1
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Tavakol DN, Nash TR, Kim Y, He S, Fleischer S, Graney PL, Brown JA, Liberman M, Tamargo M, Harken A, Ferrando AA, Amundson S, Garty G, Azizi E, Leong KW, Brenner DJ, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Modeling and countering the effects of cosmic radiation using bioengineered human tissues. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122267. [PMID: 37633022 PMCID: PMC10528250 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Cosmic radiation is the most serious risk that will be encountered during the planned missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a compelling need to understand the effects, safety thresholds, and mechanisms of radiation damage in human tissues, in order to develop measures for radiation protection during extended space travel. As animal models fail to recapitulate the molecular changes in astronauts, engineered human tissues and "organs-on-chips" are valuable tools for studying effects of radiation in vitro. We have developed a bioengineered tissue platform for studying radiation damage in individualized settings. To demonstrate its utility, we determined the effects of radiation using engineered models of two human tissues known to be radiosensitive: engineered cardiac tissues (eCT, a target of chronic radiation damage) and engineered bone marrow (eBM, a target of acute radiation damage). We report the effects of high-dose neutrons, a proxy for simulated galactic cosmic rays, on the expression of key genes implicated in tissue responses to ionizing radiation, phenotypic and functional changes in both tissues, and proof-of-principle application of radioprotective agents. We further determined the extent of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and matrix remodeling gene expression changes, and found that these changes were associated with an early hypertrophic phenotype in eCT and myeloid skewing in eBM. We propose that individualized models of human tissues have potential to provide insights into the effects and mechanisms of radiation during deep-space missions and allow testing of radioprotective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trevor R Nash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Youngbin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Siyu He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pamela L Graney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jessie A Brown
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Martin Liberman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Manuel Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrew Harken
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Adolfo A Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sally Amundson
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elham Azizi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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2
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Endesfelder D, Kulka U, Bucher M, Giesen U, Garty G, Beinke C, Port M, Gruel G, Gregoire E, Terzoudi G, Triantopoulou S, Ainsbury EA, Moquet J, Sun M, Prieto MJ, Moreno Domene M, Barquinero JF, Pujol-Canadell M, Vral A, Baeyens A, Wojcik A, Oestreicher U. International Comparison Exercise for Biological Dosimetry after Exposures with Neutrons Performed at Two Irradiation Facilities as Part of the BALANCE Project. Cytogenet Genome Res 2023; 163:163-177. [PMID: 37071978 PMCID: PMC10641373 DOI: 10.1159/000530728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In the case of a radiological or nuclear event, biological dosimetry can be an important tool to support clinical decision-making. During a nuclear event, individuals might be exposed to a mixed field of neutrons and photons. The composition of the field and the neutron energy spectrum influence the degree of damage to the chromosomes. During the transatlantic BALANCE project, an exposure similar to a Hiroshima-like device at a distance of 1.5 km from the epicenter was simulated, and biological dosimetry based on dicentric chromosomes was performed to evaluate the participants ability to discover unknown doses and to test the influence of differences in neutron spectra. In a first step, calibration curves were established by irradiating blood samples with 5 doses in the range of 0-4 Gy at two different facilities in Germany (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt [PTB]) and the USA (the Columbia IND Neutron Facility [CINF]). The samples were sent to eight participating laboratories from the RENEB network and dicentric chromosomes were scored by each participant. Next, blood samples were irradiated with 4 blind doses in each of the two facilities and sent to the participants to provide dose estimates based on the established calibration curves. Manual and semiautomatic scoring of dicentric chromosomes were evaluated for their applicability to neutron exposures. Moreover, the biological effectiveness of the neutrons from the two irradiation facilities was compared. The calibration curves from samples irradiated at CINF showed a 1.4 times higher biological effectiveness compared to samples irradiated at PTB. For manual scoring of dicentric chromosomes, the doses of the test samples were mostly successfully resolved based on the calibration curves established during the project. For semiautomatic scoring, the dose estimation for the test samples was less successful. Doses >2 Gy in the calibration curves revealed nonlinear associations between dose and dispersion index of the dicentric counts, especially for manual scoring. The differences in the biological effectiveness between the irradiation facilities suggested that the neutron energy spectrum can have a strong impact on the dicentric counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Endesfelder
- Department of Effects and Risks of Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation, Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Oberschleißheim, Germany,
| | - Ulrike Kulka
- Department of Effects and Risks of Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation, Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Martin Bucher
