Gene Expression-Based Dosimetry by Dose and Time in Mice Following Acute Radiation Exposure

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083390
• Publication Date: 2013-12-16T21:43:43Z
• Authors: James D. Tucker; George W. Divine; William E. Grever; Robert A. Thomas; Michael C. Joiner; Joseph M. Smolinski; Gregory W. Auner
• Keywords: Radiobiology

Rapid and reliable methods for performing biological dosimetry are of paramount importance in the event a large-scale nuclear event. Traditional approaches lack requisite rapid assessment capability, ease use, portability low cost, which factors needed triaging large number victims. Here we describe results experiments mice were acutely exposed to 60Co gamma rays at doses 0 (control) 10 Gy. Blood was obtained from irradiated 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 days after exposure. mRNA expression levels 106 selected genes by reverse-transcription real time PCR. Stepwise regression dose received against individual gene transcript provided optimal each point. The indicate that only 4–7 different transcripts explain ≥ 0.69 variance (R2), receiver-operator characteristics, measure sensitivity specificity, 0.93 these statistical models achieved These provide an excellent description relationship between actual predicted up 6 At 8 Gy there appears be saturation radiation-response signals with corresponding diminution accuracy. suggest similar analyses humans may advantageous use field-portable device designed assess exposures mass casualty situations.