microRNA and Metabolite Signatures Linked to Early Consequences of Lethal Radiation

Lethal total body irradiation (TBI) triggers multifactorial health issues in a potentially short time frame. Hence, early signatures of TBI would be of great clinical value. Our study aimed to interrogate microRNA (miRNA) and metabolites, two biomolecules available in blood serum, in order to comprehend the immediate impacts of TBI. Mice were exposed to a lethal dose (9.75 Gy) of Cobalt-60 gamma radiation and euthanized at four time points, namely, days 1, 3, 7 and 9 post-TBI. Serum miRNA libraries were sequenced using the Illumina small RNA sequencing protocol, and metabolites were screened using a mass spectrometer. The degree of early impacts of irradiation was underscored by the large number of miRNAs and metabolites that became significantly expressed during the Early phase (day 0 and 1 post-TBI). Radiation-induced inflammatory markers for bone marrow aplasia and pro-sepsis markers showed early elevation with longitudinal increment. Functional analysis integrating miRNA-protein-metabolites revealed inflammation as the overarching host response to lethal TBI. Early activation of the network linked to the synthesis of reactive oxygen species was associated with the escalated regulation of the fatty acid metabolism network. In conclusion, we assembled a list of time-informed critical markers and mechanisms of significant translational potential in the context of a radiation exposure event.