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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:51
Assessing Cell Cycle Progression of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells in the Mouse Developing Brain after Genotoxic Stress
Published on: May 7, 2014
Neural precursor cells and central nervous system radiation sensitivity.
John R Fike1, Susanna Rosi, Charles L Limoli
1Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110-0899, USA. john.fike@ucsf.edu
Seminars in Radiation Oncology
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Cranial radiotherapy can cause cognitive impairment by affecting the hippocampus. New research uses cell and animal studies to understand radiation
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiation Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cranial radiotherapy's radiation dose is limited by normal brain tissue tolerance.
- Cognitive impairment is a potential complication of cranial radiotherapy.
- Irradiation significantly impacts hippocampal neurogenesis, affecting cognitive function via oxidative stress and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which cranial irradiation affects hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function.
- To understand the role of the brain's microenvironment in radiation-induced cognitive impairment.
- To gain mechanistic insights into normal brain tissue tolerance after cranial irradiation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cell culture studies to examine cellular responses to irradiation.
- In vivo animal models to assess the effects of irradiation on neurogenesis and cognition.
- Analysis of microenvironmental factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Irradiation significantly impacts hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Changes in neurogenesis are associated with altered cognitive function.
- Microenvironmental factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation, play a role in these changes.
Conclusions:
- Data from cell culture and animal studies provide complementary insights into radiation effects on the brain.
- Understanding these mechanisms can enhance knowledge of normal brain tissue tolerance after cranial irradiation.
- This research is relevant to mitigating cognitive impairment complications from cranial radiotherapy.
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