Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
09:04
Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
1.7K
Rapid Decrease in KRT14 and TP53 mRNA Expression in the Buccal Mucosa of Patients Receiving Total-Body Irradiation
J Chmara1, J W L Browning1, H Atkins2,3
1a Department of Biology and.
Radiation Research
|December 13, 2017
Summary
Researchers studied gene expression in buccal cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients undergoing stem cell transplants. Unexpectedly, TP53 and KRT14 gene expression decreased after radiation, not increased as hypothesized, suggesting a novel response to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the primary curative treatment for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Total-body irradiation (TBI) is used to deplete stem cells but causes radiosensitivity in other tissues.
- Biomarkers are needed to manage TBI-induced toxicities, with buccal cells offering an accessible source for RNA analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression changes in buccal keratinocytes of AML patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
- To identify potential biomarkers for managing radiation-induced toxicities.
- To examine the p53 pathway response to TBI in accessible patient tissues.
Main Methods:
- Collected daily buccal swabs from patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
- Analyzed microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from buccal epithelial cells.
- Monitored the expression of TP53 and KRT14 genes in response to radiation treatment.
Main Results:
- Contrary to expectations, a prominent p53-induced mRNA or miRNA response was not observed.
- Expression of TP53 and KRT14 mRNAs decreased rapidly within hours of the first radiation treatment.
- Patients who experienced this decrease later developed oral mucositis, though predictive value is unconfirmed.
Conclusions:
- The p53 pathway response to TBI in buccal cells may differ from established models.
- TP53 and KRT14 expression dynamics warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers for oral mucositis.
- Larger studies analyzing buccal epithelial samples are needed to validate these findings in AML patients.
