This Key Event Relationship is licensed under the Creative Commons BY-SA license. This license allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial use. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.
Relationship: 2841
Title
Increase, DNA strand breaks leads to Increase, Neural Remodeling
Upstream event
Downstream event
Key Event Relationship Overview
AOPs Referencing Relationship
AOP Name | Adjacency | Weight of Evidence | Quantitative Understanding | Point of Contact | Author Status | OECD Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deposition of Energy Leading to Learning and Memory Impairment | adjacent | Moderate | Low | Vinita Chauhan (send email) | Open for citation & comment |
Taxonomic Applicability
Sex Applicability
Sex | Evidence |
---|---|
Male | Moderate |
Female | Low |
Life Stage Applicability
Term | Evidence |
---|---|
Juvenile | Low |
Adult | Moderate |
Key Event Relationship Description
DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) and double strand breaks (DSBs) can lead to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (Madabhushi, Pan and Tsai, 2014; Michaelidesova et al., 2019). In proliferative cells like neural stem/progenitor cells this will reduce neurogenesis within the brain (Alt and Schwer, 2018; Lee and McKinnon, 2007; Michaelidesova et al., 2019). Although the role of DSBs is less well-characterized in mature neurons (Lee and McKinnon, 2007; Thadathil fsylet al., 2019), some evidence suggests that unrepaired DNA strand breaks could also have deleterious effects in these neurons (Wang et al., 2017). Furthermore, there is evidence that DNA strand breaks can induce changes to neural plasticity and synaptic activity through changes in gene expression (Konopka and Atkin, 2022; Thadathil et al., 2019). This can occur via changes in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor activity or changes in the expression of early response genes (ERGs) that encode transcription factors controlling processes like neurite outgrowth, synapse development and maturation and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses (Konopka and Atkin, 2022).
Evidence Collection Strategy
The strategy for collating the evidence to support the relationship is described in Kozbenko et al 2022. Briefly, a scoping review methodology was used to prioritize studies based on a population, exposure, outcome, endpoint statement.
Evidence Supporting this KER
Overall Weight of Evidence: Moderate
Biological Plausibility
The biological plausibility between DNA strand breaks leading to neural remodeling is supported by literature.
Neural remodeling due to DNA strand breaks can occur through apoptosis (Abner and McKinnon, 2004; Desai et al., 2022; Madabhushi, Pan and Tsai, 2014; Michaelidesova et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2017; Zhu et al., 2019). Newly post-mitotic neurons with DSBs may undergo checkpoint mediated apoptosis as a mechanism to prevent their incorporation into the nervous system as mature neurons (Alt and Schwer, 2018; Lee and McKinnon, 2007). In response to DSBs, developing neural progenitor cells and a trace number of neural stem cells will undergo cell cycle arrest at critical stages. In the mammalian genome, DNA strand breaks can regulate checkpoint activation through the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-related family of serine/threonine kinases (PIKK), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATM/RAD3-related (ATR), that can phosphorylate many downstream proteins (Wang et al., 2017). Specifically, DSBs can activate ATM which phosphorylates p53, which can then act on apoptosis factors, p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), CD95 (Fas/APO1) and apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (Apaf1) (Zhu et al., 2019). Activation of this pathway in proliferating cells like neuronal precursors can reduce neurogenesis (Wang et al., 2017; Michaelidesova et al., 2019).
DNA strand breaks can also lead to changes in synaptic activity, neural plasticity, proliferation, and differentiation. Neurons communicate electrically and chemically through synaptic contacts. Neural plasticity refers to the ability of the nervous system to modify its structure, function or connections in response to stimuli. DNA damage can modulate the activity and expression of glutamate receptors, including NMDA/AMPA, which are involved in synaptic activity, plasticity and neuronal activation in the central nervous system. The changes in receptor activity and expression modulate neuronal gene expression and lead to changes in plasticity (Konopka and Atkin, 2022). Additionally, changes in ERG expression following DNA damage can lead to certain neural remodeling changes, such as neurite outgrowth, synapse development and maturation (Konopka and Atkin, 2022). As well, inhibition of the cell cycle by DNA strand breaks can impair neurogenesis through decreased differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) (Michaelidesova et al., 2019).
Empirical Evidence
The empirical evidence for this KER comes from in vivo mouse models as well as in vitro mouse- and human-derived cell models. Stressors used included X-ray radiation (Barazzuol, Ju and Jeggo, 2017; Barazzuol et al., 2015; Huang et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2017), 60Co gamma ray radiation (Zanni et al., 2015), 137Cs gamma rays (Acharya et al., 2010), and 6 MV photon radiation (Schmal et al., 2019). Neural remodeling can be determined through various endpoints, including neuronal apoptosis, morphology, proliferation, differentiation and altered synaptic activity. Markers of DNA strand breaks in this KER include p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1), phosphorylation of H2AX (γ-H2AX), and phosphorylation of ATM (p-ATM).
