsive human genes, compiled from microarray databases available in the literature. Using the DBTSS database, the transcriptional start sites were determined, and the core promoter elements, such as the TATA-box, initiator (Inr), GC-box and CCAAT-box, were searched for in the -1000 bp/ +200 bp region of each gene by using MATCH. It was found that the frequency of Inr in radiation-responsive genes was higher than that in general genes, and the frequencies of the GC-box and CCAAT-box were significantly lower than those in general genes. Use of the GC-box and the CCAAT-box in radiation-responsive genes was found to be dependent on the TATA-box status; that is, GC-box frequency was low in TATA box-containing genes, and CCAAT-box frequency was also low in TATA-less genes. When correlations between gene functions and frequencies of core promoter elements were examined, no apparent biased use of the core promoter element in association with a specific gene function was observed. It may be speculated that use of Inr in the core promoter correlates with appearance of radiation-responsive enhancer (silencer) elements in the upstream (downstream) regulatory region.

Enhancement of SPHK1 in vitro by carbon ion irradiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the gene expression changes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells after carbon ion irradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Three OSCC cell lines (HSC2, Ca9-22, and HSC3) were irradiated with accelerated carbon ion beams or X-rays using three different doses. The cellular sensitivities were determined by clonogenic survival assay. To identify genes the expression of which is influenced by carbon ion irradiation in a dose-dependent manner, we performed Affymetrix GeneChip analysis with HG-U133 plus 2.0 arrays containing 54,675 probe sets. The identified genes were analyzed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis Tool to investigate the functional network and gene ontology. Changes in mRNA expression in the genes were assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

We identified 98 genes with expression levels that were altered significantly at least twofold in each of the three carbon-irradiated OSCC cell lines at all dose points compared with nonirradiated control cells. Among these, SPHK1, the expression of which was significantly upregulated by carbon ion irradiation, was modulated little by X-rays. The function of SPHK1 related to cellular growth and proliferation had the highest p value (p = 9.25e-7 to 2.19e-2). Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significantly elevated SPHK1 expression levels after carbon ion irradiation (p < 0.05), consistent with microarray data. Clonogenic survival assay indicated that carbon ion irradiation could induce cell death in Ca9-22 cells more effectively than X-rays.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SPHK1 helps to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and processes underlying the biologic response to carbon ion beams in OSCC.

Identification of differentially transcribed genes in human lymphoblastoid cells irradiated with 0.5 Gy of gamma-ray and the involvement of low dose radiation inducible CHD6 gene in cell proliferation and radiosensitivity

PURPOSE

To identify candidate genes specifically involved in response to low-dose irradiation in human lymphoblastoid cells; to better clarify the role of the human chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 6 gene (CHD6), one of these genes, in cell proliferation and radiosensitivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DNA microarray technology was used to analyse global transcriptional profile in human lymphoblastoid AHH-1 cells at 4 h after exposure to 0.5 Gy of gamma-ray. Gene expression changes were confirmed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription--polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot. RNA interfering technology was employed to knock-down the CHD6 gene in A549 cells. Colony-forming ability was used to analyse radiosensitivity.

RESULTS

The microarray assay revealed a set of 0.5 Gy-responsive genes, including 30 up-regulated genes and 45 down-regulated genes. The up-regulated genes include a number of genes involved in: signal transduction pathways, e.g., STAT3, CAMKK2, SIRT1, CREM, MAPK3K7IP2 and GPR56; transcription or DNA-binding, e.g., CHD6, CRSP3, SNURF, SH2 domain binding protein 1 and MIZF. Some of the down-regulated genes are involved in: cytoskeleton and cell movement (WASF2, LCP1, MSN, NIPSNAP1, KIF2C); DNA replication and repair (MCM2, MCM3, MCM7 and XRCC-4). Radiation-increased expression of CHD6 was also found in A549 cells and HeLa cells. The sustained CHD6 induction was restricted to relatively low doses (0.2 Gy or 0.5 Gy), no change occurring after 4 Gy irradiation. Silencing of CHD6 mediated by siRNA increased the growth rate of A549 cells by 40 approximately 60%. Most importantly, silencing CHD6 led to an increased radioresistance of A459 cells to radiation doses up to 2 Gy, but barely affected the sensitivity of cells at 4 and 8 Gy.

CONCLUSION

This study has identified a set of genes responsive to 0.5 Gy of gamma-rays. CDH6 gene can be specifically up-regulated by low dose irradiation, and its inducible expression could be involved in a low dose hypersensitive response.