- Department of Effects and Risks of Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation, Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Giesen
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Guy Garty
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF), Columbia University, Irvington, New York, USA
| | | | - Matthias Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Gaetan Gruel
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-Santé, SERAMED, LRAcc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Eric Gregoire
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-Santé, SERAMED, LRAcc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Georgia Terzoudi
- Health Physics, Radiobiology & Cytogenetics Laboratory, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos,", Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Triantopoulou
- Health Physics, Radiobiology & Cytogenetics Laboratory, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos,", Athens, Greece
| | - Elizabeth A Ainsbury
- Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Jayne Moquet
- Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - María Jesús Prieto
- Centro de Oncología Radioterápica, Laboratorio de Dosimetría Biológica, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Moreno Domene
- Centro de Oncología Radioterápica, Laboratorio de Dosimetría Biológica, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan-Francesc Barquinero
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Monica Pujol-Canadell
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anne Vral
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Radiobiology Research Unit, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ans Baeyens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Radiobiology Research Unit, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Andrzej Wojcik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
| | - Ursula Oestreicher
- Department of Effects and Risks of Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation, Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Oberschleißheim, Germany
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3
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Royba E, Repin M, Balajee AS, Shuryak I, Pampou S, Karan C, Wang YF, Lemus OD, Obaid R, Deoli N, Wuu CS, Brenner DJ, Garty G. Validation of a High-Throughput Dicentric Chromosome Assay Using Complex Radiation Exposures. Radiat Res 2023; 199:1-16. [PMID: 35994701 PMCID: PMC9947868 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00007.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Validation of biodosimetry assays is routinely performed using primarily orthovoltage irradiators at a conventional dose rate of approximately 1 Gy/min. However, incidental/ accidental exposures caused by nuclear weapons can be more complex. The aim of this work was to simulate the DNA damage effects mimicking those caused by the detonation of a several kilotons improvised nuclear device (IND). For this, we modeled complex exposures to: 1. a mixed (photons + IND-neutrons) field and 2. different dose rates that may come from the blast, nuclear fallout, or ground deposition of radionuclides (ground shine). Additionally, we assessed whether myeloid cytokines affect the precision of radiation dose estimation by modulating the frequency of dicentric chromosomes. To mimic different exposure scenarios, several irradiation systems were used. In a mixed field study, human blood samples were exposed to a photon field enriched with neutrons (ranging from 10% to 37%) from a source that mimics Hiroshima's A-bomb's energy spectrum (0.2-9 MeV). Using statistical analysis, we assessed whether photons and neutrons act in an additive or synergistic way to form dicentrics. For the dose rates study, human blood was exposed to photons or electrons at dose rates ranging from low (where the dose was spread over 32 h) to extremely high (where the dose was delivered in a fraction of a microsecond). Potential effects of cytokine treatment on biodosimetry dose predictions were analyzed in irradiated blood subjected to Neupogen or Neulasta for 24 or 48 h at the concentration recommended to forestall manifestation of an acute radiation syndrome in bomb survivors. All measurements were performed using a robotic station, the Rapid Automated Biodosimetry Tool II, programmed to culture lymphocytes and score dicentrics in multiwell plates (the RABiT-II DCA). In agreement with classical concepts of radiation biology, the RABiT-II DCA calibration curves suggested that the frequency of dicentrics depends on the type of radiation and is modulated by changes in the dose rate. The resulting dose-response curves suggested an intermediate dicentric yields and additive effects of photons and IND-neutrons in the mixed field. At ultra-high dose rate (600 Gy/s), affected lymphocytes exhibited significantly fewer dicentrics (P < 0.004, t test). In contrast, we did not find the dose-response modification effects of radiomitigators on the yields of dicentrics (Bonferroni corrected P > 0.006, ANOVA test). This result suggests no bias in the dose predictions should be expected after emergency cytokine treatment initiated up to 48 h prior to blood collection for dicentric analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Royba
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mikhail Repin
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Adayabalam S. Balajee
- Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory (CBL), Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sergey Pampou
- Columbia Genome Center High-Throughput Screening facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Charles Karan
- Columbia Genome Center High-Throughput Screening facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Yi-Fang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Olga Dona Lemus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Razib Obaid
- Radiological Research Accelerator facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Irvington, New York
- Currently at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
| | - Naresh Deoli
- Radiological Research Accelerator facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Irvington, New York
