辐射联合外源性野生型p53基因对不同p53状态的黑色素瘤细胞系的生物学效应

目的研究辐射结合腺病毒（Ad CMV）载体介导的p53基因转导对不同p53状态的人黑色素瘤细胞系基因转移效率、凋亡和辐射敏感性的影响。方法用复制缺陷的重组腺病毒载体（AdCMV-p53）介导入p53基因转导1Gy X射线预照射的黑色素瘤细胞系A375（wt p53）和WM983a（mu p53），RT-PCR检测mRNA水平，流式细胞仪测定细胞周期阻滞及外源性P53蛋白表达情况，Tunel法检测细胞凋亡，克隆形成率测定辐射后细胞存活率。用携带报道基因的复制缺陷重组腺病毒载体AdCMV-GFP作为对照。结果1Gy X射线照射可较高地增加AdCMV-p53对A375和WM983a细胞系的基因转导效率，转导的外源性野生型p53可在两种细胞中高效表达，并诱导细胞周期G1期阻滞；单纯转导p53对A375（wt p53）细胞无明显诱导凋亡和生长抑制效应，但可部分诱导WM983a（mu p53）细胞凋亡；而转导p53基因48h后给予X射线辐射，两种细胞的克隆存活率较其对照组均明显减低，外源性p53基因对WM983a（mu p53）细胞的辐射增敏作用较A375（wt p53）细胞明显。结论外源性野生型p53基因过表达可增加黑色素瘤细胞系A375和WM983a的辐射敏感性，但对WM983a细胞系的辐射增敏作用高于A375细胞系。表明p53是基因治疗黑色素瘤较好的候选基因。     

辐射增强启动子调控的p53基因联合照射对肿瘤细胞的作用

目的 研究辐射增强启动子调控的野生型-p53抑癌基因系统联合照射对人肿瘤细胞系HeLa和A549细胞的特异性杀伤作用。方法 构建辐射增强启动子pE6（TATA）-p53,Western blot检测不同射线剂量诱导下人肺腺癌A549细胞系和人宫颈癌HeLa细胞系中P53蛋白的表达水平,筛选出最适的照射剂量;AnnexinV-FITC试剂盒检测肿瘤细胞系早期凋亡率;利用克隆形成实验检测此系统对肿瘤细胞放射敏感性的影响。结果 在HeLa和A549细胞中,P53蛋白表达均受放射线诱导增高,且在6 Gy时辐射诱导活性最高;实验组质粒的细胞早期凋亡率与转染对照组质粒的细胞早期凋亡率相比有明显提高（F=11.018、10.736,P<0.05）。HeLa细胞和A549细胞的放射增敏比（SER）分别为2.56和2.36。结论 辐射增强启动子调控的p53基因系统具有显著的诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡的作用,可以提高肿瘤细胞的辐射敏感性,对肿瘤的治疗提供了新思路。     

人类解旋酶样转录因子介导辐射凋亡细胞DNA修复蛋白的降解

目的 探讨人类解旋酶样转录因子(HLTF)转染对辐射诱导细胞凋亡时DNA修复相关蛋白水平的影响。方法 将野生型和RING结构域突变型 HLTF 分别转染人肺癌细胞A549,⁶⁰Co γ射线15 Gy照射诱导细胞凋亡, 用Western blot 检测HRAD17和HRAD52蛋白水平的变化,免疫共沉淀检测特定复合物的存在。结果 γ射线诱导细胞凋亡时, 野生型 HLTF 转染组与对照组相比,DNA修复蛋白HRAD17和HRAD52水平明显降低,而RING结构域突变组与对照组相比则没有明显变化;辐射诱导细胞凋亡时,HLTF可与HRAD17和HRAD52形成复合物。结论 HLTF可介导辐射诱导的凋亡细胞中HRAD17和HRAD52的降解, 其机制可能是通过蛋白质复合物的相互作用使DNA修复蛋白泛素化而降解。     

HRAD17过表达促进辐射损伤诱导的A549细胞凋亡

目的 探讨HRAD17对辐射损伤诱导细胞凋亡的影响及其机制。方法 将HRAD17转染人肺癌细胞A549经⁶⁰Co γ射线照射后观察细胞凋亡变化。用Western blot 检测凋亡相关基因表达水平,RT-PCR检测凋亡相关基因转录水平。结果 HRAD17转染可促进γ射线诱导的细胞凋亡。与对照组相比,HRAD17转染组p53蛋白Ser 46磷酸化和p53 AIP1基因转录明显增强。结论 HRAD17可促进辐射损伤诱导的细胞凋亡, 其部分机制可能是通过提高p53 AIP1的表达来实现的。     

