# Radiation Biology, Genomic Instability and Cellular Communication

**Source**: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/research/units/hls/groups/radiation-induced-genomic-instability
**Parent**: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/engage-and-innovate/consultancy

Group Leader(s):
[Professor Munira Kadhim](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/munira-kadhim)

Contact:

[mkadhim@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:mkadhim@brookes.ac.uk)

[+44 (0)1865 483954](tel:+44 (0)1865 483954)

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About us

Research impact

Leadership

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[About us](#research-about)
[Research impact](#research-impact)
[Leadership](#research-leadership)
[Membership](#research-team)

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## About us

Research in our group focuses on the investigation into non-targeted effects (NTE) of radiation exposure. These effects include delayed effects of radiation, i.e. genomic instability (GI) and bystander effects (BE). A topical issue in the field, at present, is elucidating the mechanisms of long-term health effects from low radiation exposures.

The group’s work focuses on understanding the exact mechanisms underlying radiation-induced genomic instability in irradiated, as well as un-irradiated cells (bystander cells), both in vivo and in vitro human and mouse model system by determining the influence of radiation quality and dose, individual genetic differences, cellular microenvironment signalling molecules such as Microvesicles (MV)/exosomes, cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and soluble proteins.

On a wider scale, our research contributes to helping identify practical health and risk implications, e.g. the ageing process, initiation and progression of cancer, environmental, occupational and medical risks of radiation exposure.

### Part of

- [School of Biological and Medical Sciences](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/bms "School of Biological and Medical Sciences")
- [Biomedicine](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/research/units/hls/themes/biomedicine)

### Related courses

- [Biomedical Science (BSc (Hons))](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/biomedical-science)
- [Medical Genetics and Genomics (MSc / PGDip / PGCert)](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/medical-genetics-and-genomics)

## Research impact

The impact of our related investigations can be summarised in the following areas:

1. Improved understanding of biological effects of radiation leads to better practices with applications of radiation in a biological setting such as:
   - radiotherapy and radio-diagnostics
   - occupational workers
   - space exploration
2. Developing biomarkers for radiation protection and radiotherapy /oncology
3. Potential deployment in public health setting for healthier society.

## Leadership

### Professor Munira Kadhim

- [mkadhim@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:mkadhim@brookes.ac.uk)

Professor in Radiation Biology

[View profile  for Munira Kadhim](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/munira-kadhim)

## Membership

Staff members

- Staff

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### Staff

| Name | Role | Email |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Professor John Harrison](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/john-harrison) | Visiting Professor | [jharrison@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:jharrison@brookes.ac.uk) |
| [Dr Seda Tuncay Cagatay](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/seda-tuncay-cagatay) | Post Doctoral Research Assistant | [stuncay-cagatay@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:stuncay-cagatay@brookes.ac.uk) |

## Our research themes

### Systemic Effects of Partial-body Exposure to Low Radiation Doses

Exosome-mediated changes are well documented in radiation therapy and oncology; however, there is a need to extend our knowledge on the role of exosomes in exosomes derived from inside and outside the radiation field in mediating the early and delayed induction of Non Targeted Effect (NTE) following Ionizing Radiation. In this project, we investigate the changes in exosome profile and the role of exosomes as possible molecular signalling mediators of radiation damage.

### Radiation Stimulation of Cell Invasive Capacity: The Role of MV/Exosomes in Metastasis-related Processes

Metastasis is a major clinical problem and tumours are becoming resistant to therapies. In this project, we investigate aspects of metastatic behaviour (e.g. adhesion and invasiveness) following therapeutic dose of X-ray irradiation in vitro. We also aim to determine the role of exosome in this process.

### Comparative Investigation of Senescence and Age on Radiation Response

Ionizing Radiation is known to induce cell senescence in healthy cells and therefore has the potential to accelerate aging and the early onset of diseases associated with aging. In this project, we investigate the molecular mechanisms causing radiation-induced senescence (RIS) and determine if these are the same as those that occur in senescence associated with normal aging.

### Machine Learning for Exosome Data Analysis in Cancer Induction and Radiation Protection

Currently we are in the process of deploying Machine learning (ML) algorithms to investigate the role of MV including exosomes in aging accelerations post radiation exposure in order to develop quantitative indicators for radiation protection and predicators for cancer induction as well as the risks of long-term detrimental health effects of radiation. The ML technology may lead to a novel program to be used for this proposal. The emphasis will be on establishing a novel analytical scheme and exploiting rapid advances in big data analysis.

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