| | - Cheng-Shie Wuu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - David J. Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Guy Garty
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Radiological Research Accelerator facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Irvington, New York
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4
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Wang Q, Lee Y, Pujol-Canadell M, Perrier JR, Smilenov L, Harken A, Garty G, Brenner DJ, Ponnaiya B, Turner HC. Cytogenetic Damage of Human Lymphocytes in Humanized Mice Exposed to Neutrons and X Rays 24 h After Exposure. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:352-361. [PMID: 34488220 PMCID: PMC8455411 DOI: 10.1159/000516529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Detonation of an improvised nuclear device highlights the need to understand the risk of mixed radiation exposure as prompt radiation exposure could produce significant neutron and gamma exposures. Although the neutron component may be a relatively small percentage of the total absorbed dose, the large relative biological effectiveness (RBE) can induce larger biological DNA damage and cell killing. The objective of this study was to use a hematopoietically humanized mouse model to measure chromosomal DNA damage in human lymphocytes 24 h after in vivo exposure to neutrons (0.3 Gy) and X rays (1 Gy). The human dicentric and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays were performed to measure chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vivo from the blood and spleen, respectively. The mBAND assay based on fluorescent in situ hybridization labeling was used to detect neutron-induced chromosome 1 inversions in the blood lymphocytes of the neutron-irradiated mice. Cytogenetics endpoints, dicentrics and micronuclei showed that there was no significant difference in yields between the 2 irradiation types at the doses tested, indicating that neutron-induced chromosomal DNA damage in vivo was more biologically effective (RBE ∼3.3) compared to X rays. The mBAND assay, which is considered a specific biomarker of high-LET neutron exposure, confirmed the presence of clustered DNA damage in the neutron-irradiated mice but not in the X-irradiated mice, 24 h after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
| | - Younghyun Lee
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
| | - Monica Pujol-Canadell
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
| | - Jay R. Perrier
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
| | - Lubomir Smilenov
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
| | - Andrew Harken
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, (NY), USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, (NY), USA
| | - David J. Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
| | - Brian Ponnaiya
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, (NY), USA
| | - Helen C. Turner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, (NY), USA
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5
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Klein PM, Alaghband Y, Doan NL, Ru N, Drayson OGG, Baulch JE, Kramár EA, Wood MA, Soltesz I, Limoli CL. Acute, Low-Dose Neutron Exposures Adversely Impact Central Nervous System Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9020. [PMID: 34445726 PMCID: PMC8396607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A recognized risk of long-duration space travel arises from the elevated exposure astronauts face from galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), which is composed of a diverse array of energetic particles. There is now abundant evidence that exposures to many different charged particle GCR components within acute time frames are sufficient to induce central nervous system deficits that span from the molecular to the whole animal behavioral scale. Enhanced spacecraft shielding can lessen exposures to charged particle GCR components, but may conversely elevate neutron radiation levels. We previously observed that space-relevant neutron radiation doses, chronically delivered at dose-rates expected during planned human exploratory missions, can disrupt hippocampal neuronal excitability, perturb network long-term potentiation and negatively impact cognitive behavior. We have now determined that acute exposures to similar low doses (18 cGy) of neutron radiation can also lead to suppressed hippocampal synaptic signaling, as well as decreased learning and memory performance in male mice. Our results demonstrate that similar nervous system hazards arise from neutron irradiation regardless of the exposure time course. While not always in an identical manner, neutron irradiation disrupts many of the same central nervous system elements as acute charged particle GCR exposures. The risks arising from neutron irradiation are therefore important to consider when determining the overall hazards astronauts will face from the space radiation environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Klein
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (P.M.K.); (I.S.)
| | - Yasaman Alaghband
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (Y.A.); (N.-L.D.); (N.R.); (O.G.G.D.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Ngoc-Lien Doan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (Y.A.); (N.-L.D.); (N.R.); (O.G.G.D.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Ning Ru
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (Y.A.); (N.-L.D.); (N.R.); (O.G.G.D.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Olivia G. G. Drayson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (Y.A.); (N.-L.D.); (N.R.); (O.G.G.D.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Janet E. Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (Y.A.); (N.-L.D.); (N.R.); (O.G.G.D.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Enikö A. Kramár
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (E.A.K.); (M.A.W.)
| | - Marcelo A. Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (E.A.K.); (M.A.W.)
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (P.M.K.); (I.S.)
| | - Charles L. Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (Y.A.); (N.-L.D.); (N.R.); (O.G.G.D.); (J.E.B.)