高效反义STAT3对A549细胞辐射敏感性的影响

目的 探讨高效反义STAT3转染肺腺癌A549细胞后,肿瘤细胞辐射敏感性的变化,为提高恶性肿瘤的辐射敏感性提供新的探索思路和途径。方法 用自行设计成功的高效反义STAT3(AS10)转染A549细胞后,以不同剂量γ射线照射,通过CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞增殖变化,Hoechst 33258染色对细胞凋亡作形态学上的观察;用Annexin V/PI复染,流式细胞仪检测细胞早期凋亡率的变化;Western blot检测STAT3蛋白表达及磷酸化变化情况,以及其下游基因表达变化情况。结果高效反义STAT3(AS10)转染后,加以γ射线照射,A549细胞的增殖相比于单独作用组受到明显抑制,细胞早期凋亡水平也增加,STAT3蛋白及其下游Bcl-Xl、Cyclin D1蛋白表达变化明显下降,STAT3蛋白磷酸化水平也降低。结论 反义STAT3(AS10)联合γ射线对A549细胞的增殖抑制和诱导凋亡作用明显增强,提高了A549细胞的辐射敏感性;表明阻断STAT3蛋白表达可能成为一种新的提高肿瘤辐射敏感性的有效手段。     

外源性野生型p53基因对不同p53功能状态的人肺腺癌细胞株的放射增敏作用

目的 观察外源性野生型p53基因(wtp53)对人肺腺癌细胞株的放射增敏作用,比较不同p53基因状态对照射的影响。 方法 免疫组织化学法、聚合酶链反应-单链构象多态性分析(PCR-SSCP法)筛选p53基因状态不同的两种人肺腺癌细胞系A549及GLC-82,用腺病毒介导wtp53 (Ad-p53)转染后分别给予0、2和4 Gy照射,测定集落形成率,流式细胞仪检测细胞周期分布和凋亡。结果 A549细胞的p53基因正常,而GLC-82细胞的p53基因第7外显子突变,转染后wtp53在两种细胞内均成功表达。Ad-p53对A549及GLC-82细胞抑制率分别为55%和88%,对GLC-82抑制作用较强(P<0.01)。转染Ad-p53后照射,两种细胞集落形成率较对照组明显下降(P<0.001)。流式细胞仪分析Ad-p53使G₁期细胞比例增加和凋亡指数增高,Ad-p53＋照射组最为明显(P<0.001)。结论 Ad-wtp53可以抑制人肺腺癌细胞株的生长,增加其放射敏感性,其放射增敏作用并不依赖于细胞内源性p53基因的状态。     

UHRF1对人乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231辐射敏感性的影响及作用机制

目的 了解基因UHRF1的不同表达水平对乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231辐射敏感性的影响及潜在的作用机制。方法 利用克隆形成实验观察细胞存活;流式细胞术测定细胞周期;利用DNA片段分析和Annexin V试剂盒测定细胞凋亡;Western blot 测定蛋白表达变化;利用经典的染色体分析,观察染色体畸变(着丝粒环和双着丝粒)。 结果 与对照相比较,UHRF1转染可将D₀值由2.08 Gy提高至3.17 Gy,即降低MDA-MB-231细胞对X射线的辐射敏感性。利用siRNA抑制UHRF1的表达,可将X射线照射后细胞的生存率由41%降低至17%,即增强了细胞的辐射敏感性。UHRF1的高表达,可诱导G₂/M期阻滞,抑制细胞凋亡,下调促凋亡蛋白Bax,上调DNA损伤修复蛋白Ku70和 Ku80的表达水平,而且,抑制X射线诱导的染色体畸变。结论 UHRF1的高表达可以抑制细胞凋亡,促进DNA损伤修复。因此,通过抑制UHRF1的表达,可作为临床提高乳腺癌放疗疗效的新靶标。     

