Low-dose radiation affects cardiac physiology: gene networks and molecular signaling in cardiomyocytes

Full-body 56Fe-irradiation showed the greatest level of gene modulation and key transcriptional regulatory nodes were identified. Validation of networks highlighted a unique and long-lasting molecular response in cardiomyocytes. Our findings infer potential novel biomarkers for prediction of long-term cardiovascular risks in radiotherapy patients and astronauts during exploration-type space missions.