Proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells irradiated with X-rays in logarithmic growth phase

Exposure of the fetal brain to ionizing radiation causes congenital brain abnormalities. Normal brain formation requires regionally and temporally appropriate proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons and glia. Here, we investigated the effects of X-irradiation on proliferating homogenous NSCs prepared from mouse ES cells. Cells irradiated with X-rays at a dose of 1 Gy maintained the capabilities for proliferation and differentiation but stopped proliferation temporarily. In contrast, the cells ceased proliferation following irradiation at a dose of >5 Gy. These results suggest that irradiation of the fetal brain at relatively low doses may cause congenital brain abnormalities as with relatively high doses.

► We investigated the effects of X-irradiation on proliferating neural stem cells (NSCs).
► NSCs irradiated at relatively high doses lost the ability to proliferate.
► Irradiation at relatively low doses stopped NSC proliferation temporarily.
► NSCs irradiated at relatively low doses retained the ability to proliferate and differentiate.