Radiation can wreak havoc on proteins and lipids in our cells. It messes with protein structure and function, leading to enzyme malfunction and wonky cell signaling. Meanwhile, lipids get oxidized, causing membrane chaos and cellular mayhem.
These effects are part of a bigger picture of how radiation damages our cells. From DNA breaks to mitochondrial meltdowns, understanding protein and lipid damage helps us grasp the full impact of radiation on living things.
Radiation Damage to Proteins
Mechanisms of Protein Damage
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causes direct and indirect damage to proteins through free radical and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation
Oxidation of amino acid side chains occurs particularly in susceptible residues (cysteine, methionine, tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine)
Protein crosslinking forms intra- and inter-molecular bonds altering structure and function
Examples include disulfide bridges between cysteine residues or carbonyl-amine crosslinks
Radiation breaks peptide bonds causing protein fragmentation
Results in shorter polypeptide chains and loss of functional domains
Conformational changes in protein structure affect folding and potentially lead to aggregation or
Examples include unfolding of alpha-helices or disruption of beta-sheets
Consequences of Protein Damage
Loss of enzymatic activity occurs when radiation alters active sites or cofactor binding regions
For instance, oxidation of catalytic cysteine in proteases like cathepsins
Altered cellular signaling results from damaged receptor proteins or signal transduction molecules
Example: oxidation of kinase domains in growth factor receptors
Disruption of protein-protein interactions impacts cellular processes and protein complex formation
Radiation damage to binding sites on transcription factors can affect gene regulation
Accumulation of damaged proteins overwhelms cellular
Leads to proteotoxic stress, potentially triggering or cellular senescence
Example: buildup of oxidized proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum activates the unfolded protein response
Lipid Peroxidation Mechanisms
Initiation and Propagation
initiates when ionizing radiation interacts with water molecules generating hydroxyl radicals