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6
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Stricklin DL, VanHorne-Sealy J, Rios CI, Scott Carnell LA, Taliaferro LP. Neutron Radiobiology and Dosimetry. Radiat Res 2021; 195:480-496. [PMID: 33587743 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00213.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As the U.S. prepares for the possibility of a radiological or nuclear incident, or anticipated lunar and Mars missions, the exposure of individuals to neutron radiation must be considered. More information is needed on how to determine the neutron dose to better estimate the true biological effects of neutrons and mixed-field (i.e., neutron and photon) radiation exposures. While exposure to gamma-ray radiation will cause significant health issues, the addition of neutrons will likely exacerbate the biological effects already anticipated after radiation exposure. To begin to understand the issues and knowledge gaps in these areas, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Radiation Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) formed an inter-agency working group to host a Neutron Radiobiology and Dosimetry Workshop on March 7, 2019 in Rockville, MD. Stakeholder interests were clearly positioned, given the differences in the missions of each agency. An overview of neutron dosimetry and neutron radiobiology was included, as well as a historical overview of neutron exposure research. In addition, current research in the fields of biodosimetry and diagnostics, medical countermeasures (MCMs) and treatment, long-term health effects, and computational studies were presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela L Stricklin
- Previously - Arlington Division, Applied Research Associates, Inc., Arlington
| | - Jama VanHorne-Sealy
- Army Reactor Program, United States Army Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Agency (USANCA), Department of Defense, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
| | - Carmen I Rios
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Lisa A Scott Carnell
- Biological and Physical Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
| | - Lanyn P Taliaferro
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
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7
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Yadav M, Bhayana S, Liu J, Lu L, Huang J, Ma Y, Qamri Z, Mo X, Jacob DS, Parasa ST, Bhuiya N, Fadda P, Xu-Welliver M, Chakravarti A, Jacob NK. Two-miRNA-based finger-stick assay for estimation of absorbed ionizing radiation dose. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/552/eaaw5831. [PMID: 32669422 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw5831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear radiation and radioactive fallouts resulting from a nuclear weapon detonation or reactor accidents could result in injuries affecting multiple sensitive organs, defined as acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Rapid and early estimation of injuries to sensitive organs using markers of radiation response is critical for identifying individuals who could potentially exhibit ARS; however, there are currently no biodosimetry assays approved for human use. We developed a sensitive microRNA (miRNA)-based blood test for radiation dose reconstruction with ±0.5 Gy resolution at critical dose range. Radiation dose-dependent changes in miR-150-5p in blood were internally normalized by a miRNA, miR-23a-3p, that was nonresponsive to radiation. miR-23a-3p was not highly expressed in blood cells but was abundant in circulation and was released primarily from the lung. Our assay showed the capability for dose estimation within hours to 1 week after exposure using a drop of blood from mice. We tested this biodosimetry assay for estimation of absorbed ionizing radiation dose in mice of varying ages and after exposure to both improvised nuclear device (IND)-spectrum neutrons and gamma rays. Leukemia specimens from patients exposed to fractionated radiation showed depletion of miR-150-5p in blood. We bridged the exposure of these patients to fractionated radiation by comparing responses after fractionated versus single acute exposure in mice. Although validation in nonhuman primates is needed, this proof-of-concept study suggests the potential utility of this assay in radiation disaster management and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshleen Yadav
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sagar Bhayana
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Joseph Liu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lanchun Lu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason Huang
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ya Ma
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zahida Qamri
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Diviya S Jacob
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shashaank T Parasa
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Noureen Bhuiya
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Paolo Fadda
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Meng Xu-Welliver
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Naduparambil K Jacob
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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8
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Holden S, Perez R, Hall R, Fallgren CM, Ponnaiya B, Garty G, Brenner DJ, Weil MM, Raber J. Effects of Acute and Chronic Exposure to a Mixed Field of Neutrons and Photons and Single or Fractionated Simulated Galactic Cosmic Ray Exposure on Behavioral and Cognitive Performance in Mice. Radiat Res 2021; 196:31-39. [PMID: 33857301 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00228.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During space missions, astronauts experience acute and chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposures. Given the clear gap of knowledge regarding such exposures, we assessed the effects acute and chronic exposure to a mixed field of neutrons and photons and single or fractionated simulated galactic cosmic ray exposure (GCRsim) on behavioral and cognitive performance in mice. In addition, we assessed the effects of an aspirin-containing diet in the presence and absence of chronic exposure to a mixed field of neutrons and photons. In C3H male mice, there were effects of acute radiation exposure on activity levels in the open field containing objects. In addition, there were radiation-aspirin interactions for effects of chronic radiation exposure on activity levels and measures of anxiety in the open field, and on activity levels in the open field containing objects. There were also detrimental effects of aspirin and chronic radiation exposure on the ability of mice to distinguish the familiar and novel object. Finally, there were effects of acute GCRsim on activity levels in the open field containing objects. Activity levels were lower in GCRsim than sham-irradiated mice. Thus, acute and chronic irradiation to a mixture of neutrons and photons and acute and fractionated GCRsim have differential effects on behavioral and cognitive performance of C3H mice. Within the limitations of our study design, aspirin does not appear to be a suitable countermeasure for effects of chronic exposure to space radiation on cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Holden
