Genetic Determinants of Radiosensitivity: Evidence of Radioresistance-Associated SNP Enrichment in Occupational Workers Chronically Exposed to Low-Dose Radiation
Botbayev D. Sharipov K. Belkozhayev A. Alzhanuly B. Yerkinbek U. Sharipov D. Gulyayev A. Kairgeldina S. Tekebayev K. Zhunussova G. Baurzhan M.
February 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Genes
2026#17Issue 2
Background: Interindividual radiosensitivity is largely driven by genetic regulation of DNA damage recognition, repair, and cell-cycle control. TP53 and CDKN1A (p21) are key genomic markers associated with differential responses to ionizing radiation. Methods: This study investigated eight functional SNP markers across several key genes involved in DNA damage responses and cellular stress regulation, including TP53, CDKN1A/p21, APC, VEGF, XPD, and RAD51, in occupational groups exposed to chronic low-dose ionizing radiation at the Stepnogorsk Mining Chemical Combine and the Balkashinskoye uranium deposit. Genotyping was performed using PCR-based assays followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between radiation-exposed workers and matched controls within Kazakh and Russian ethnic subgroups. Statistical differences were assessed using χ2 tests, and associations with radioresistance were interpreted based on established functional characteristics of each polymorphism. Results: Four SNPs showed significant allele and genotype frequency shifts in radiation-exposed populations. The TP53 intron 3 insertion allele, TP53 intron 6 A allele, TP53 Pro72 (C) allele, and p21 codon 31 A allele were consistently enriched among exposed individuals. The strongest deviations were observed in Russian workers from Stepnogorsk (p < 0.01). These alleles are functionally associated with enhanced DNA repair efficiency, modified apoptotic responses, and strengthened cell-cycle checkpoint regulation. Conclusions: Significant enrichment of radioresistance-associated TP53 and CDKN1A (p21) variants was observed in uranium industry workers chronically exposed to low-to-moderate ionizing radiation. The observed patterns support a polygenic model of adaptive responses and emphasize the importance of genetic background in determining individual radiosensitivity under occupational exposure conditions.
chronic radiation exposure , DNA damage response , p21 , radiogenomics , radioresistance , TP53
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Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Geology and Oil-Gas Business Institute Named After K. Turyssov, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050043, Kazakhstan
Structural and Functional Genomics Laboratory of M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Department of Biochemistry, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Research Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Development, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Genetics and Physiology, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Structural and Functional Genomics Laboratory of M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry
Department of Biology
National Laboratory Astana
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory of Molecular Genetics
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