Impact of Radiation on Embryonic Stem Cells: A Minireview

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, a pre-implantation stage of the early embryo. These cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into all cell types of the three germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which underpins their immense potential in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and developmental biology. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of radiation on ESCs, encompassing their cellular responses, differentiation potential, epigenetic stability, and strategies to enhance radiation resistance. Due to their self-renewal capacity and pluripotent nature, ESCs serve as an essential model for studying cellular differentiation, genetic regulation during development, and disease pathogenesis. However, the undifferentiated state of ESCs, combined with their high proliferative activity, renders them particularly susceptible to external environmental stressors, especially ionising radiation (IR). Exposure to IR can induce various forms of cellular damage, including DNA strand breaks, oxidative stress, and disruption of epigenetic regulation, all of which may compromise the genomic integrity and developmental potential of ESCs. This sensitivity raises critical concerns regarding the safe application of ESCs in clinical settings, particularly in scenarios involving diagnostic or therapeutic radiation exposure. Furthermore, understanding the cellular responses of ESCs to ionising radiation is not only crucial for ensuring their therapeutic safety but also provides valuable insights into how radiation may affect embryonic development. Given the increasing use of radiological procedures in medicine and the potential for accidental or occupational radiation exposure, elucidating the mechanisms of radiation-induced effects in pluripotent stem cells is essential for developing protective strategies and risk assessment frameworks.