Epigenetic modifications in radiation-induced non-targeted effects and their clinical significance

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects 2023-08, Vol.1867 (8), p.130386-130386, Article 130386
• Main Authors: He, Xiangyang, Cai, Luwei, Tang, Haoyi, Chen, Weibo, Hu, Wentao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical Relevance; Clinical significance; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenetics; Humans; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Non-targeted effects; Radiation
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130386

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. 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. 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. A better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms related to radiation-induced non-targeted effects will guide both individualized clinical radiotherapy and individualized precise radioprotection. •Summarized the link between epigenetics and non-target effects.•Provided potential targets for improvement in clinical radiotherapy.•Provided a theoretical basis for establishing new radiation protection systems.