DNA damage accumulation during fractionated low-dose radiation compromises hippocampal neurogenesis

High-precision radiotherapy is an effective treatment modality for tumors. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques permit close shaping of high doses to tumors, however healthy organs outside the target volume are repeatedly exposed to low-dose radiation (LDR). The inherent vulnerability of hippocampal neurogenesis is likely the determining factor in radiation-induced neurocognitive dysfunctions. Using preclinical in-vivo models with daily LDR we attempted to precisely define the pathophysiology of radiation-induced neurotoxicity.

Genetically defined mouse strains with varying DNA repair capacities were exposed to fractionated LDR (5×/10×/15×/20×0.1 Gy) and dentate gyri from juvenile and adult mice were analyzed 72 h after last exposure and 1, 3, 6 months after 20 × 0.1 Gy. To examine the impact of LDR on neurogenesis, persistent DNA damage was assessed by quantifying 53BP1-foci within hippocampal neurons. Moreover, subpopulations of neuronal stem/progenitor cells were quantified and dendritic arborization of developing neurons were assessed. To unravel molecular mechanisms involved in radiation-induced neurotoxicity, hippocampi were analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and affected signaling networks were validated by immunoblotting.

Radiation-induced DNA damage accumulation leads to progressive decline of hippocampal neurogenesis with decreased numbers of stem/progenitor cells and reduced complexities of dendritic architectures, clearly more pronounced in repair-deficient mice. Proteome analysis revealed substantial changes in neurotrophic signaling, with strong suppression directly after LDR and compensatory upregulation later on to promote functional recovery.

Hippocampal neurogenesis is highly sensitive to repetitive LDR. Even low doses affect signaling networks within the neurogenic niche and interrupt the dynamic process of generation and maturation of neuronal stem/progenitor cells.