Epigenetic modifications in radiation-induced non-targeted effects and their clinical significance
Xiangyang He, Luwei Cai, Haoyi Tang, Weibo Chen, Wentao Hu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ionizing radiation (IR) plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Besides the targeted effects, the non-targeted effects, which cause damage to non-irradiated cells and genomic instability in normal tissues, also play a role in the side effects of radiotherapy and have been shown to involve both alterations in DNA sequence and regulation of epigenetic modifications. SCOPE OF REVIEW: We summarize the recent findings regarding epigenetic modifications that are involved in radiation-induced non-targeted effects as well as their clinical significance in radiotherapy and radioprotection. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic modifications play an important role in both the realization and modulation of radiobiological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying non-targeted effects still need to be clarified. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms related to radiation-induced non-targeted effects will guide both individualized clinical radiotherapy and individualized precise radioprotection.