Impact of low dose radiation during late gestation on homeostatic control of metabolism and cellular function

生物体持续暴露于电离辐射。虽然已知高剂量电离辐射照射会造成伤害，但低剂量照射的影响仍有争议。 此外，人们对胎儿发育后期电离辐射照射的影响知之甚少。 北方安大略医学院、劳伦森大学、Lakeheahed大学、麦克马斯特大学和布鲁斯电力公司合作研究胎儿暴露于低剂量辐射对细胞发育和与压力和新陈代谢有关的功能的基本生物学影响。 这项研究将采取有针对性的方法，研究妊娠后期低剂量辐射照射的生理风险和/或益处，并研究所涉及的细胞和分子机制。 将进行基础研究，以检查3个关键领域：1）剂量的影响和时间暴露于电离辐射在妊娠后期，2）活性氧（ROS）在启动细胞变化的作用，和3）潜在的适应性和细胞反应低剂量辐射。 所获得的科学知识将有助于了解环境和职业受到低剂量辐射的影响。

Living organisms are continually exposed to ionizing radiation. While high-dose exposure to ionizing radiation is known to cause harm, the impact of low-dose exposure remains contentious. Furthermore, the impact of exposure to ionizing radiation during late fetal development is poorly understood. Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Lakeheahed University, McMaster University and Bruce Power have partnered together to study the fundamental biological effects of fetal exposure to low dose radiation on cellular development and function associated with stress and metabolism. This research will take a targeted approach in examining the physiological risks and/or benefits of low dose radiation exposure during late gestation, and examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. Fundamental research will be performed to examine 3 key areas: 1) Effects of dose and timing of exposure to ionizing radiation during late gestation, 2) Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in initiating cellular changes, and 3) Potential adaptive and cellular responses to low dose radiation. The scientific knowledge gained will be beneficial in understanding the impact of environmental and occupational exposure to low dose radiation.