A New Class of Molecular Targeted Radioprotectors: GSK-3β Inhibitors

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β small-molecule inhibitors protect mouse intestine from radiation-induced damage in cell culture and in vivo and improve survival of mice. Molecular mechanisms of this protection involve attenuated radiation-induced apoptosis regulated by Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3. Therefore GSK-3β inhibitors reduce deleterious consequences of intestinal irradiation and thereby improve quality of life during radiation therapy.