Radiogeenejä

Radiogeenejä is a Finnish term that translates to "radiogenes" in English. It refers to genes that are either directly activated by radiation or are involved in the cellular response to radiation damage. These genes play crucial roles in various biological processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

When cells are exposed to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, it can cause damage to their DNA. In response to this damage, cells activate a complex network of signaling pathways that involve radiogenes. Some radiogenes are rapidly induced, meaning their expression levels increase significantly within minutes or hours of radiation exposure. These genes are often involved in sensing the DNA damage and initiating the repair process.

Other radiogenes are involved in more long-term responses, such as suppressing cell division to allow time for repair or triggering apoptosis if the damage is too severe to be repaired. The study of radiogenes is important for understanding the biological effects of radiation, developing radioprotective agents, and improving cancer radiotherapy. Understanding how these genes function can help in predicting an individual's sensitivity to radiation and in developing targeted therapies. Research in this area continues to uncover new genes and pathways involved in the intricate relationship between radiation and cellular life.