Environmental Pollution
Volume 168, September 2012, Pages 107?112
Ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage response identified in marine mussels, Mytilus sp.
Ohoud D. AlAmria,
Andrew B. Cundyb,
Yanan Dic,
Awadhesh N. Jhac,
Jeanette M. Rotchell
Abstract
There is growing concern over the potential detrimental impact of ionizing radiation on natural biota. The mechanistic cause-and-effect impact of ionizing radiation has yet to be characterized in any aquatic species. Adopting an integrated approach, including radiochemical analysis of environmental samples, we evaluate molecular responses to ionizing radiation in the marine mussel, Mytilus edulis. These responses included analyses of RAD51 mRNA expression, a gene involved in the repair of DNA double strand breaks, and induction of DNA strand breaks using the comet assay, in samples collected from a site impacted by low level ionizing radiation discharges. Based on activities of the radionuclides measured in sediment and mussel tissue at the discharge site, external and internal dose rates were low, at ca. 0.61 μGyh−1 and significantly lower than the generic (all species) ?no effect? dose rate of 10 uGyh−1, yet DNA strand breakage and RAD51 mRNA expression were both altered.
Highlights
► We measure radiochemical concentrations and biological effects markers in mussels. ► We develop an assay of RAD51 mRNA expression for ionizing radiation exposure. ► We relate DNA damage in mussels to low-level ionizing radiation exposure.
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