Related Experiment Videos
Particle irradiation induces FGF2 expression in normal human lens cells
P Y Chang1, A Bjornstad K, E Chang
1SRI International, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA.
Radiation Research
|October 12, 2000
Summary
Particle radiation rapidly increases basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) in human lens cells. This FGF2 induction may play a role in radiation-induced cataract development after treatments for eye melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiation Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Particle radiation, including proton and helium-ion beams, treats choroidal melanoma but can cause radiation-induced cataract.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is implicated in cellular injury and repair mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of FGF2 gene expression changes in radiation-induced cataract.
- To analyze FGF2 expression in normal human lens epithelial (HLE) cells following particle irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Human lens epithelial cells cultured on extracellular matrix were exposed to proton and helium-ion radiation.
- FGF2 transcript levels were measured using quantitative methods.
- FGF2 protein levels and isoform expression were assessed via immunofluorescence and total protein analysis.
Main Results:
- Particle radiation induced rapid, transient FGF2 transcripts (5-8 fold increase) within 0.5 hours, with a second wave at 2-3 hours.
- FGF2 protein levels increased post-irradiation, with a helium-ion-specific second wave at 6 hours.
- Helium-ion exposure increased three FGF2 isoforms, notably the 18-kDa species (up to 2-fold).
Conclusions:
- Radiation-induced FGF2 expression occurs in human lens cells.
- FGF2 induction is a potential mechanism contributing to radiation-induced cataract.
- Further studies are needed to elucidate the specific roles of FGF2 isoforms and proton irradiation effects.