Transgenerational Radiation Genetics: A feasibility Study for the Use of the Japanese Medaka to Investigate Adaptive Responses and Genomic Instability

Joel S. Bedford
Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Science
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

Why this Project?

To determine if it is possible for either radiation-induced adaptive responses or genomic instability to be transmitted from one generation to the next by mutational mechanisms.

Project Goals

1. To provide preliminary information needed to determine whether more extensive studies in mammals are necessary to determine the importance of trans-generational transmission of these radiation responsiveness traits.
2. To test the assumption that adaptive responses and genomic instability are not transmitted from one generation to the next.

Experimental Approach

This pilot study can be rapidly conducted because of the short generation time of the fish Japanese Medaka and the large number of offspring per generation. Male fish will be exposed to ionizing radiation to determine if adaptive responses or genomic instability can be transmitted at a high frequency from one generation to the next.

Expected Outcomes

1. Determination of heritability of radiation-induced adaptive responses or genomic instability in the Japanese Medaka.
2. These results will show that radiation risk in radiated offspring may be increased or decreased and therefore should be considered in future risk assessments.

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