Work

Single-cell sequencing analysis reveals two radioprotective cell subsets in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells of naked mole-rats

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Bone marrow suppression is a common side effect of radiotherapy and a major cause of mortality following exposure to medium or high doses of total body irradiation (TBI). In this study, naked mole rats (NMRs) have been demonstrated to exhibit significantly greater tolerance to high-dose TBI than mice. Surviving NMRs maintain red blood cell (RBC) counts and restore the bone marrow microenvironment. A comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of NMR bone marrow cells in response identified two TBI-resistant subpopulations of HSPCs (C19 and C24) in NMRs, and C24 increased post-TBI. These subpopulations exhibit unique regulatory mechanisms related to oxidative stress damage, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and HSPC proliferation and differentiation. These mechanisms contribute to the enhanced survival of NMRs under high-dose TBI conditions. These findings suggest that NMRs serve as a valuable model for seeking radioprotection mechanisms and potential therapeutic and protective strategies, particularly in the context of long-term or high-dose irradiation therapies.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-65635-w