Genetic Determinants of Radiosensitivity: Evidence of Radioresistance-Associated SNP Enrichment in Occupational Workers Chronically Exposed to Low-Dose Radiation

Dauren M. Botbayev, Kamalidin O. Sharipov, BELKOZHAYEV AYAZ MARATOVICH, Bakhytzhan Alzhanuly, Ulbossyn Yerkinbek, Daulet Sharipov, Alexandr E. Gulyayev, Sayagul A. Kairgeldina, Kanat K. Tekebayev, Gulnur Zhunussova

1 more author

Madina B. Baurzhan

2026

Full text Open access: Gold Metadata (CSL-JSON)
DOI 10.3390/genes17020191
Data confidence 85 high
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Abstract

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.