Cellular response to ionizing radiation: A microRNA story

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Mohammad Halimi 1
S. Mohsen Asghari 1
Reyhaneh Sariri 1
Dariush Moslemi 2
Hadi Parsian 3 , 4
1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
3 Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
4 Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at
the post-transcriptional level. They play a crucial role in diverse cellular pathways. Ionizing radiation (IR) is one
of the most important treatment protocols for patients that suffer from cancer and affects directly or indirectly
cellular integration. Recently it has been discovered that microRNA-mediated gene regulation interferes with
radio-related pathways in ionizing radiation. Here, we review the recent discoveries about miRNAs in cellular
response to IR. Thoroughly understanding the mechanism of miRNAs in radiation response, it will be possible to
design new strategies for improving radiotherapy efficiency and ultimately cancer treatment.
Keywords
Cellular response
ionizing radiation
microRNA