Effects of ionizing radiation on DNA methylation: from experimental biology to clinical applications. (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miousse, Isabelle R.; Kutanzi, Kristy R.; Koturbash, Igor
• Is Part Of: International journal of radiation biology. Volume 93:Number 5(2017:May)
• Page Start: 457
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Epigenetics -- ionizing radiation -- DNA methylation -- radiotherapy -- space radiation -- transposable elements; Radiation -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; 571.45
• DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2017.1287454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-3002

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Ionizing radiation (IR) is a ubiquitous environmental stressor with genotoxic and epigenotoxic capabilities. Terrestrial IR, predominantly a low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, is being widely utilized in medicine, as well as in multiple industrial applications. Additionally, an interest in understanding the effects of high-LET irradiation is emerging due to the potential of exposure during space missions and the growing utilization of high-LET radiation in medicine. Conclusions: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the effects of IR on DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mechanism regulating the expression of genetic information. We discuss global, repetitive elements and gene-specific DNA methylation in light of exposure to high and low doses of high- or low-LET IR, fractionated IR exposure, and bystander effects. Finally, we describe the mechanisms of IR-induced alterations to DNA methylation and discuss ways in which that understanding can be applied clinically, including utilization of DNA methylation as a predictor of response to radiotherapy and in the manipulation of DNA methylation patterns for tumor radiosensitization.