title: Radiation Metabolomics: Current Status and Future Directions.
abstract: Human exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) disrupts normal metabolic processes in cells and organs by inducing complex biological responses that interfere with gene and protein expression. Conventional dosimetry, monitoring of prodromal symptoms, and peripheral lymphocyte counts are of limited value as organ- and tissue-specific biomarkers for personnel exposed to radiation, particularly, weeks or months after exposure. Analysis of metabolites generated in known stress-responsive pathways by molecular profiling helps to predict the physiological status of an individual in response to environmental or genetic perturbations. Thus, a multi-metabolite profile obtained from a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics platform offers potential for identification of robust biomarkers to predict radiation toxicity of organs and tissues resulting from exposures to therapeutic or non-therapeutic IR. Here, we review the status of radiation metabolomics and explore applications as a standalone technology, as well as its integration in systems biology, to facilitate a better understanding of the molecular basis of radiation response. Finally, we draw attention to the identification of specific pathways that can be targeted for the development of therapeutics to alleviate or mitigate harmful effects of radiation exposure.
authors: Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Smrithi S
authors: SS
authors: Menon
authors: Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Medha
authors: M
authors: Uppal
authors: Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Subeena
authors: S
authors: Randhawa
authors: Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Mehar S
authors: MS
authors: Cheema
authors: Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Nima
authors: N
authors: Aghdam
authors: School of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Rachel L
authors: RL
authors: Usala
authors: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute , Bethesda, MD , USA.
authors: Sanchita P
authors: SP
authors: Ghosh
authors: Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Amrita K
authors: AK
authors: Cheema
authors: Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA.
authors: Anatoly
authors: A
authors: Dritschilo
keywords: biomarkers; ionizing radiation; metabolomics