重组人p53腺病毒注射液对人淋巴瘤细胞的作用及辐射敏感性的影响

目的 探讨重组人p53腺病毒注射液对人淋巴瘤细胞的抑制作用及其辐射增敏性。方法 利用四氮唑盐(MTT)比色法分析重组人p53腺病毒注射液、放射治疗以及两者联合应用对人淋巴瘤细胞Raji 和Daudi的抑制作用;通过蛋白质的Western印迹分析法(Western blotting)分析淋巴瘤细胞内P53蛋白的表达;应用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测淋巴瘤细胞内p53基因的mRNA表达。结果 MTT结果显示重组人p53腺病毒注射液对人淋巴瘤细胞具有一定的抑制作用,但抑制作用不显著,Raji 及Daudi 细胞最大剂量的抑制率分别为27.5%±4.1%和28.1%±1.6%,也未见明显的辐射增敏效应。Western blotting和RT-PCR结果表明,外源性P53蛋白和p53基因的mRNA均有所表达,但未见高效表达和明显的辐射增敏性。结论 重组人p53腺病毒注射液对人淋巴瘤细胞的抑制作用及辐射增敏性不显著。     

ANTP-SmacN7对肿瘤细胞的辐射增敏作用及其机制

目的 探讨ANTP-SmacN7融合蛋白对肿瘤细胞的辐射增敏作用及其机制。方法 合成ANTP-SmacN7融合蛋白并观察其细胞渗透能力,Western blot法检测辐射对XIAP表达量的影响,克隆形成实验观察ANTP-SmacN7融合蛋白的辐射增敏作用。Annexin V-FITC/PI双染法测定药物及射线对肿瘤细胞凋亡的影响,Western blot法检测ANTP-SmacN7阻断XIAP前后Caspase-8、Caspase-9和Caspase-3的变化。结果 ANTP-SmacN7融合蛋白可以进入细胞内,并在细胞内蓄积;辐射诱导肿瘤细胞体外XIAP表达量与肿瘤辐射敏感性呈负相关（r=0.82）;ANTP-SmacN7对肿瘤细胞有辐射增敏作用,增敏比为1.41;ANTP-SmacN7融合蛋白可促进4、8和10 Gy γ射线诱导的XIAP高表达肿瘤细胞的凋亡（t=-14.924、-7.294和-15.866,P<0.05）。辐射可诱导Caspase-3表达水平的升高,ANTP-SmacN7对Caspase-3蛋白表达水平不产生影响,但可增加活化Caspase-3的裂解片段的数量。结论 ANTP-SmacN7融合蛋白可通过诱导Caspase-3的活化降低肿瘤细胞的辐射抗性。     

当归多糖对小鼠肝细胞辐照后Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨当归多糖ASP3对小鼠肝细胞培养液辐照后凋亡相关基因bcl-2和bax的蛋白表达的影响。方法 以当归多糖的自制提取物ASP3为受试物,用2.0 Gy ⁶⁰Co γ射线照射小鼠肝细胞。采用免疫组织化学方法,检测辐射损伤诱发的肝细胞凋亡相关基因bcl-2和bax的蛋白表达。结果 辐射对照组的Bcl-2蛋白表达阳性减弱(55.60%),Bax表达明显增多(70.83%),与正常对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。当归多糖ASP3能够调节辐照肝细胞Bcl-2家族蛋白的表达,即抑制Bax的高表达(64.14%/58.37%),同时提高Bcl-2的表达量(59.21%/67.45%),且高剂量(100 mg/L)ASP3组与辐射对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 当归多糖ASP3对辐射诱导的肝细胞凋亡有抑制作用,并通过提高Bcl-2/Bax比值减少细胞凋亡的发生,进而提高肝细胞的DNA损伤修复能力和辐射耐受性。     

Apoptosis induced by high-LET radiations is not affected by cellular p53 gene status

To learn more about the biological effects of high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiations, we examined radiation-induced apoptosis in response to high-LET radiations in cells with wild-type, mutated and null p53 gene. Three human lung cancer cell lines were used. These lines had identical genotypes, except for the p53 gene. Cells were exposed to X-rays or high-LET radiations (13 - 200 keV microm(-1)) using different nuclei ion beams. Cellular radiation sensitivities were determined with the use of colony-forming assays. Apoptosis was detected and quantified using Hoechst 33342 staining with fluorescence microscopy. It was found that (1) there was no significant difference in cellular sensitivity to high-LET radiation (>85 keV microm(-1)), although the sensitivity of wild-type p53 cells to X-rays was higher than that of mutated p53 or p53-null cells; (2) X-ray-induced apoptosis at higher frequencies in wild-type p53 cells when compared with mutated p53 and p53-null cells; and (3) Fe beams (200 keV microm(-1)) induced apoptosis in a p53-independent manner. The results indicate that high-LET radiations induces apoptosis in human lung cancer cells in a manner that does not seem to depend on the p53 gene status of the cells.     

