Involvement of GSTP1 in low dose radiation-induced apoptosis in GM12878 cells

Background: Low-dose ionizing radiation-induced protection and damage are of great significance among radiation workers. We aimed to study the role of glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP1) in low-dose ionizing radiation damage and clarify the impact of ionizing radiation on the biological activities of cells. Results: In this study, we collected peripheral blood samples from healthy adults and workers engaged in radiation and radiotherapy and detected the expression of GSTP1 by qPCR. We utilized γ-rays emitted from uranium tailings as a radiation source, with a dose rate of 14 μGy/h. GM12878 cells subjected to this radiation for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days received total doses of 2.4, 4.7, 7.1, and 9.4 mGy, respectively. Subsequent analyses, including flow cytometry, MTS, and other assays, were performed to assess the ionizing radiation’s effects on cellular biological functions. In peripheral blood samples collected from healthy adults and radiologic technologist working in a hospital, we observed a decreased expression of GSTP1 mRNA in radiation personnel compared to the healthy controls. In cultured GM12878 cells exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation from uranium tailings, we noted significant changes in cell morphology, suppression of proliferation, delay in cell cycle progression, and increased apoptosis. These effects were partially reversed by overexpression of GSTP1. Moreover, low-dose ionizing radiation increased GSTP1 gene methylation and downregulated GSTP1 expression. Furthermore, low-dose ionizing radiation affected the expression of GSTP1-related signaling molecules. Conclusions: This study shows that low-dose ionizing radiation damages GM12878 cells and affects their proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. In addition, GSTP1 plays a modulating role under low-dose ionizing radiation damage conditions. Low-dose ionizing radiation affects the expression of Nrf2, JNK, and other signaling molecules through GSTP1.