Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
11:45
Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition
Published on: November 14, 2013
12.5K
Evolutionarily conserved serum microRNAs predict radiation-induced fatality in nonhuman primates
Wojciech Fendler1, Beata Malachowska1, Khyati Meghani2
1Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland.
Science Translational Medicine
|March 3, 2017
Summary
Serum microRNAs (miRNAs) can predict the impact of radiation exposure. A conserved signature of five miRNAs accurately identifies irradiated nonhuman primates and predicts survival, aiding medical response planning.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Radiation Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Effective medical response to radiological accidents requires accurate victim triage.
- Limited medical countermeasures necessitate identifying individuals most likely to benefit from treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as predictive biomarkers for radiation exposure impact.
- To identify conserved miRNA signatures in mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) for radiation fatality prediction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models and nonhuman primates (NHPs) to study serum miRNA alterations post-irradiation.
- Identified conserved miRNA signatures and regulatory transcription factors across species.
- Developed miRNA-based classifiers to predict radiation exposure and mortality.
Main Results:
- A signature of seven miRNAs was altered by irradiation in both mice and NHPs.
- A three-miRNA combination accurately identified irradiated NHPs.
- A five-miRNA composite signature identified irradiated macaques and predicted survival probability.
Conclusions:
- Serum miRNA signatures serve as conserved biomarkers for radiation exposure.
- MiRNA-based prediction of radiation impact and survival is feasible in NHPs.
- Findings support the development of miRNA-based tools for medical response to radiological events.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
02:59Biological Effects of Radiation
All radioactive nuclides emit high-energy particles or electromagnetic waves. When this radiation encounters living cells, it can cause heating, break chemical bonds, or ionize molecules. The most serious biological damage results when these radioactive emissions fragment or ionize molecules. For example, α and β particles emitted from nuclear decay reactions possess much higher energies than ordinary chemical bond energies. When these particles strike and penetrate matter, they produce ions...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...