Analysis of death pattern in cancer cells by using different kinds of LET radiation

We investigated the death pattern of cancer cells by using different kinds of linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. We used two human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with an identical genotype except for the p53 gene. SAS/mp53 cells were established by transfection with the mp53 gene to SAS cells having functional p53 (wtp53). As the control, a neovector was transfected to the SAS cells (SAS/neo cells). Both types of cells were exposed to X-rays (1.5 KeV/micron) or accelerated C-beams (30-100 KeV/micron). The frequency of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) was measured by acridine orange/ethidium bromide(AO/EB) double staining for fluorescence microscopy. We found that (1) low-LET radiation induced apoptosis only in SAS/neo cells; (2) high-LET radiation at an iso-survival dose induced apoptosis not but necrosis in SAS/neo cells at a higher frequency; (3) high-LET radiation induced p53-independent apoptosis even in SAS/mp53 cells. Our findings suggest that high-LET radiotherapy is expected to (1) have validity in its application to patients carrying mutated p53 cancer cells and (2) reduce injury to adjacent normal tissue for high-frequency-induced apoptosis without inflammatory response. We propose that elucidation of p53-independent apoptosis-related genes might provide new insights into radiotherapy for cancer.     

p53 -Dependent thermal enhancement of cellular sensitivity in human squamous cell carcinomas in relation to LET

Purpose : To investigate the dependence on p53 gene status of the thermal enhancement of cellular sensitivity against different levels of linear energy transfer (LET) from X-rays or carbon-ion (C-) beams. Materials and methods : Two kinds of human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were used with an identical genotype except for the p53 gene. SAS/m p53 cells were established by transfection with mutated p53 (m p53) gene to SAS cells having functional wild-type p53 (wtp53). As the control, a neo vector was transfected to the SAS cells (SAS/ neo cells). Both cells were exposed to X-rays or accelerated C-beams (30-150 KeV w m -1) followed by heating at 44°;C. Cellular sensitivity was determined by colony-forming activity. Induction of apoptosis was analysed by Hoechst 33342 staining of apoptotic bodies and agarose-gel electrophoresis for the formation of DNA ladders. Results : It was found that (1) there was no significant difference in cellular sensitivity between SAS/ neo and SAS/m p53 cells to LET radiation of >30 KeV w m -1, although the radiosensitivity of SAS/ neo cells to X-rays was higher (1.2-fold) than that of SAS/m p53 cells; (2) there was an interactive thermal enhancement of radiosensitivity below an LET of 70 KeV w m -1 in SAS/ neo cells, although only additive thermal enhancement was observed in SAS/m p53 cells through all LET levels examined; (3) low-LET radiation induced apoptosis only in SAS/ neo cells; (4) high-LET radiation at an isosurvival dose-induced apoptosis of SAS/ neo cells at a higher frequency compared with that with low-LET radiation; (5) high-LET radiation-induced p53-independent apoptosis in SAS/m p53 cells; and (6) thermal enhancement of cellular sensitivity to X-rays was due to induction of p53-dependent apoptosis. Conclusions : The findings suggest that thermal enhancement of radiosensitivity may result from p53-dependent apoptosis induced by inhibition of p53-dependent cell survival system(s) through either regulation of the cell cycle or induction of DNA repair. It is also suggested that the analysis of p53 gene status of cancer cells may predict response to combined therapies with low-LET radiation and hyperthermia.     

p53-dependent thermal enhancement of cellular sensitivity in human squamous cell carcinomas in relation to LET.

