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Effects of Ionizing Radiation on DNA Methylation Patterns and Their Potential as Biomarkers
Lanfang Ma1,2, Yu Zhang2,3, Jie Xu2
1College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 17, 2025
Summary
DNA methylation changes after ionizing radiation (IR) are stable and can serve as biomarkers for radiation exposure. Understanding these epigenetic modifications aids in early detection and risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Radiobiology
Background:
- DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group to cytosine, is vital for gene regulation and genomic stability.
- Ionizing radiation (IR) can alter global DNA methylation patterns.
- These radiation-induced methylation changes show remarkable temporal stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the impact of IR on genome-wide DNA methylation.
- To evaluate the potential of DNA methylation profiles as biomarkers for radiation exposure.
- To advance understanding of IR-driven epigenetic reprogramming.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on ionizing radiation and DNA methylation.
- Analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation landscapes following IR exposure.
- Evaluation of temporal stability of methylation patterns post-IR.
Main Results:
- Ionizing radiation induces significant changes in genome-wide DNA methylation.
- These DNA methylation alterations exhibit considerable temporal stability.
- DNA methylation profiles are identified as promising candidates for radiation biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Radiation-induced epigenetic modifications are crucial in radiobiology.
- DNA methylation patterns can serve as molecular indicators for radiation exposure.
- Further research can lead to novel tools for early detection and risk assessment of radiation exposure.
Keywords:
DNA methylationbiomarkersepigeneticsionizing radiationradiation exposure assessmentradiation protectionMore Related Videos
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