Dose Concordance
Several studies demonstrate dose concordance for the relationship between DNA strand breaks leading to neural remodeling. Adult mice irradiated with X-rays showed increased 53BP1 foci in the lateral ventricle at doses as low as 0.1 Gy, while neuronal apoptosis and impaired neurogenesis were observed as low as 1 Gy (Barazzuol, Ju and Jeggo, 2017). Juvenile and adult male mice irradiated with 0.5 to 2 Gy of 6 MV photons showed increased DSBs in neurons at the same doses as impaired neurogenesis (Schmal et al., 2019). X-ray irradiation of mice aged 2 to 4 months with 50 mGy, 100 mGy and 200 mGy showed increased DSBs in the cerebellum, as well as apoptosis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) (Barazzuol et al., 2015).
Time Concordance
Many studies demonstrate that DNA strand breaks occur prior to neural remodeling. Studies frequently measure increased DNA DSBs through γ-H2AX foci or 53BP1 foci within 1 h post-irradiation and increased neuronal apoptosis 4 to 6 h post-irradiation (Acharya et al., 2010; Barazzuol, Ju and Jeggo, 2017; Barazzuol et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2017). Studies have also measured neural remodeling at later timepoints than this. For example, Zhang et al. (2017) showed increased apoptosis at 2 days after 12 Gy of X-ray irradiation in HT22 hippocampal neurons, and Acharya et al. (2010) demonstrated decreased human NSC (hNSC) differentiation at 2 days and decreased cell numbers at 3 days following 5 Gy of 137Cs gamma rays.
Incidence Concordance
Few studies show greater levels of DNA strand breaks than neural remodeling. In hNSCs irradiated with 5 Gy of 137Cs gamma rays, γ-H2AX foci increased 30-fold, while apoptosis increased 2- to 3-fold and hNSC differentiation decreased 0.5-fold (Acharya et al., 2010). A study using multiple doses of X-rays (50, 100 and 200 mGy) demonstrated greater increases to DNA strand breaks than to apoptosis. At 200 mGy, 53BP1 foci increased 30-fold and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)+ cells increased 10-fold (Barazzuol et al., 2015).
Essentiality
Multiple studies show that inhibition of DNA strand breaks can reduce neural remodeling. Treatment of HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells with minocycline inhibited the expression of γ-H2AX and the p-ATM/ATM ratio as well as reduced apoptosis following X-ray exposure (Zhang et al., 2017). Similarly, mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (MSC-CM) reduced the expression of γ-H2AX and reduced apoptosis, reversing the changes induced by X-ray radiation (Huang et al., 2021). Lithium chloride was also shown to reduce γ-H2AX levels and increase proliferation in neural stem cells irradiated with 60Co gamma rays (Zanni et al., 2015).
Uncertainties and Inconsistencies
None identified.
Known modulating factors
Modulating factor |
Details |
Effects on the KER |
References |
Drug |
MSC-CM |
Treatment reduced the expression of γ-H2AX and reduced apoptosis |
Huang et al., 2021 |
Lithium chloride |
Reduced the level of γ-H2AX and increased proliferation of neural stem cells. |
Zanni et al., 2015 |
|
Minocycline (an antibiotic shown to reduce radiation-induced memory loss) |
Treatment inhibited the increase in γ-H2AX and p-ATM and reduced apoptosis. |
Zhang et al., 2017 |
|
Genetics |
DNA ligase IV-null mutation |
Mice with this mutation show greatly increased levels of apoptosis compared to wild-type mice due to reduced DNA repair following irradiation. |
Barazzuol et al., 2015 |
Age |
Hippocampal neurogenesis is more pronounced in younger mice. |
Proliferative potential of neuronal precursors in the hippocampus, determined by Ki-67 immunostaining, was significantly reduced in juvenile mice but not significantly affected in adult mice after irradiation. |
Schmal et al., 2019 |
Quantitative Understanding of the Linkage
The table below provides some representative examples of quantitative linkages between the two key events. All data is statistically significant unless otherwise stated.
