Abstract

Ionizing radiation (IR) is considered a traditional mutagen and genotoxic agent. Exposure to IR affects in all cases biological systems and living organisms from plants to humans mostly in a pernicious way. At low (<0.1 Gy) and low-to-medium doses (0.1–1 Gy), one can find in the literature a variety of findings indicating sometimes a positive-like anti-inflammatory effect or detrimental-like toxicity. In this Special Issue and in general in the current research, we would like to acquire works and more knowledge on the role(s) of DNA damage and its repair induced by ionizing radiations as instigators of the full range of biological responses to radiation. Emphasis should be given to advances offering mechanistic insights into the ability of radiations with different qualities to severely impact cells or tissues. High-quality research or review studies on different species projected to humans are welcome. Technical advances reporting on the methodologies to accurately measure DNA or other types of biological damage must be highly considered for the near future in our research community, as well. Last but not least, clinical trials or protocols with improvements to radiation therapy and radiation protection are also included in our vision for the advancement of research regarding biological effects of IR.

Highlights

  • Current research needs in the field of biological effects of Ionizing radiation (IR) signify the trends in the literature.Undoubtedly on the major questions that dominate the field, it is how IR impacts the life of an organism and especially humans? We all accept that the exposure of a living organism to radiation has usually detrimental effects and in some cases a positive impact of unsure nature

  • Clinical trials or protocols with improvements to radiation therapy and radiation protection are included in our vision for the advancement of research regarding biological effects of IR

  • Taking into consideration all the above, we believe in the need of multidisciplinary approaches in order to secure the advancement in the radiation effects field for the decade or so

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Current research needs in the field of biological effects of IR signify the trends in the literature. IR damages cells (DNA, proteins, and lipids) and the repair (amendment) pathways utilized by the cell This knowledge has been extended to the enhanced comprehension of the final biological outcome such as persistent DNA damage, mutations, genomic instability, cell death or senescence and systemic (non-targeted) effects of radiation (an upcoming field) [1]. A significant improvement of detection methodologies has pushed forward the field opening opportunities to detect in situ biological damage using, for example, fluorescence, electron, or atomic force microscopy [2,3,4,5] These techniques’ advancements have helped delineate to a greater extent the mechanisms involved in the processing of IR-induced biological damage to DNA, proteins, or lipids.

Current Needs in Research of Radiation Effects on Biological Systems
Conclusions and Future Directions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.