Ionizing radiation promotes lung injury by inducing ferroptosis-driven senescence in epithelial cells via NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy.

Enhancing radiosensitization in triple-negative breast cancer by aptamer-modified nanoclusters NC-T5-5TR1.

The aim of this study is to determine activitiy concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) in granitic rocks from northeast of Turkey and to evaluate their suitability as building materials based on their radiation hazard indices. Activity measurements were interpreted together with geochemical properties and assessed through a multidisciplinary approach involving physics, geology, civil engineering, and multivariate statistics. The mean activity of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 30.10, 52.59, and 805.03 Bq/kg−1, respectively; which are higher than 32 Bq/kg−1 for 226Ra; lower than 45 Bq/kg−1 for 232Th, and higher than 420 Bq/kg−1 for 40K global mean values, as reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Radiological hazard parameters such as absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent indoor (AEDEindoor), annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (AEDEoutdoor), activity utilization index (AUI), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) yielded average values of 79.24 nGy/h−1, 389.00 µSv/yr−1, 97.25 µSv/y−1, 167.30 Bq/kg−1, and 0.98 and 340.38 µSv/y−1 for the Duzkoy samples, respectively. Numerical results indicate that these parameters exceed global mean values. The findings suggest that Düzköy granites are more appropriate for exterior applications; however, due to their relatively high 232Th-40K concentrations, they should be carefully assessed before use in interior environments. Further radiological health investigations are recommended for the region.

To determine whether the MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1) inhibition could increase the sensitivity of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) cells to Radiotherapy (RT), as well as to determine the appropriate application time of the MTH1 inhibitor and RT to achieve optimal radiosensitizing effects. PC-3 and DU-145 cells were selected as the model cell lines for CRPC. After 24 h of incubation, the cells were treated with various doses of the MTH1 inhibitor TH287 for 72 h, during which they were subjected to Ionizing Radiation (IR) treatment at 12, 24, and 48 h after the initial drug treatment. Cell survival was evaluated through the Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptotic induction and cell cycle progression were evaluated through Western Blotting (WB) and flow cytometry analyses. The CCK-8 assay revealed that the TH287 + IR combination therapy significantly inhibited PC3 and DU145 cell survival, with the most potent effects observed in the combined IR administration at 12 h (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Annexin-V/PI (Propidium Iodide) dual staining revealed that the TH287 + IR combination treatment induced apoptotic tumor cell death more effectively than either treatment alone (P < 0.05). Moreover, WB analysis revealed that the TH287 + IR combination therapy significantly altered caspase-3 expression, indicating DNA damage induction and modulation of various cell cycle-related proteins. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that the TH287 + IR treatment caused significant G2/S-phase arrest in prostate cancer cells (P < 0.05). Overall, TH287 exhibited potent radiosensitization effects for CRPC treatment, effectively killing tumor cells when administered alongside IR at 12 h after the initial drug treatment.

Autophagy has emerged as a potential drug target for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy but its precise role in cellular responses to ionizing radiation (IR) remains incompletely understood. To address this, we conducted a focused RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila melanogaster targeting autophagy-related genes. We found that knocking down Pink1 or ref(2)P (Drosophila p62/SQSTM1) in larval eye discs resulted in adult eye defects when the larvae were irradiated during the 3rd instar stage. Cell biological analyses revealed that Pink1RNAi expression did not affect cell proliferation or DNA damage recognition/repair but significantly increased apoptosis following IR exposure. This finding was confirmed using loss-of-function mutants of Pink1 and its partner Parkin and was found to extend to larval wing discs. Increased apoptosis after Pink1 depletion was notably concentrated in the G1-arrested morphogenetic furrow (MF). However, Pink1 mutation does not affect G1 arrest in the MF or induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by IR, suggesting that the role of Pink1 in protecting cells from IR-induced apoptosis is not via cell cycle regulation or ROS induction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a role for Pink1/Park in regulating IR-induced apoptosis in any system.

