Plans for radiation effects studies

Plans for radiation effects studies

Readers will find a description of the basic concepts, needs, data generation and mathematical treatment for the approaches STAR will implement to understand, quantify and model effects of ionising radiation in non-human species for chronic low dose rates exposure situations.

PDF iconThis deliverable gives the list of the potential sets of selected species and endpoints for the planned experiments, and the method and tools for establishment of dose (rate) - responses relationships for life traits and for DEB-Tox parameterisation (DEB-Tox is a biology-based model applied to toxicity data. It is based on a conceptual framework which specifies how energy is taken from food and allocated to growth and reproduction and how chronic exposure to toxicants may lead to metabolic changes with consequences in terms of individual fitness).

It also contains a preliminary state-of-the-art needed to explain the reasoning we are proposing for understanding mechanisms underlying molecular mode of action of radiation exposures, together with a brief review of the various omic tools available for gaining insights into modes of actions.

Common guidance for scaling any of our experiments is illustrated through the presentation of the pilot study we decided in order to test our ability to share experiments among partners (hypothesis - choice of species & endpoint – experimental design – scaling the range and space of dose rates - data treatments). This study was conducted using a model organism,Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode). The C. elegans model can be summarised by a short life cycle, a small size and a great ease to handle and cultivate in various devices. In the pilot study, the objective was to obtain accurate data to implement a DEBtox model applied to external gamma radiation. The ultimate target is to assess potential consequences on the population.

Illustration of the pilot study on C. elegans (nematodes). Experimental units around the irradiation source (liquid)
Photo J.M. Bonzom, IRSN