Computational model of the modulation of gene expression following DNA damage

High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, such as heavy ions or neutrons, has an increased biological effectiveness compared to X rays for gene mutation, genomic instability, and carcinogenesis. In the traditional paradigm, mutations or chromosomal aberrations are causative of late effects. However, in recent years experimental evidence has demonstrated the important role of the description of the modification of gene expression by radiation in understanding the mechanisms of radiation action. In this report, approaches are discussed to the mathematical description of mRNA and protein expression kinetics following DNA damage. Several hypotheses for models of radiation modulation of protein expression are discussed including possible non-linear processes that evolve from the linear dose responses that follow the initial DNA damage produced by radiation.