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Cellular proto-oncogene expression following exposure of mice to gamma rays
1Argonne National Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Division, Illinois 60439-4833.
Abstract:
Many studies have shown the importance of altered cellular proto-oncogene expression in contributing to changes in cell survival, cell transformation, and cell cycle progression. In these experiments we examined the effects of total-body exposure of BCF1 mice to gamma rays (3 Gy) in modulating expression of cellular oncogenes in both gut and liver tissues. We selected specific cellular oncogenes (c-fos, c-myc, c-src, and c-H-ras), based on their normal expression in liver and gut tissues from untreated mice. As early as 5 min following whole-body exposure of BCF1 mice to gamma rays we detected induction of mRNA specific for c-src and c-H-ras in both liver and gut tissues. Accumulation of c-fos-RNA was slightly decreased in gut but was unaffected in liver tissue from irradiated mice relative to untreated controls. Accumulation of c-myc mRNA was unaffected in all tissues examined. These experiments document that modulation of cellular proto-oncogene expression can occur as an early event in tissues following irradiation and suggest that this modulation may play a role in radiation-induced cellular changes.
Insights
Gamma radiation exposure rapidly alters cellular proto-oncogene expression in mouse gut and liver tissues. These changes in oncogenes like c-src and c-H-ras may contribute to radiation-induced cellular effects.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Radiation Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Altered cellular proto-oncogene expression is linked to cell survival, transformation, and cell cycle progression.
- Proto-oncogenes play critical roles in normal cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gamma radiation on cellular proto-oncogene expression in mouse gut and liver tissues.
- To identify early molecular events following irradiation.
Main Methods:
- BCF1 mice were exposed to 3 Gy of gamma rays.
- Expression levels of c-fos, c-myc, c-src, and c-H-ras mRNA were analyzed in gut and liver tissues post-irradiation.
- Quantitative analysis of mRNA accumulation was performed.
Main Results:
- Induction of c-src and c-H-ras mRNA was observed in both liver and gut tissues as early as 5 minutes post-irradiation.
- c-fos mRNA accumulation decreased slightly in the gut but remained unchanged in the liver.
- c-myc mRNA levels were unaffected in all examined tissues.
Conclusions:
- Gamma irradiation can rapidly modulate cellular proto-oncogene expression.
- Early changes in proto-oncogene expression following irradiation suggest a potential role in radiation-induced cellular alterations.
- Specific oncogenes like c-src and c-H-ras are sensitive to acute radiation exposure.