Abstract
The cytoskeleton is involved in several biological processes, including adhesion, motility, and intracellular transport. Alterations in the cytoskeletal components (actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) are strictly correlated to several diseases, such as cancer. Furthermore, alterations in the cytoskeletal structure can lead to anomalies in cells’ properties and increase their invasiveness. This review aims to analyse several studies which have examined the alteration of the cell cytoskeleton induced by ionizing radiations. In particular, the radiation effects on the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and migration have been considered to gain a deeper knowledge of the biophysical properties of the cell. In fact, the results found in the analysed works can not only aid in developing new diagnostic tools but also improve the current cancer treatments.
Highlights
Published: 28 August 2021Mechanobiology focuses attention on the relations between inborn and outborn physical forces, structure and mechanics of nucleus and cytoskeleton (CSK), and biological processes, such as cell proliferation, gene expression, or disease development [1,2]
The CSK is one of the main components of all cells. It is composed of thereby three major components, each of which plays a specific role in several biological processes: microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments [3,4]
Nguemgo Kouam et al showed that radiation treatment enhanced the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src, which stimulated integrins and other proteins involved in the adhesion process, in both glioblastoma and breast cancer cell lines [109]
Summary
Mechanobiology focuses attention on the relations between inborn and outborn physical forces, structure and mechanics of nucleus and cytoskeleton (CSK), and biological processes, such as cell proliferation, gene expression, or disease development [1,2]. EBRT is the most commonly used form of radiation oncology treatment, but there are other procedures developed for this purpose, such as brachytherapy or FLASH therapy The former is based on the concept of implanting radioactive “seeds” close to the tumoral site to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells, effectively sparing the normal tissue [57]. The scientific literature lacks a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the role of radiation in cell mechanobiology and, given the rising importance of CSK dynamics in controlling tissue physiopathology, this brief review will focus on the alterations of the cytoskeletal proteins and the related cells’ functions, such as adhesion and migration, after the therapeutical delivery of ionizing radiations
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