Proteomic and Biochemical Studies of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Response to Low DoseIonizing Radiation

Daojing Wang
Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley, CA

Why this Project?

Stem cells provide a particularly important system to study the effects of low level ionizing radiation and the underlying mechanisms, since these cells are potential targets for carcinogenesis. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into many cell types, and participate in tissue regeneration and repair. Radiation-induced differentiation of these stem cells amplifies the effects of low doses and provides a unique system to understand low dose radiobiological responses.

Project Goal

To clarify molecular mechanisms and differentiation pathways involved in radiobiological responses of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to low dose and low dose-rate ionizing radiation.

Experimental Approach

1. To investigate the effects of low dose radiation exposure on proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation (particularly along bone lineage) of mesenchymal stem cells
2. To study DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair
3. To profile proteomic changes including protein expression levels and post-translational modification due to low dose-rate ionizing radiation

Expected Outcomes

Increased differentiation can change the fate of cells exposed to low doses of radiation. Protein markers discovered in this project will improve understanding of radiation-induced differentiation, and help define the health risks from exposures to low radiation.