The concentrations of natural radionuclides in the sediments along the Lagos coast and the Gulf of Guinea in South-western Nigeria were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of40K,238U, and232Thwere found to vary, with values of 240.36 ± 129.90 Bqkg-1, 6.20 ± 1.08 Bqkg-1, and 4.26 ± 1.40 Bqkg-1 at the Lagos coast, and 432.50 ± 68.18 Bqkg-1, 10.76 ± 2.96 Bqkg-1, and 3.85 ± 1.82 Bqkg-1 at the Gulf of Guinea coast, respectively. The overall calculated mean of the indoor absorbed dose rates was 17.58 ± 5.66 nGyh-1, with a corresponding total annual effective dose of 0.11 ± 0.03 mSvy-1. To assess the radiological hazards associated with the presence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in sediments, we calculated the representative level index (RLI), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and internal hazard index (Hin). These indices provide a way to evaluate potential health risks to humans, benthic ecosystems, and the marine environment. The overall estimated values for Raeq, Hex, Hin, RLI, and ELCR were 31.10 ± 12.32 Bqkg-1, 0.08 ± 0.03, 0.10 ± 0.04, 0.28 ± 0.09, and 0.07 ± 0.03 × 10-3, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to link radionuclide distributions to sediment's particle size, and results reveal close association between sand and silt with elevated 232Th; and clay with enriched 40K and 238U concentrations respectively. The sediment values from the Lagos coast and the Gulf of Guinea fell below the safety limits set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) (e.g., 400Bqkg-1, 30Bqkg-1 and 35Bqkg-1), except at few stations that showed elevated 40K due to local geology. The values obtained for the hazard indices in sediment from the study area were similar to those found in other areas recognized for their low radiation levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that sediments from the Lagos coasts and Gulf of Guinea basins pose minimal potential health risks to humans, benthic ecosystems, and the environment, complying with established guidelines and regulations for permissible radiation exposure. The results of this study could serve as an important baseline for future epidemiological studies and monitoring initiatives in the region.

Primary solid tumors often exhibit accelerated glucose metabolism yet generate limited ATP due to reduced flux through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, how these distinct metabolic alterations contribute to therapeutic resistance-and whether they represent targetable metabolic vulnerabilities-remains unclear. Here, we identify adenylate kinase 4 (AK4), a mitochondrial regulator of adenylate homeostasis, as a key mediator of radioresistance in glioblastoma (GBM) cells. We found that AK4 is upregulated in radioresistant GBM cells, where it suppresses mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to maintain redox homeostasis and promote cell survival following ionizing radiation (IR). Moreover, AK4 maintains elevated intracellular AMP, leading to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of energy metabolism. AMPK activation subsequently inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), suppressing cellular lipid synthesis. Through these mechanisms, AK4 limits IR-induced ferroptosis and contributes to radioresistance. Notably, we demonstrate that entinostat, a class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, downregulates AK4 expression and enhances the sensitivity of GBM cells to IR both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our study reveals that AK4 promotes radioresistance in GBM by coordinating mitochondrial redox regulation and AMPK-mediated lipid metabolism, highlighting AK4 as a promising therapeutic target for overcoming GBM radioresistance.