Dose Concordance
Reference |
Experiment Description |
Result |
Schmal et al., 2019 |
In vivo. Juvenile and adult male mice were whole-body irradiated with various doses (5, 10, 15 or 20 fractions of 0.1 Gy) of 6 MV photons. DNA DSBs were determined by 53BP1 immunofluorescence in mature neurons. Neural remodeling was assessed by the level of DCX+ neuroprogenitor cells and transcription factor SRY (sex-determining-region-Y) box 2 (SOX2)+ stem/progenitor cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. |
At 72h post-irradiation of juvenile mice, 53BP1 foci increased 1.5-fold at 0.5 Gy and 2.7-fold at 2 Gy, while DCX+ cells decreased 0.9-fold at 0.5 Gy and 0.7-fold at 2 Gy. At 72h post-irradiation of adult mice, 53BP1 foci increased 1.2-fold (non-significant) at 0.5 Gy and 2-fold at 2 Gy, while DCX+ cells decreased 0.9-fold at 0.5 Gy and 0.8-fold at 2 Gy. SOX2+ cells did not change at 72 h post-irradiation, but decreased 0.6-fold in juvenile mice and 0.8-fold in adult mice at 2 Gy after 1 month. |
Barazzuol et al., 2015 |
In vivo. C57BL/6 mice aged 2-4 months were irradiated with 50 mGy, 100 mGy and 200 mGy of X-rays. Apoptosis in the SVZ was determined with a TUNEL assay. DSBs in the cerebellum were quantified with 53BP1 immunofluorescence. |
53BP1 foci increased linearly from 0.05 foci/cell at 0 Gy to 1.3 foci per cell at 200 mGy. The number of TUNEL+ cells increased linearly from 5 cells/section at 0 Gy to about 50 cells/section at 200 mGy. |
Barazzuol, Ju and Jeggo, 2017 |
In vivo. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with various doses of X-rays (0.5 Gy/min). Immunofluorescence was used to detect TUNEL+ cells (apoptotic), Ki67+ cells (proliferating) and DCX+ cells (neuron progenitors). 53BP1 was also detected by immunofluorescence. |
53BP1 foci increased over 10-fold at 0.1 Gy and about 80-fold at 2 Gy in the lateral ventricle. At 1, 2, and 3 Gy, Ki67+ cells in the lateral ventricle decreased 0.2-fold, and TUNEL+ cells were increased in the lateral ventricle. At 2 Gy, DCX+ cells decreased to less than 0.1-fold. |
Time Concordance
Reference |
Experiment Description |
Result |
Acharya et al., 2010 |
In vitro. hNSCs were irradiated with 5 Gy of 137Cs gamma rays (2.2 Gy/min. γ-H2AX foci for DSBs were quantified with immunofluorescence. Apoptosis of hNSCs was measured using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage (early marker) and annexin V binding (late marker). Differentiation of hNSCs was measured by β-III-Tubulin staining and cell numbers were measured by SYBR green fluorescence. |
γ-H2AX foci were increased from 5% to 95% as early as 0.3 h post-irradiation. PARP+ cells were increased 3-fold at 6 h post-irradiation, while annexin V+ cells were increased 2-fold 48 h post-irradiation. hNSC differentiation was decreased 0.5-fold 2 days post-irradiation. hNSC cell numbers were decreased 0.3-fold 3 days post-irradiation. |
Barazzuol et al., 2015 |
In vivo. C57BL/6 mice aged 2-4 months were irradiated with 50 mGy, 100 mGy and 200 mGy of X-rays. Apoptosis in the SVZ was determined with a TUNEL assay. DSBs in the cerebellum were quantified with 53BP1 immunofluorescence. |
The earliest increase in 53BP1 foci was observed at 0.25 h post-irradiation. The earliest increase in TUNEL+ cells was observed at 6 h post-irradiation. |
Zhang et al., 2017 |
In vitro. Cells from the HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line were irradiated with 12 Gy of X-rays (4 Gy/min). γ-H2AX and p-ATM protein expression were determined with western blot. Apoptosis was determined with flow cytometry using annexin V and propidium iodide staining. |
At 30 minutes post-irradiation, γ-H2AX increased 3.2-fold and the ratio of p-ATM/ATM increased 4.4-fold. Apoptosis increased over 10-fold at 48 h post-irradiation. |
Barazzuol, Ju and Jeggo, 2017 |
In vivo. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with various doses of X-rays (0.5 Gy/min). Immunofluorescence was used to detect TUNEL+ cells (apoptotic), Ki67+ cells (proliferating) and DCX+ cells (neuron progenitors). 53BP1 was also detected by immunofluorescence. |
A peak in 53BP1 foci occurred at 0.5 h post-irradiation. Changes to TUNEL+ cells, Ki67+ cells and DCX+ cells were observed at 6 h post-irradiation. |
Incidence Concordance
Reference |
Experimental Description |
Results |
Acharya et al., 2010 |
In vitro. hNSCs were irradiated with 5 Gy of 137Cs gamma rays (2.2 Gy/min. γ-H2AX foci for DSBs were quantified with immunofluorescence. Apoptosis of hNSCs was measured using FACS for PARP cleavage (early marker) and annexin V binding (late marker). Differentiation of hNSCs was measured by β-III-Tubulin staining and cell numbers were measured by SYBR green fluorescence. |
γ-H2AX foci were increased about 20-fold. PARP+ cells were increased 3-fold and annexin V+ cells were increased 2-fold. hNSC differentiation was decreased by 0.5-fold. hNSC cell numbers were decreased 0.3-fold. |
Barazzuol et al., 2015 |
In vivo. C57BL/6 mice aged 2-4 months were irradiated with 50 mGy, 100 mGy and 200 mGy of X-rays. Apoptosis in the SVZ was determined with a TUNEL assay. DSBs in the cerebellum were quantified with 53BP1 immunofluorescence. |
53BP1 foci increased almost 30-fold between 0 Gy and 200 mGy. The number of TUNEL+ cells increased about 10-fold between 0 Gy and 200 mGy. |
Response-response Relationship
Time-scale
Known Feedforward/Feedback loops influencing this KER
Some studies suggest that neuron activity can generate DNA DSBs. Specifically, it has been shown that γ-H2AX foci can be formed by the activation of NMDA a https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/epstein-barr-virus.html nd AMPA glutamate receptors (reviewed by Konopka and Atkin, 2022). Activity induced DSBs in mature neurons subsequently influence gene expression and neuronal activity (Alt and Schwer, 2018).