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Ruby Perez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Reed Hall
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Christina M Fallgren
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Brian Ponnaiya
- Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, New York, New York 10032
| | - Guy Garty
- Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, New York, New York 10032
| | - David J Brenner
- Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, New York, New York 10032
| | - Michael M Weil
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239.,Department of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
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9
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Shuryak I, Turner HC, Pujol-Canadell M, Perrier JR, Garty G, Brenner DJ. Machine learning methodology for high throughput personalized neutron dose reconstruction in mixed neutron + photon exposures. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4022. [PMID: 33597632 PMCID: PMC7889851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We implemented machine learning in the radiation biodosimetry field to quantitatively reconstruct neutron doses in mixed neutron + photon exposures, which are expected in improvised nuclear device detonations. Such individualized reconstructions are crucial for triage and treatment because neutrons are more biologically damaging than photons. We used a high-throughput micronucleus assay with automated scanning/imaging on lymphocytes from human blood ex-vivo irradiated with 44 different combinations of 0-4 Gy neutrons and 0-15 Gy photons (542 blood samples), which include reanalysis of past experiments. We developed several metrics that describe micronuclei/cell probability distributions in binucleated cells, and used them as predictors in random forest (RF) and XGboost machine learning analyses to reconstruct the neutron dose in each sample. The probability of "overfitting" was minimized by training both algorithms with repeated cross-validation on a randomly-selected subset of the data, and measuring performance on the rest. RF achieved the best performance. Mean R2 for actual vs. reconstructed neutron doses over 300 random training/testing splits was 0.869 (range 0.761 to 0.919) and root mean squared error was 0.239 (0.195 to 0.351) Gy. These results demonstrate the promising potential of machine learning to reconstruct the neutron dose component in clinically-relevant complex radiation exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Helen C Turner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Monica Pujol-Canadell
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jay R Perrier
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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10
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Shuryak I, Turner HC, Perrier JR, Cunha L, Canadell MP, Durrani MH, Harken A, Bertucci A, Taveras M, Garty G, Brenner DJ. A High Throughput Approach to Reconstruct Partial-Body and Neutron Radiation Exposures on an Individual Basis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2899. [PMID: 32076014 PMCID: PMC7031285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodosimetry-based individualized reconstruction of complex irradiation scenarios (partial-body shielding and/or neutron + photon mixtures) can improve treatment decisions after mass-casualty radiation-related incidents. We used a high-throughput micronucleus assay with automated scanning and imaging software on ex-vivo irradiated human lymphocytes to: a) reconstruct partial-body and/or neutron exposure, and b) estimate separately the photon and neutron doses in a mixed exposure. The mechanistic background is that, compared with total-body photon irradiations, neutrons produce more heavily-damaged lymphocytes with multiple micronuclei/binucleated cell, whereas partial-body exposures produce fewer such lymphocytes. To utilize these differences for biodosimetry, we developed metrics that describe micronuclei distributions in binucleated cells and serve as predictors in machine learning or parametric analyses of the following scenarios: (A) Homogeneous gamma-irradiation, mimicking total-body exposures, vs. mixtures of irradiated blood with unirradiated blood, mimicking partial-body exposures. (B) X rays vs. various neutron + photon mixtures. The results showed high accuracies of scenario and dose reconstructions. Specifically, receiver operating characteristic curve areas (AUC) for sample classification by exposure type reached 0.931 and 0.916 in scenarios A and B, respectively. R2 for actual vs. reconstructed doses in these scenarios reached 0.87 and 0.77, respectively. These encouraging findings demonstrate a proof-of-principle for the proposed approach of high-throughput reconstruction of clinically-relevant complex radiation exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Helen C Turner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jay R Perrier
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lydia Cunha
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica Pujol Canadell
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad H Durrani
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Harken
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonella Bertucci
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Taveras