Purpose Conventional radioprotectants are designed to be administered before radiation exposure, while few have been identified that are effective when administered post-exposure. Irradiation generates intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce mitochondrial damage, causing the release of mitochondrial contents into the cell cytoplasm and ensuing cell death. This mitochondrial damage occurs a few hours after radiation exposure, so mitochondria-targeted radioprotection can be effective when administered post-exposure. Here, we examined the efficacies of the glutathione (GSH) peroxidase activators melatonin and mitoEbselen-2 against radiation-induced mitochondrial damage. Materials and methods Human TIG-3 fibroblasts were exposed to ionizing radiation (IR), and cGAS-positive cytosolic DNA was detected by immunostaining with double-strand DNA and cGAS antibodies as an indicator of mitochondrial (mt)DNA leakage. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was also measured using JC-1, while radiation-induced senescence was detected by β-gal staining. Mice were exposed to whole-body irradiation with or without melatonin treatment to assess radioprotective efficacy in vivo. Results Radiation exposure induced mitochondrial damage in TIG-3 cells as evidenced by cytosolic mtDNA leakage, Δψm depolarization, and accelerated cellular senescence. Melatonin and mitoEbselen-2 protected against both irradiation-induced and H2O2-induced mitochondrial damage, suggesting that these agents act as ROS scavengers. Melatonin also maintained Δψm after irradiation and inhibited cellular senescence. However, prolonged mitoEbselen-2 treatment indicated potential cytotoxicity as shown by Δψm loss. Melatonin mitigated the release of exosome mtDNA into the plasma of mice, as well as radiation-induced damage to blood cells and testicular tissue. Conclusions Melatonin can protect against irradiation-induced mitochondrial damage, suggesting utility for mitigating the health effects of accidental radiation exposure.

Dynamic modulation of N6-methyladenosine by ionizing radiation in human cells

Esophageal Cancer Cells Exhibit Heterogeneity in DNA Double-Strand Break Repair and G2/M Checkpoint Arrest Associated With Cell Viability After Ionizing Radiation.

Male reproductive impairment linked to occupational ionizing radiation exposure in radiology workers.

Compound Kushen injection improves M1 macrophage polarisation and radiation-induced colitis by regulating Piezo1-mediated NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

ISGylation of γH2AX retains MDC1 and facilitates homologous recombination repair causing radioresistance in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Ionizing radiation (IR) plays a crucial role in medical diagnostics and cancer therapy, yet its non-selective nature often causes serious damage to healthy tissues. The resulting oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA injury underline the urgent need for safe and efficient radioprotective agents. Chitosan (CTS), a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, has recently gained attention as a promising biomaterial for radiation protection. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatile biological activities, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metal-chelating properties, make it particularly attractive for biomedical applications. This review summarizes current knowledge on the structural features, extraction methods, and physicochemical parameters of CTS that influence its biological performance under irradiation. It discusses the main mechanisms underlying its radioprotective action, including free-radical scavenging, stabilization of DNA, modulation of cytokine release, and acceleration of tissue repair. Special emphasis is placed on recent advances in CTS-based systems such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and 3D-printed biomaterials that improve the delivery and efficacy of radioprotective agents. Although several studies demonstrate encouraging results both in vitro and in vivo, further work is needed to standardize CTS production, optimize formulations, and confirm clinical safety. Altogether, CTS emerges as a multifunctional and sustainable polymer with strong potential to shape the next generation of natural radioprotectors.

SIRT2 mitigates radiation-induced oral mucositis by promoting homologous recombination-mediated DNA double-strand break repair in epithelial stem cells.

Abstract A compact and highly flexible soft x-ray (SXR) spectrometer for measuring electromagnetic radiation, primarily in the spectral range of about 2–8 keV, was designed with the aim of monitoring of highly ionized, mainly high- Z metallic impurities in the core of high temperature plasmas at the COMPASS Upgrade tokamak (currently under construction) with core plasma temperatures of ∼1–5 keV and core electron densities of ∼1–3 * 10 20 m −3 . These impurities will originate from plasma interaction with plasma-facing components made of tungsten and nickel–chromium-based alloys (Inconel), containing elements such as nickel, chromium, molybdenum and iron. The SXR spectrometer will enable the monitoring of each of these elements by resolving well their characteristic spectral lines in pre-selected spectral regions of interest. Additionally, information on the electron and ion temperature in the plasma core will be provided using artificially introduced impurities such as argon. The main technical parameters of the SXR spectrometer are as follows: Johann geometry using spherical Bragg crystals, back-illuminated charge-coupled device as a detector in a fixed position, pre-selected spectral regions of interest for metallic (W, Mo, Fe, Cr, Ni) and gaseous (Ar) impurities in the spectral region 2.4–8.1 keV (0.52–0.15 nm), spectral resolution about 2500, but better than 3000 for the Ar lines near 3.1 keV, time resolution about 40 ms, compact size (the core of the spectrometer of about 1 m by 1 m; 2.5 m long vacuum connection duct to the tokamak cryostat edge) and flexible configuration (remotely driven crystal exchanger, left–right spectrometer set-up flexibility, differential pumping). The contribution introduces the design of the spectrometer itself as well as future plans for its implementation in the tokamak hall in early operational phases with low hard radiation or in a shielded area outside the tokamak hall for high-performance plasmas at COMPASS Upgrade.

