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Updated: May 7, 2026

Intestinal Epithelial Regeneration in Response to Ionizing Irradiation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Non-targeted effects induced by ionizing radiation: mechanisms and potential impact on radiation induced health
William F Morgan1, Marianne B Sowa1
1Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, United States.
Abstract:
Not-targeted effects represent a paradigm shift from the "DNA centric" view that ionizing radiation only elicits biological effects and subsequent health consequences as a result of an energy deposition event in the cell nucleus. While this is likely true at higher radiation doses (>1 Gy), at low doses (<100 mGy) non-targeted effects associated with radiation exposure might play a significant role. Here definitions of non-targeted effects are presented, the potential mechanisms for the communication of signals and signaling networks from irradiated cells/tissues are proposed, and the various effects of this intra- and intercellular signaling are described. We conclude with speculation on how these observations might lead to and impact long-term human health outcomes.
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