Advances in the Current Understanding of How Low-Dose Radiation Affects the Cell Cycle

Abstract

Cells exposed to ionizing radiation undergo a series of complex responses, including DNA damage, reproductive cell death, and altered proliferation states, which are all linked to cell cycle dynamics. For many years, a great deal of research has been conducted on cell cycle checkpoints and their regulators in mammalian cells in response to high-dose exposures to ionizing radiation. However, it is unclear how low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) regulates the cell cycle progression. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that LDIR may have profound effects on cellular functions. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how LDIR (of up to 200 mGy) regulates the cell cycle and cell-cycle-associated proteins in various cellular settings. In light of current findings, we also illustrate the conceptual function and possible dichotomous role of p21Waf1, a transcriptional target of p53, in response to LDIR.

Hypersensitivity and Induced Radioresistance in Chinese Hamster Cells Exposed to Radiations with Different LET Values

“…On the basis of another simulation code Geant4-DNA_2019 similar to PARTRAC, a new version of Geant4-DNA is being developed which additionally takes into account all known DSB repair pathways NHEJ, HR, SSA, alt-NHEJ [ 46 ]. However, from the HRS/IRR point of view, the latest proposed mechanisms of low-dose effects should be considered [ 47 ]. Another example of less sophisticated modelling is the DNA damage-repair dynamic model for HRS/IRR effects of C. elegans induced by neutron irradiation, developed by Feng et al [ 48 ].…”

The Influence of Different γ-Irradiation Patterns on Factors that May Affect Cell Cycle Progression in Male Rats

“…Cell cycle progression is arrested due to DNA damage induced by irradiation, as the cell activates DNA repair mechanisms. 5 If DNA is successfully repaired, that means further progression of the cycle with a delay in the G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle. On the contrary, if the DNA is unsuccessfully repaired, the cell may die and exit from the cycle or continue with genome instability.…”

“…Radiation is known to disturb the cell cycle in normal cells, causing affected cells to stop at checkpoints. 5 …”

Editorial to Summarize the Papers Published in the Special Issue “10th Anniversary of Cells—Advances in Cell Cycle”

“…This Special Issue also published six comprehensive high quality review articles. These reviews covered a broad range of topics: the impact of 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) on the proliferative behavior of cerebellar neuroblasts [ 6 ], the regulation of the cell cycle by telomerase [ 7 ], growth factors [ 8 ], heat shock transcription factors [ 9 ], Cyclin-Dependent Kinases and CTD Phosphatases [ 10 ], and the effects of low-dose radiation on the cell cycle [ 11 ].These reviews focused on various model organisms, including mammalian cells, plant cells, yeast, and parasites of the Leishmania genus .…”

“…This Special Issue is concluded by a well-written comprehensive review regarding the effects of low-dose radiation on the cell cycle [ 11 ]. Cells exposed to ionizing radiation undergo a series of complex responses, including DNA damage, reproductive cell death, and altered proliferation states, which are all linked to cell cycle dynamics.…”