Alexandra C Miller1, Michael Stewart, Rafael Rivas. 1. Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA. millera@afrri.usuhs.mil
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The radioactive heavy metal depleted uranium (DU) is used in kinetic-energy penetrators in military applications. The objective of this study was to determine involvement of DNA methylation in DU-induced leukemia. METHODS: Methylation was measured by direct analysis of 5-methylcytosine content of spleen DNA in DU leukemic mice. RESULTS: Spleen hypomethylation occurred during DU-induced leukemogenesis (chronic internal DU exposure). Aberrant gene transcription was also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in DU-induced leukemia. These data are evidence of aberrant DNA hypomethylation being associated with DU leukemogenesis.
OBJECTIVES: The radioactive heavy metal depleted uranium (DU) is used in kinetic-energy penetrators in military applications. The objective of this study was to determine involvement of DNA methylation in DU-induced leukemia. METHODS: Methylation was measured by direct analysis of 5-methylcytosine content of spleen DNA in DUleukemicmice. RESULTS: Spleen hypomethylation occurred during DU-induced leukemogenesis (chronic internal DU exposure). Aberrant gene transcription was also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in DU-induced leukemia. These data are evidence of aberrant DNA hypomethylation being associated with DU leukemogenesis.
Authors: Carmel Mothersill; Richard W Smith; Lene Sørlie Heier; Hans-Christian Teien; Ole Christian Lind; Ole Christian Land; Colin B Seymour; Deborah Oughton; Brit Salbu Journal: Radiat Environ Biophys Date: 2013-12-19 Impact factor: 1.925