Induction of radioprotective peroxiredoxin‐I by ionizing irradiation

Results of this study indicate a radioprotective effect of peroxiredoxin-I. Peroxiredoxin-I is an antioxidant that scavenges hydroperoxides, whereas reactive oxygen species are the main mediators of ionizing radiation toxicity. We hypothesized that peroxiredoxin-I might be induced by cellular exposure to radiation and act to protect them against its cytotoxic effects. Western blot and Northern blot analyses were used to assess peroxiredoxin-I protein and mRNA expression. Rat C6 glioma cells were engineered to overexpress sense or antisense human peroxiredoxin-I using retroviral vectors. Clonogenic cell survival was used to assess radiosensitivities of the engineered cells. Ionizing radiation induced peroxiredoxin-I protein and mRNA expression in human HT29 colon cancer and rat C6 glioma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner over a 24 hr period. To determine the effect of peroxiredoxin-I on radiation responses, C6 glioma cells were engineered to overexpress sense or antisense human peroxiredoxin-I. In clonogenic assays, cells overexpressing peroxiredoxin-I were more radioresistant. Cells transduced with antisense peroxiredoxin-I were marginally more sensitive to radiation toxicity. Irradiation can induce peroxiredoxin-I expression, and the increased peroxiredoxin-I may protect cells from further radiation damage. These results suggest that protection by peroxiredoxin-I may play an important role in the survival of glioma and colon cancer cells in patients undergoing radiation therapy. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.