Transcriptomic analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs in the peripheral blood of residents in the Yangjiang high-background radiation area
10.3760/cma.j.cn112271-20240719-00269
- VernacularTitle:阳江高本底辐射地区居民外周血差异表达mRNA的转录组学分析
- Author:
Huixian LI
1
;
Huifeng CHEN
;
Weixu HUANG
;
Guanyou CHEN
;
Min ZHANG
;
Daochuan LI
;
Jianming ZOU
Author Information
1. 中山大学公共卫生学院，广州 510080
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
High background radiation area;
Low-dose ionizing radiation;
Transcriptomics;
Mitophagy;
Aging
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection
2025;45(5):392-398
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate differential gene expression, enriched biological processes, and pathway differences between residents of a high-background radiation area (HBRA), Yangjiang, and a control area—Enping.Methods:Seven residents were selected from the HBRA (the HBRA group) and seven from the control area (the control group) using the two-stage random sampling method. The cumulative radiation dose for each individual was calculated based on the ambient gamma exposure levels. Peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed via high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes. Subsequent analyses included gene ontology (GO) for biological process (BP), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).Results:The median ages of the HBRA and control groups had no statistically significant difference ( P = 0.370). The cumulative external doses for the HBRA and control groups were (99.59±20.07) and (33.82±10.61) mSv, respectively. This difference was statistically significant ( t = -5.88, P = 0.001). High-throughput sequencing identified 1 224 differentially expressed genes in the HBRA group, including 32 senescence-related genes, compared to the control group. The result of GO-BP analysis showed that these genes were predominantly enriched in cell signaling, biosynthesis, localization, cell cycle regulation, and cellular stress responses. KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment in the chemokine and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as in pathways related to the cell cycle, autophagy, and mitophagy. Furthermore, GSEA analysis confirmed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly related to cell cycle regulation and mitochondrial functions. Conclusions:Differentially expressed mRNAs are found in the peripheral blood of residents in the HBRA. These mRNAs are predominantly associated with key biological processes and pathways, including cell cycle regulation, chemokine and MAPK signaling pathways, and mitophagy.
