The Role of Epigenetic Modulation in the Cellular Response to Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

More and more evidence demonstrate that epigenetic modulation plays important roles in many cellular processes and carcinogenesis. It also showed that epigenetic changes are involved in the cellular response to ionizing radiation. In current review, we will discuss the radiation-induced epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation changes, chromatin remodelling and alterations in microRNA expression, and their roles in the cellular response to ionizing radiation. The aim is to help understand the mechanisms underlying the radiation induced biological effects in cells and to find the future research interests.