Molecular Radiation Biology

Abstract

Various exogeneous and endogenous factors constantly cause damages in the biomolecules within a cell. For example, per day, 10,000–100,000 molecular lesions occur in DNA per cell. The molecule modifications that are formed disturb the structure and function of the affected molecules. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the damages to biomolecules caused by radiation, the associated repair pathways, and the effect on the cellular function. Special interest lies on the damages induced to DNA, the carrier of the human genome, and the consequence to genomic integrity, cell death, and cell survival. Additionally, related effects regarding inflammation and immunity, epigenetic factors, and omics are discussed. The chapter concludes with an explanation of the molecular factors of cellular hyper-radiosensitivity and induced radiation resistance.

Interaction of low-energy electrons with radiosensitizers

“…Except for the mentioned DNA repair processes these include effects on the cellular membrane or metabolism that are practically unexplored and will require in vitro biophysical and biochemistry studies. 248 Another direction is the higher-order structure of DNA. In this direction, the telomeric sequences are in the focus at the moment.…”

Influence of environmental risk factors on the development of wounds associated with squamous cell carcinoma

“…Our ever‐changing and dynamic environment has a profound effect on health trajectories. It teems with a plethora of external factors, ranging from radiation to compounds, all of which have the potential to interact with our innate biological mechanisms, sometimes with harmful results 7 . Although SCC is intrinsically rooted in cellular and genetic mechanisms, these environmental agents have a significant impact on its development.…”