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Characterization of Radiation-responsive Genes and Transcript Variants under Different Radiation Qualities, Doses and
Radiation Research
|June 17, 2026
Summary
This study shows that gene expression biodosimetry can distinguish between radiation types and doses. Specific gene variants offer improved sensitivity for assessing radiation exposure in mixed-field incidents.
Area of Science:
- Radiation biology
- Molecular toxicology
- Genomics
Background:
- Rapid molecular biodosimetry is crucial for assessing radiation exposure in mass casualty incidents.
- Current methods need better characterization of gene expression responses across different radiation qualities and dose rates.
- Alternative splicing variants may enhance sensitivity in biodosimetry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression responses to different radiation qualities (X-rays vs. neutrons) and dose rates.
- To evaluate the utility of transcript-variant-aware measurements for biodosimetry.
- To assess radiation exposure in mixed-field scenarios using molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Profiling of nine radiation-responsive genes and six FDXR transcript variants using RT-qPCR arrays on ex vivo leukopak samples.
- Irradiation of samples with acute X-rays, protracted X-rays, and mixed neutron/gamma fields at various doses and dose rates.
- Analysis of gene expression changes, dose-response relationships, and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values.
Main Results:
- All profiled genes were upregulated dose-dependently after irradiation.
- Neutrons elicited higher induction than X-rays for certain genes (APOBEC3H, DDB2, FDXR) at lower doses.
- Variant-level analysis revealed distinct responses of FDXR isoforms to different radiation types.
- Protracted X-ray exposure showed minimal dose-rate effects on most genes, with some exceptions.
- Three patterns of dose-response behavior were observed when comparing neutrons and X-rays, indicating differential responsiveness.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression biodosimetry, particularly variant-resolved approaches, shows promise for radiation exposure assessment.
- Specific genes and their transcript variants can discriminate between radiation qualities and estimate dose.
- Further development of multi-gene, variant-resolved methods is supported for mixed-field radiological incidents.
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