PURPOSE: To investigate the dependence on p53 gene status of the thermal enhancement of cellular sensitivity against different levels of linear energy transfer (LET) from X-rays or carbon-ion (C-) beams. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two kinds of human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were used with an identical genotype except for the p53 gene. SAS/mp53 cells were established by transfection with mutated p53 (mp53) gene to SAS cells having functional wild-type p53 (wtp53). As the control, a neo vector was transfected to the SAS cells (SAS/neo cells). Both cells were exposed to X-rays or accelerated C-beams (30-150 KeV microm(-1)) followed by heating at 44 degrees C. Cellular sensitivity was determined by colony-forming activity. Induction of apoptosis was analysed by Hoechst 33342 staining of apoptotic bodies and agarose-gel electrophoresis for the formation of DNA ladders. RESULTS: It was found that (1) there was no significant difference in cellular sensitivity between SAS/neo and SAS/mp53 cells to LET radiation of >30 KeV microm(-1), although the radiosensitivity of SAS/neo cells to X-rays was higher (1.2-fold) than that of SAS/mp53 cells; (2) there was an interactive thermal enhancement of radiosensitivity below an LET of 70 KeV microm(-1) in SAS/neo cells, although only additive thermal enhancement was observed in SAS/mp53 cells through all LET levels examined; (3) low-LET radiation induced apoptosis only in SAS/neo cells; (4) high-LET radiation at an isosurvival dose-induced apoptosis of SAS/neo cells at a higher frequency compared with that with low-LET radiation; (5) high-LET radiation-induced p53-independent apoptosis in SAS/mp53 cells; and (6) thermal enhancement of cellular sensitivity to X-rays was due to induction of p53-dependent apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that thermal enhancement of radiosensitivity may result from p53-dependent apoptosis induced by inhibition of p53-dependent cell survival system(s) through either regulation of the cell cycle or induction of DNA repair. It is also suggested that the analysis of p53 gene status of cancer cells may predict response to combined therapies with low-LET radiation and hyperthermia.     

High-LET radiation induces apoptosis in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from ataxia-telangiectasia patients

Purpose : To investigate and compare the propensity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), derived from ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) patients and from unaffected healthy individuals (controls), to undergo apoptosis after exposure to high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. Materials and methods : Four A-T (ARO, BMA, CSA and RJO) and two control (JAC and KKB3) LCL were exposed to doses of up to 4 Gy of accelerated nitrogen ions (32-45 MeV/u, 8-12 Gy/min). For comparative purposes X-ray irradiation (1.36 Gy/min) was also performed. The induction of apoptosis was studied 0-48h after irradiation with the use of two methods: (1) monitoring of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA fragments by field inversion pulse gel electrophoresis (FIGE); and (2) morphological characterization of apoptotic cells after fluorescent staining. In parallel, cell-cycle distribution, monitored by DNA flow cytometry, as well as measurements of p53/p21(WAF1) protein levels by Western blots, were investigated in these cells. Results : High-LET radiation-induced apoptosis and G2/M-arrest in both A-T and control LCL. No significant increase in the amount of p53/p21(WAF1) proteins preceded apoptosis in control or in A-T LCL after high-LET irradiation. However, low-LET radiation did induce significant enhanced levels of p53 proteins in control but not in A-T LCL. Conclusions : LCL from both A-T homozygous and unaffected healthy individuals undergo apoptosis without accumulation of p53/p21(WAF1) proteins after exposure to high-LET radiation. In contrast, low-LET radiation induces apoptosis and significantly increases levels of p53 protein in control but not in A-T LCL.     

High-LET radiation induces apoptosis in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from atazia-telangiectasia patients

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the propensity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), derived from ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) patients and from unaffected healthy individuals (controls), to undergo apoptosis after exposure to high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four A-T (ARO, BMA, CSA and RJO) and two control (JAC and KKB3) LCL were exposed to doses of up to 4Gy of accelerated nitrogen ions (32-45 MeV/u, 8-12Gy/min). For comparative purposes X-ray irradiation (1.36 Gy/min) was also performed. The induction of apoptosis was studied 0-48 h after irradiation with the use of two methods: (1) monitoring of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA fragments by field inversion pulse gel electrophoresis (FIGE); and (2) morphological characterization ofapoptotic cells after fluorescent staining. In parallel, cell-cycle distribution, monitored by DNA flow cytometry, as well as measurements of p53/p21(WAF1) protein levels by Western blots, were investigated in these cells. RESULTS: High-LET radiation-induced apoptosis and G2/M-arrest in both A-T and control LCL. No significant increase in the amount of p53/p21(WAF1) proteins preceded apoptosis in control or in A-T LCL after high-LET irradiation. However, low-LET radiation did induce significant enhanced levels of p53 proteins in control but not in A-T LCL. CONCLUSIONS: LCL from both A-T homozygous and unaffected healthy individuals undergo apoptosis without accumulation of p53/p21(WAF1) proteins after exposure to high-LET radiation. In contrast, low-LET radiation induces apoptosis and significantly increases levels of p53 protein in control but not in A-T LCL.     

