Oncogenes and radiation carcinogenesis

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.919345· OSTI ID:6094667

Garte, S J; Burns, F J ^[1]

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1. New York Univ. Medical Center, New York (United States)

Current research indicates a role for several oncogenes in radiation-induced carcinogenesis in vivo and cell transformation in vitro. Certain oncogenes are probably also involved in some cases of human cancer caused by exposure to nonionizing radiation and may play a mechanistic role in the phenomenon of radioresistance seen in later stages of tumor progression. The mechanisms of oncogene activation seen in radiation-induced tumors include point mutations, gene amplification, and changes in gene expression. Genetic factors associated with target species, strain, and tissue type play an important role in determining the specific nature of oncogene activation by radiation exposure. Using the rat skin as a model for cancer induction by ionizing radiation. The authors found concurrent activation of K-ras and c-myc oncogenes in endstage tumors. Amplification of the myc gene proved to occur during a late stage of tumor progression and is not an early initiating event resulting from the direct action of radiation on target cells. The importance of tissue specificity, tumor cell heterogeneity, and physical characteristics of the radiation exposure are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6094667
• Journal Information: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States) Vol. 93; ISSN 0091-6765; ISSN EVHPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560152* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Animals
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOPSY
BODY
CARCINOGENESIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
EXPERIMENTAL NEOPLASMS
GENE AMPLIFICATION
GENE REGULATION
GENES
MAMMALS
ONCOGENES
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
RADIOINDUCTION
RATS
RODENTS
SKIN
VERTEBRATES