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Barbieri S, Babini G, Morini J, Friedland W, Buonanno M, Grilj V, Brenner DJ, Ottolenghi A, Baiocco G. Predicting DNA damage foci and their experimental readout with 2D microscopy: a unified approach applied to photon and neutron exposures. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14019. [PMID: 31570741 PMCID: PMC6769049 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The consideration of how a given technique affects results of experimental measurements is a must to achieve correct data interpretation. This might be challenging when it comes to measurements on biological systems, where it is unrealistic to have full control (e.g. through a software replica) of all steps in the measurement chain. In this work we address how the effectiveness of different radiation qualities in inducing biological damage can be assessed measuring DNA damage foci yields, only provided that artefacts related to the scoring technique are adequately considered. To this aim, we developed a unified stochastic modelling approach that, starting from radiation tracks, predicts both the induction, spatial distribution and complexity of DNA damage, and the experimental readout of foci when immunocytochemistry coupled to 2D fluorescence microscopy is used. The approach is used to interpret γ-H2AX data for photon and neutron exposures. When foci are reconstructed in the whole cell nucleus, we obtain information on damage characteristics "behind" experimental observations, as the average damage content of a focus. We reproduce how the detection technique affects experimental findings, e.g. contributing to the saturation of foci yields scored at 30 minutes after exposure with increasing dose and to the lack of dose dependence for yields at 24 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacopo Morini
- Physics Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Werner Friedland
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Buonanno
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Veljko Grilj
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
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12
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Laiakis EC, Canadell MP, Grilj V, Harken AD, Garty GY, Astarita G, Brenner DJ, Smilenov L, Fornace AJ. Serum lipidomic analysis from mixed neutron/X-ray radiation fields reveals a hyperlipidemic and pro-inflammatory phenotype. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4539. [PMID: 30872747 PMCID: PMC6418166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41083-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Heightened threats for nuclear terrorism using improvised nuclear devices (IND) necessitate the development of biodosimetry assays that could rapidly assess thousands of individuals. However, the radiation exposures from an IND may be complex due to mixed fields of neutrons and photons (γ-rays), shielding from buildings, and proximity to the epicenter among others. In this study we utilized lipidomics to analyze serum samples from mice exposed to various percentages of neutrons and X-rays to a total dose of 3 Gy. Triacylglycerides, phosphatidylserines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), sphingolipids, and cholesteryl esters all showed delayed increases at day 7 compared to day 1 after irradiation, while diacylglycerides decreased in mixed field exposures and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) remained largely unchanged. Individual lipid molecules with a high degree of unsaturation exhibited the highest fold changes in mixed fields compared to photons alone. More importantly, the increased ratio of LPCs to PCs of each irradiation group compared to control could be used as a radiation biomarker and highlights the existence of a pro-inflammatory phenotype. The results showed that even a small percentage of neutrons in a mixed field can lead to high biological responses with implications for accurate biodosimetry, triage and medical managements of exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evagelia C Laiakis
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | - Veljko Grilj
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, USA
| | - Andrew D Harken
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, USA
| | - Guy Y Garty
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppe Astarita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lubomir Smilenov
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Albert J Fornace
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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13
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Identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways in mice exposed to mixed field neutron/photon radiation. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:504. [PMID: 29954325 PMCID: PMC6027792 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiation exposure due to the detonation of an improvised nuclear device remains a major security concern. Radiation from such a device involves a combination of photons and neutrons. Although photons will make the greater contribution to the total dose, neutrons will certainly have an impact on the severity of the exposure as they have high relative biological effectiveness. Results We investigated the gene expression signatures in the blood of mice exposed to 3 Gy x-rays, 0.75 Gy of neutrons, or to mixed field photon/neutron with the neutron fraction contributing 5, 15%, or 25% of a total 3 Gy radiation dose. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that genes involved in protein ubiquitination pathways were significantly overrepresented in all radiation doses and qualities. On the other hand, eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (EIF2) signaling pathway was identified as one of the top 10 ranked canonical pathways in neutron, but not pure x-ray, exposures. In addition, the related mTOR and regulation of EIF4/p70S6K pathways were also significantly underrepresented in the exposures with a neutron component, but not in x-ray radiation. The majority of the changed genes in these pathways belonged to the ribosome biogenesis and translation machinery and included several translation initiation factors (e.g. Eif2ak4, Eif3f), as well as 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits (e.g. Rsp19, Rpl19, Rpl27). Many of the differentially downregulated ribosomal genes (e.g. RPS19, RPS28) have been causally associated with human bone marrow failure syndromes and hematologic malignancies. We also observed downregulation of transfer RNA processes, in the neutron-only exposure (p < 0.005). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (p < 0.05) of differentially expressed genes predicted significantly suppressed activity of the upstream regulators c-Myc and Mycn, transcription factors known to control ribosome biogenesis. Conclusions We describe the gene expression profile of mouse blood following exposure to mixed field neutron/photon irradiation. We have discovered that pathways related to protein translation are significantly underrepresented in the exposures containing a neutron component. Our results highlight the significance of neutron exposures that even the smallest percentage can have profound biological effects that will affect medical management and treatment decisions in case of a radiological emergency. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4884-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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14
