The role of genomic instability and expression of the p53 protein gene network in the processes of oncogenesis in first- and second-generation children living in radioactively contaminated areas

• Main Authors: L. S. Baleva, V. S. Sukhorukov, A. E. Sipyagina, N. M. Karakhan, A. S. Voronkova, A. R. Sadykov
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Ltd. “The National Academy of Pediatric Science and Innovation” 2017-04-01
• Series: Rossijskij Vestnik Perinatologii i Pediatrii
• Subjects: children; mothers; first- and second-generation residents of radioactively contaminated areas; ionizing radiation; nanostring technology; cytological (karyological) indicators; micronucleus p53 protein gene network
• Online Access: https://www.ped-perinatology.ru/jour/article/view/456
• ISSN: 1027-4065; 2500-2228

In this investigation, karyological (cytologic) examinations using the micronucleus test were conducted to further study the influence of a radiation factor on the health of first- and second-generation residents exposed to radiation. The most changes were established to be pronounced in first-generation individuals (mothers) with neoplasms. Karyological changes in their children were similar to maternal ones although there was no evidence of neoplasms in these children at the time of examination. The increase in the number of binucleated cells is an indicator for the toxic effect of radiation factors and an additional prognostic sign of their potential carcinogenic activity. To deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of action of the radiation factor on the health of residents exposed to radiation, the NanoString method was used to study the expression of the gene network of p53 protein that plays an important role in protecting the body against cancer. Twenty-four 24 genes statistically significantly changing the expression of the p53 protein gene network were identified; among them there were 5 genes that had undergone the maximum expression changes, which suggests that indicates there is an increased risk for malignant tumors in these residents. The study may indicate the transgenerational oncogenic transmission of the specific effects of radiation and, consequently, the risk of cancer.