Chromosomal damage, gene expression and alternative transcription in human lymphocytes exposed to mixed ionizing radiation as encountered in space

• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62313-7
• Publication Date: 2024-05-20T16:02:06Z
• Authors: Milagrosa López R...; Prabodha Kumar Meher; Beata Brzozowska; Pamela Akuwudike; Martin Bucher; Ursula Oestreicher; Lovisa Lundholm; Andrzej Wojcik
• Keywords: Transcription

Abstract Astronauts travelling in space will be exposed to mixed beams of particle radiation and photons. Exposure limits that correspond defined cancer risk are calculated by multiplying absorbed doses a radiation-type specific quality factor reflects the biological effectiveness without considering possible interaction with We have shown previously alpha X-rays may interact resulting synergistic DNA damage responses human peripheral blood lymphocytes but level intra-individual variability was high. In order assess validate synergism, from two male donors drawn at 9 time points during 3 seasons year 0–2 Gy X-rays, particles or 1:1 mixture both (half dose each). response quantified chromosomal aberrations mRNA levels radiation-responsive genes FDXR , CDKN1A MDM2 measured 24 h post exposure. The terms differential expression alternative transcripts assessed using primer pairs per gene. A consistently higher than expected effect found for gene some seasonal latter. No synergy detected transcription.