Low-dose radiation manipulates neural stem cell-fate progression mediated by potassium-channel activation

Changes in the activity of ion-channels in the cell-membrane are involved in the majority of physiological processes like proliferation, differentiation and migration, especially the process of neurogenesis is dependent of an orchestra of distinct ion-channels. Our studies have shown that ionizing irradiation can influence the activity and expression of ion-channels in the brain and might therefore have a direct impact on the cognitive function. From our electrophysiological data, it can be inferred that ion-channels are activated upon irradiation but only after some delay. Furthermore the simultaneous occurence of early differentiation markers lead to the assumption that clinical-relevant radiation doses enhance the decision to differentiate via ion-channel activation. The underlying mechanism of ion-channel regulation by low-dose ionizing irradiation is not yet completely understood, but very probably plays a major role in planning future treatment strategies or risk assessment.