Non-targeted effects of radiation: a personal perspective on the role of exosomes in an evolving paradigm

Purpose Radiation-induced non-targeted effects (NTE) have implications in a variety of areas relevant to radiation biology. Here we evaluate the various cargo associated with exosomal signaling and how they work synergistically to initiate and propagate the non-targeted effects including genomic instability and bystander effects. Conclusions Extra cellular vesicles, in particular exosomes, have been shown to carry bystander signals. Exosome cargo may contain nucleic acids, both DNA and RNA, as well as proteins, lipids, and metabolites. These cargo molecules have all been considered as potential mediators of NTE. A review of current literature shows mounting evidence of a role for ionizing radiation in modulating both the numbers of exosomes released from affected cells as well as the content of their cargo, and that these exosomes can instigate functional changes in recipient cells. However, there are significant gaps in our understanding, particularly regarding modified exosome cargo after radiation exposure and the functional changes induced in recipient cells.

Automated summary

Radiation-induced non-targeted effects play a significant role in radiation biology, with extracellular vesicles like exosomes potentially carrying nucleic acids and proteins as mediators of these effects. Current literature suggests that ionizing radiation can modulate the release and cargo content of exosomes, leading to functional changes in recipient cells. However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding, particularly regarding the modified exosome cargo post radiation exposure and the induced functional changes in recipient cells.