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Transcriptome alteration spectrum in rat lung induced by radiotherapy
Tao Zhang1, Guowei Cheng2, Li Sun2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
Scientific Reports
|December 25, 2019
Summary
Ionizing radiation alters messenger RNA (mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in rat lungs, contributing to radiation-induced lung injury. Understanding these dynamic changes is key to improving radiation therapy and preventing lung damage.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Radiation Oncology
- Genomics
Background:
- Radiation therapy is vital for lung cancer treatment but can cause lung injury.
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant roles in biological processes, but their involvement in radiation-induced lung injury is not fully understood.
- The precise mechanisms linking ionizing radiation to altered mRNA and lncRNA expression and subsequent lung injury require elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ionizing radiation on mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in rat lung tissue.
- To identify differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs following radiation exposure.
- To explore the functional enrichment and tissue specificity of these altered transcripts in the context of radiation-induced lung injury.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 18 Gy of 6 MV X-ray radiation.
- RNA sequencing was performed on lung tissues at 4, 8, and 16 weeks post-irradiation.
- Differential expression analysis was conducted using thresholds of |log2_ratio| ≥ 1 and q ≤ 0.05.
Main Results:
- Significant numbers of differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were identified at all time points.
- Irradiated lungs showed altered expression of mRNAs involved in cell cycle regulation and Fc receptor pathways.
- lncRNA target genes were enriched in cellular stress response and cell migration pathways, with increased lncRNA tissue specificity in irradiated groups.
Conclusions:
- Ionizing radiation induces significant and dynamic changes in both mRNA and lncRNA expression in lung tissue.
- The identified differentially expressed lncRNAs and their target genes are implicated in cellular stress and migration, suggesting a role in radiation-induced lung injury.
- Further investigation into these regulatory networks is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate radiation-related lung injury and enhance radiotherapy efficacy.