Domain of Applicability
Evidence for this relationship is derived from studies that use human-derived cells and mouse models, with most of the evidence in mice. There is in vivo evidence in male animals. Most evidence is from adult models.
References
Abner, C. W. and P. J. McKinnon. (2004), "The DNA double-strand break response in the nervous system", DNA Repair, Vol. 3/8–9, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dnarep.2004.03.009.
Acharya, M. M. et al. (2010), "Consequences of ionizing radiation-induced damage in human neural stem cells", Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Vol. 49/12, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2010.08.021.
Alt, F. W. and B. Schwer. (2018), "DNA double-strand breaks as drivers of neural genomic change, function, and disease", DNA Repair, Vol. 71, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.08.019.
Barazzuol, L., L. Ju, and P. A. Jeggo. (2017), “A coordinated DNA damage response promotes adult quiescent neural stem cell activation”, PLoS biology, 15(5), PLOS, San Francisco, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2001264
Barazzuol, L. et al. (2015), "Endogenous and X-ray-induced DNA double strand breaks sensitively activate apoptosis in adult neural stem cells", Journal of Cell Science, Vol. 128/19, The Company of Biologists, Cambridge, https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.171223.
Desai, R. I. et al. (2022), "Impact of spaceflight stressors on behavior and cognition: A molecular, neurochemical, and neurobiological perspective", Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Vol. 138, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104676.
Huang, Y. et al. (2021), "Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Protects Hippocampal Neurons From Radiation Damage by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis", Dose-Response, Vol. 19/1, SAGE Publications https://doi.org/10.1177/1559325820984944.
Konopka, A. and J. D. Atkin. (2022), "The Role of DNA Damage in Neural Plasticity in Physiology and Neurodegeneration", Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Vol. 16, Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2022.836885.
Lee, Y. and P. J. McKinnon. (2007), "Responding to DNA double strand breaks in the nervous system", Neuroscience, Vol. 145/4, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.07.026.
Madabhushi, R., L. Pan and L.-H. Tsai. (2014), "DNA Damage and Its Links to Neurodegeneration", Neuron, Vol. 83/2, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2014.06.034.
Michaelidesova, A. et al. (2019), "Effects of Radiation Therapy on Neural Stem Cells", Genes, Vol. 10/9, MDPI, Basel, https://doi.org/10.3390/genes10090640.
Schmal, Z. et al. (2019), "DNA damage accumulation during fractionated low-dose radiation compromises hippocampal neurogenesis", Radiotherapy and Oncology, Vol. 137, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2019.04.021.
Thadathil, N. et al. (2019), "DNA double-strand breaks: a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases", Chromosome Research, Vol. 27/4, Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10577-019-09617-x.
Wang, H. et al. (2017), "Chronic oxidative damage together with genome repair deficiency in the neurons is a double whammy for neurodegeneration: Is damage response signaling a potential therapeutic target?", Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, Vol. 161, Elsevier, Amsterdam, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2016.09.005.
Zanni, G. et al. (2015), "Lithium increases proliferation of hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells and rescues irradiation-induced cell cycle arrest in vitro", Oncotarget, Vol. 6/35, https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.5191.
Zhang, L. et al. (2017), "The inhibitory effect of minocycline on radiation-induced neuronal apoptosis via AMPKα1 signaling-mediated autophagy", Scientific Reports, Vol. 7/1, Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-16693-8.
Zhu, L.-S. et al. (2019), "Emerging Perspectives on DNA Double-strand Breaks in Neurodegenerative Diseases", Current Neuropharmacology, Vol. 17/12, Bentham Science Publishers, https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X17666190726115623.