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Laiakis EC, Wang YW, Young EF, Harken AD, Xu Y, Smilenov L, Garty GY, Brenner DJ, Fornace AJ. Metabolic Dysregulation after Neutron Exposures Expected from an Improvised Nuclear Device. Radiat Res 2017; 188:21-34. [PMID: 28475424 PMCID: PMC5714588 DOI: 10.1667/rr14656.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The increased threat of terrorism across the globe has raised fears that certain groups will acquire and use radioactive materials to inflict maximum damage. In the event that an improvised nuclear device (IND) is detonated, a potentially large population of victims will require assessment for radiation exposure. While photons will contribute to a major portion of the dose, neutrons may be responsible for the severity of the biologic effects and cellular responses. We investigated differences in response between these two radiation types by using metabolomics and lipidomics to identify biomarkers in urine and blood of wild-type C57BL/6 male mice. Identification of metabolites was based on a 1 Gy dose of radiation. Compared to X rays, a neutron spectrum similar to that encountered in Hiroshima at 1-1.5 km from the epicenter induced a severe metabolic dysregulation, with perturbations in amino acid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation being the predominant ones. Urinary metabolites were able to discriminate between neutron and X rays on day 1 as well as day 7 postirradiation, while serum markers showed such discrimination only on day 1. Free fatty acids from omega-6 and omega-3 pathways were also decreased with 1 Gy of neutrons, implicating cell membrane dysfunction and impaired phospholipid metabolism, which should otherwise lead to release of those molecules in circulation. While a precise relative biological effectiveness value could not be calculated from this study, the results are consistent with other published studies showing higher levels of damage from neutrons, demonstrated here by increased metabolic dysregulation. Metabolomics can therefore aid in identifying global perturbations in blood and urine, and effectively distinguishing between neutron and photon exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida
| | | | - Andrew D. Harken
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York
| | - Yanping Xu
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York
- Department of Physics, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Lubomir Smilenov
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Guy Y. Garty
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York
| | - David J. Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Albert J. Fornace
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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15
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Garty G, Xu Y, Elliston C, Marino SA, Randers-Pehrson G, Brenner DJ. Mice and the A-Bomb: Irradiation Systems for Realistic Exposure Scenarios. Radiat Res 2017; 187:465-475. [PMID: 28211757 DOI: 10.1667/rr008cc.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Validation of biodosimetry assays is normally performed with acute exposures to uniform external photon fields. Realistically, exposure to a radiological dispersal device or reactor leak will include exposure to low dose rates and likely exposure to ingested radionuclides. An improvised nuclear device will likely include a significant neutron component in addition to a mixture of high- and low-dose-rate photons and ingested radionuclides. We present here several novel irradiation systems developed at the Center for High Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry to provide more realistic exposures for testing of novel biodosimetric assays. These irradiators provide a wide range of dose rates (from Gy/s to Gy/week) as well as mixed neutron/photon fields mimicking an improvised nuclear device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Garty
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533; and
| | - Yanping Xu
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533; and
| | - Carl Elliston
- b Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
| | - Stephen A Marino
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533; and
| | - Gerhard Randers-Pehrson
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533; and
| | - David J Brenner
- b Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
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16
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Broustas CG, Xu Y, Harken AD, Chowdhury M, Garty G, Amundson SA. Impact of Neutron Exposure on Global Gene Expression in a Human Peripheral Blood Model. Radiat Res 2017; 187:433-440. [PMID: 28140791 DOI: 10.1667/rr0005.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The detonation of an improvised nuclear device would produce prompt radiation consisting of both photons (gamma rays) and neutrons. While much effort in recent years has gone into the development of radiation biodosimetry methods suitable for mass triage, the possible effect of neutrons on the endpoints studied has remained largely uninvestigated. We have used a novel neutron irradiator with an energy spectrum based on that 1-1.5 km from the epicenter of the Hiroshima blast to begin examining the effect of neutrons on global gene expression, and the impact this may have on the development of gene expression signatures for radiation biodosimetry. We have exposed peripheral blood from healthy human donors to 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 1 Gy of neutrons ex vivo using our neutron irradiator, and compared the transcriptomic response 24 h later to that resulting from sham exposure or exposure to 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 Gy of photons (X rays). We identified 125 genes that responded significantly to both radiation qualities as a function of dose, with the magnitude of response to neutrons generally being greater than that seen after X-ray exposure. Gene ontology analysis suggested broad involvement of the p53 signaling pathway and general DNA damage response functions across all doses of both radiation qualities. Regulation of immune response and chromatin-related functions were implicated only following the highest doses of neutrons, suggesting a physiological impact of greater DNA damage. We also identified several genes that seem to respond primarily as a function of dose, with less effect of radiation quality. We confirmed this pattern of response by quantitative real-time RT-PCR for BAX, TNFRSF10B, ITLN2 and AEN and suggest that gene expression may provide a means to differentiate between total dose and a neutron component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos G Broustas