Similar Extent of Apoptosis Induction at Doses of X-Rays and Neutrons Isoeffective for Cell Inactivation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of neutrons differs for various biological endpoints, and for various cell and tissue types. With respect to the apoptosis induction, a whole range of values can be found in the literature, but the decisive factors are not clear. Most previous studies have used apoptosis-prone hematopoietic cells, whereas tumor cells have received little attention. The authors therefore decided to investigate apoptosis induction caused by X-rays and neutrons in a line of human melanoma cells, at doses which are isoeffective for the loss of colony-forming ability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human melanoma cells Be11, expressing p53 wild-type protein, were used throughout. Exponentially growing cells were exposed to two pairs of isoeffective doses (at surviving levels 10% and 1%) of 240-kV X-rays and 5.8-MeV neutrons. 1-8 days after irradiation, the frequency of apoptosis in adherent cells was assessed by two-parameter flow cytometric analysis with a DNA-dye-exclusion annexin-V-binding assay as well as by morphological examination with DAPI staining. RESULTS: Apoptosis was induced most significantly 6-7 days after irradiation. The time courses, as well as the magnitudes of apoptosis induction, after isoeffective doses of X-rays and neutrons with respect to loss of colony-forming ability appeared to be comparable. RBE values in the range of 4-5 were estimated for apoptosis 4-8 days after irradiation by both the annexin V assay and morphological examination. CONCLUSION: Radiation-induced apoptosis depends on ionization density in the same way as cell inactivation in general does, i.e., the RBE is similar, and the ratio of cells dying by apoptosis to cells dying otherwise does not depend on radiation quality.     

In utero radiation-induced apoptosis and p53 gene expression in the developing rat brain

Purpose : This study addressed the question of the role of the p53 gene in prenatal low-dose radiation-induced apoptosis in the neuroepithelium, in an effort to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in the extreme radiosensitivity of the developing brain. Materials and methods : Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to a single dose of 10, 20 or 40 cGy of X-rays on day 15 or 17 of gestation. Animals were sacrificed 4 or 24 h after exposure. Apoptosis was studied by gel electrophoresis of isolated DNA and in situ by the TUNEL reaction. Expression of the p53 gene was studied by immunocytochemistry and Western analysis, as well as Northern analysis, for the detection of the protein and mRNA respectively. Results : In utero low-dose irradiation led to apoptosis and an increase of p53 gene expression in the developing rat brain. Apoptotic as well as p53 immunopositive cells were detected among proliferating, migratory and post-mitotic neurones in the developing neuroepithelium following prenatal irradiation, even after only 10 cGy. In addition to the p53 protein, p53 mRNA brain levels were also increased following prenatal irradiation. Conclusions : Low-dose prenatal irradiation of the developing brain led to p53 induction and cell death by apoptosis.     

Effects of Serum Starvation on Radiosensitivity,Proliferation and Apoptosis in Four Human Tumor Cell Lines with Different p53 Status

PURPOSE: The effects of serum starvation on radiation sensitivity, cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated with particular consideration of the p53 status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four human tumor cell lines, Be11 (melanoma, p53 wild-type), MeWo (melanoma, p53 mutant), 4197 (squamous cell carcinoma, p53 wild-type) and 4451 (squamous cell carcinoma, p53 mutant), were used. After the cells had been incubated in starvation medium (0.5% FCS) for 1-6 days, changes in cell cycle distribution, induction of apoptosis and necrosis, and changes in radiation sensitivity were assessed by two-parameter flow cytometric measurements of DNA-dye-exclusion/Annexin V binding, and a conventional colony assay, respectively. RESULTS: p53 wild-type cell lines showed a decrease in the BrdU labeling index and an increase in the apoptotic cell frequency in starvation medium. p53 mutant cell lines showed a decrease in the BrdU labeling index but no evidence of apoptosis. These cells went into necrosis instead. The radiation sensitivity was increased in 4451 and slightly decreased in Be11 and 4197 in starvation medium. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a functional involvement of p53 in starvation-induced G1-block and apoptosis in tumor cells. Altered radiosensitivity after culture in starvation medium seemed to be explained at least in part by the starvation-induced G1-block. The frequency of starvation-induced apoptosis or necrosis was not correlated with radiation sensitivity.