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LIFE01200604005 Shri Somnath Ghosh - Homi Bhabha National ...

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CHAPTER 1<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

The goal of this chapter is to describe the complexity of the responses of cells to<br />

exposure to ionizing radiation. Links between the mechanisms of various sensors of<br />

radiation effects and the activation of major cellular response pathways will be<br />

emphasized where possible (Fig. 1.4). The response networks include cytokines and<br />

plasma membrane receptors, effector protein kinases, and phosphatases in the cytoplasm<br />

or at the interfaces of plasma membrane and nucleus. The extent of radiation-induced<br />

changes in proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, the latter recognized by defined proteins as<br />

DNA damage, is likely to determine the relative balance between plasma membrane<br />

events, mitochondrial reactions, and nuclear responses<br />

EFFECT OF IONIZING RADIATION<br />

ON CELLULAR RESPONSE SYSTEM<br />

RADIATION SENSOR/ROS, RNS AMPLIFIER<br />

SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION<br />

CELL CYCLE<br />

CONTROL<br />

CYTOPROTECTIVE<br />

SURVIVAL<br />

CYTOTOXICITY<br />

DEATH: APOPTOSIS/<br />

REPRODUCTIVE DEATH<br />

FIG. 1.4 Effects of ionizing radiation on cellular response systems. Radiation effects are<br />

mediated through the interaction of radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species<br />

(ROS/RNS), with proteins, lipids and nucleic acids; these radicals may be generated from primary<br />

ionization events or through secondary amplification systems. Biological molecules that are<br />

modified by radicals and generate or transmit intracellular signals are components of existing<br />

cellular signal transduction pathways. Effectors of these systems are linked to cell cycle<br />

regulation and DNA repair, which determine the ultimate fate of cells exposed to radiation.<br />

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