- a Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032; and
| | - Yanping Xu
- b Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533
| | - Andrew D Harken
- b Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533
| | - Mashkura Chowdhury
- a Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032; and
| | - Guy Garty
- b Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533
| | - Sally A Amundson
- a Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032; and
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17
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Broustas CG, Xu Y, Harken AD, Garty G, Amundson SA. Comparison of gene expression response to neutron and x-ray irradiation using mouse blood. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:2. [PMID: 28049433 PMCID: PMC5210311 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3436-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the event of an improvised nuclear device detonation, the prompt radiation exposure would consist of photons plus a neutron component that would contribute to the total dose. As neutrons cause more complex and difficult to repair damage to cells that would result in a more severe health burden to affected individuals, it is paramount to be able to estimate the contribution of neutrons to an estimated dose, to provide information for those making treatment decisions. Results Mice exposed to either 0.25 or 1 Gy of neutron or 1 or 4 Gy x-ray radiation were sacrificed at 1 or 7 days after exposure. Whole genome microarray analysis identified 7285 and 5045 differentially expressed genes in the blood of mice exposed to neutron or x-ray radiation, respectively. Neutron exposure resulted in mostly downregulated genes, whereas x-rays showed both down- and up-regulated genes. A total of 34 differentially expressed genes were regulated in response to all ≥1 Gy exposures at both times. Of these, 25 genes were consistently downregulated at days 1 and 7, whereas 9 genes, including the transcription factor E2f2, showed bi-directional regulation; being downregulated at day 1, while upregulated at day 7. Gene ontology analysis revealed that genes involved in nucleic acid metabolism processes were persistently downregulated in neutron irradiated mice, whereas genes involved in lipid metabolism were upregulated in x-ray irradiated animals. Most biological processes significantly enriched at both timepoints were consistently represented by either under- or over-expressed genes. In contrast, cell cycle processes were significant among down-regulated genes at day 1, but among up-regulated genes at day 7 after exposure to either neutron or x-rays. Cell cycle genes downregulated at day 1 were mostly distinct from the cell cycle genes upregulated at day 7. However, five cell cycle genes, Fzr1, Ube2c, Ccna2, Nusap1, and Cdc25b, were both downregulated at day 1 and upregulated at day 7. Conclusions We describe, for the first time, the gene expression profile of mouse blood cells following exposure to neutrons. We have found that neutron radiation results in both distinct and common gene expression patterns compared with x-ray radiation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3436-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos G Broustas
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yanping Xu
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, 10533, USA
| | - Andrew D Harken
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, 10533, USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, 10533, USA
| | - Sally A Amundson
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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18
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Xu Y, Randers-Pehrson G, Turner HC, Marino SA, Geard CR, Brenner DJ, Garty G. Accelerator-Based Biological Irradiation Facility Simulating Neutron Exposure from an Improvised Nuclear Device. Radiat Res 2015; 184:404-10. [PMID: 26414507 DOI: 10.1667/rr14036.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We describe here an accelerator-based neutron irradiation facility, intended to expose blood or small animals to neutron fields mimicking those from an improvised nuclear device at relevant distances from the epicenter. Neutrons are generated by a mixed proton/deuteron beam on a thick beryllium target, generating a broad spectrum of neutron energies that match those estimated for the Hiroshima bomb at 1.5 km from ground zero. This spectrum, dominated by neutron energies between 0.2 and 9 MeV, is significantly different from the standard reactor fission spectrum, as the initial bomb spectrum changes when the neutrons are transported through air. The neutron and gamma dose rates were measured using a custom tissue-equivalent gas ionization chamber and a compensated Geiger-Mueller dosimeter, respectively. Neutron spectra were evaluated by unfolding measurements using a proton-recoil proportional counter and a liquid scintillator detector. As an illustration of the potential use of this facility we present micronucleus yields in single divided, cytokinesis-blocked human peripheral lymphocytes up to 1.5 Gy demonstrating 3- to 5-fold enhancement over equivalent X-ray doses. This facility is currently in routine use, irradiating both mice and human blood samples for evaluation of neutron-specific biodosimetry assays. Future studies will focus on dose reconstruction in realistic mixed neutron/photon fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Xu
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533 and
| | - Gerhard Randers-Pehrson
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533 and
| | - Helen C Turner
- b Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
| | - Stephen A Marino
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533 and
| | - Charles R Geard
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533 and
| | - David J Brenner
- b Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
| | - Guy Garty
- a Radiological Research Accelerator Facility, Columbia University, Irvington, New York 10533 and
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