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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Published on: July 3, 2015
Gene expression as a biomarker for human radiation exposure
Romaica A Omaruddin1, Thomas A Roland, H James Wallace
1Department of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, University of Vermont, 302 Rowell Building, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Human Cell
|March 1, 2013
Summary
Identifying radiation exposure is critical. This study found that the MADH7 gene
Area of Science:
- Radiation Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Accidental ionizing radiation exposure poses significant health risks.
- Detecting radiation exposure rapidly and accurately is challenging.
- Biomarkers are needed for effective screening of exposed individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gene expression alterations as biomarkers for human radiation exposure.
- To identify specific genes that change expression following in vivo irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Examined gene expression of CC3, MADH7, and SEC PRO in blood samples.
- Analyzed gene expression changes in patients before and after radiotherapy.
- Measured in vivo response to ionizing radiation treatment.
Main Results:
- Gene expression responses to radiation varied significantly among patients.
- SEC PRO gene expression was repressed in most subjects post-irradiation.
- MADH7 gene expression was upregulated in the majority of subjects.
Conclusions:
- MADH7 gene upregulation shows potential as a molecular marker for radiation exposure.
- Gene expression analysis in blood can serve as a tool for radiation exposure detection.
- Further research is warranted to validate MADH7 as a reliable biomarker.
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