Prophylactic sequential drug administration potentiates cancer radiotherapy by inhibiting cholesterol deposition and cellular senescence.

The evolving geopolitical landscape has heightened the probability of nuclear incidents, including accidental release or deliberate detonation, which can cause acute, life-threatening radiation injury to large populations. High-dose ionizing radiation (IR) is highly likely to cause radiation injury to the intestines and lead to intestinal radiation sickness. This study systematically explored the protective effect of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) on intestinal radiation injury and its preliminary mechanism from multiple levels, including cells, intestinal tissues, intestinal organoids, and live mice. The results showed that CoCl2 pretreatment could significantly enhance the radiation tolerance of mice, not only greatly improving the survival rate and multiple indicators such as intestinal injury score, but also maintaining the integrity of the small intestinal epithelial villi structure. At the same time, it promotes the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal organoids, inhibits the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and enhances the expression of barrier protection genes, thereby enhancing the intestinal resistance to radiation injury. Mechanism studies have shown that CoCl2 can up-regulate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-2 α (HIF-2α) via hypoxia-mimetic action and activate downstream signaling pathways related to cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and angiogenesis. This study initially clarified the mechanism by which CoCl2 protects the intestinal tract from radiation injury, providing a scientific basis and strategic support for the development of new radiation protection targets. Its in-depth research and application transformation are expected to play an important role in the future field of nuclear radiation protection.

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging and age-related disorders, is characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest and profound molecular alterations. Although previous transcriptomic studies have largely focused on protein-coding genes, the expression landscape of circular RNAs (circRNAs) during senescence remains poorly defined. Here, we systematically profiled circRNA expression across multiple senescence models using two human fibroblast lines (WI38 and IMR90) subjected to four distinct senescence-inducing stimuli: replicative senescence (RS), oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), doxorubicin-induced senescence (DOX), and ionizing radiation (IR). Through rigorous analysis, we identified 39,187 high-confidence circRNAs, classifying them into stimulus-specific (SS-circRNAs) and general senescence-associated circRNAs (GS-circRNAs). Among them, 24 GS-circRNAs exhibited conserved expression trends across different senescence models, and eight core circRNAs displayed consistent expression changes in both fibroblast lines, suggesting their potential as universal senescence biomarkers. Functional enrichment and co-expression network analyses revealed that SS-circRNAs participated in pathway-specific processes such as ribosome biogenesis, mitochondrial regulation, ubiquitin-mediated signaling, and RNA metabolism. Collectively, our findings provide a comprehensive atlas of circRNA dynamics across diverse senescence programs and identify candidate circRNAs that may serve as novel diagnostic or therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.

This study aims to characterize the spatial distribution of natural gamma radiation using NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer in the coastal and hinterland regions of Kanyakumari high background natural radiation area, India. Absorbed dose rate in air (Dair) along the coastal region varied between 38-1757 nGy h-1, with a mean of 214±209 nGy h-1, whereas in the hinterland region Dair ranged between 43 and 367 nGy h-1, with a mean of 107±41 nGy h-1, both mean values were higher than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) world average value of 58 nGy h-1. About 2% of the calculated annual external effective dose of the coastal region were above 1mSv y-1 and 99% of it were above the UNSCEAR world average value of 0.07mSv y-1.