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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.04.17.719248

Comparison studies between Cesium-137 and X-ray irradiators in epithelial injury using in vitro and in vivo models

Lakha, R.·Orzechowska-Licari, E. J.·Kesavan, S.·Wu, Z. J.·Rotoli, M.·Giarrizzo, M.·Yang, V. W.·Bialkowska, A. B.
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Abstract

Radiation-induced intestinal injury is a widely used model for studying mechanisms regulating tissue injury and regeneration. Traditionally, Cesium (137Cs) radiation has been used in research applications, but over the past decade, X-ray irradiation has become increasingly favored due to its improved safety and non-radioactive profile. Since each type of radiation has distinct physical characteristics that drive its performance, we sought to systematically compare the effects of the X-ray and 137Cs irradiators on intestinal epithelial injury and regeneration. Using established in vitro models, including colorectal cancer cell lines such as HCT116, RKO, and DLD-1, and mouse intestinal organoids, alongside an in vivo model, Bmi1-CreER;Rosa26eYFP, we evaluated differences in transcriptional, protein, and histopathological responses to irradiation. Our results demonstrate that X-ray produced intestinal injury and regenerative responses comparable to those induced by 137Cs, supporting its reliability as an alternative modality for studying intestinal radiation.

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Lakha, R., Orzechowska-Licari, E. J., Kesavan, S., Wu, Z. J., Rotoli, M., Giarrizzo, M., Yang, V. W., Bialkowska, A. B.. 2026-04-21. Comparison studies between Cesium-137 and X-ray irradiators in epithelial injury using in vitro and in vivo models. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.17.719248

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