title: Effects of ionizing radiation on mitochondria.
abstract: The current concept of radiobiology posits that damage to the DNA in the cell nucleus is the primary cause for the detrimental effects of radiation. However, emerging experimental evidence suggests that this theoretical framework is insufficient for describing extranuclear radiation effects, particularly the response of the mitochondria, an important site of extranuclear, coding DNA. Here, we discuss experimental observations of the effects of ionizing radiation on the mitochondria at (1) the DNA and (2) functional levels. The roles of mitochondria in (3) oxidative stress and (4) late radiation effects are discussed. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of targets for ionizing radiation outside the cell nucleus. Available experimental data suggest that an increase in the tumoricidal efficacy of radiation therapy might be achievable by targeting mitochondria. Likewise, more specific protection of mitochondria and its coding DNA should reduce damage to healthy cells exposed to ionizing radiation.
authors.affiliation: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, Sydney, New South Wales 2234, Australia; Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Cumberland, Sydney, New South Wales 2141, Australia. Electronic address: wik@ansto.gov.au.
authors.forename: Winnie Wai-Ying
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Kam
authors.affiliation: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, Sydney, New South Wales 2234, Australia; Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Cumberland, Sydney, New South Wales 2141, Australia; National Imaging Facility at Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia.
authors.forename: Richard B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Banati
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing
keywords: Common deletion; Copy number; DNA; Electron transport chain; Ionizing radiation; Mammalian cells; Manganese superoxide dismutase; Mitochondria; Nucleus; OXPHOS; Oxidative phosphorylation; Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); PGC-1α; Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α; RNA; ROS; Radiation response; Reactive oxygen species; Reactive oxygen species (ROS); Superoxide; p(0) cells