Molecular mechanism of radiation-induced bystander responses: from the approach with microbeam technology to the in vivo study

Abstract

It has been reported that radiation effects are manifested not only in irradiated cells but also in unirradiated cells that are close to irradiated cells (called as radiation-induced bystander response). Recent studies revealed that reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, cytokine and nucleotide transferred from irradiated cells to unirradiated cells through gap junction and/or culture medium induce bystander responses including reductive cell death and chromosomal aberration. However, the details of molecular mechanism and biological significances are still unclear. Microbeam system is often utilized as a powerful tool for the studies of radiation-induced bystander responses since it can precisely discriminate irradiate cells and others in cell population. In this workshop, we will learn from the specialists about their latest studies and discuss on the future direction of radiation-induced bystander effects.