Vol. 78 2026

ARTICLES

Small Mammals as Model Organisms for Studying DNA Damage Induced by Ionising Radiation and Radiomimetic Compounds

Michaela Beltcheva1, Peter Ostoich1,*, Tsenka Chassovnikarova1, Iliana Aleksieva1

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https://doi.org/10.71424/azb78.3.003119

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Abstract

Ionising radiation (IR) and radiomimetic compounds (RMCs) induce a wide range of DNA lesions, including single- and double-strand breaks and oxidative DNA base damage. This can lead to genomic instability, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Small mammals are key in vivo models for studying these processes due to their physiological relevance, well-characterised responses to genotoxic stress, and the availability of a wide range of transgenic strains. This review analyses the latest developments in selecting animal models and the usefulness of small mammals in radiation research. It offers an in-depth overview of radiomimetic compounds, including bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and mitomycin C, and their mechanisms of action in mammalian models. The evidence reviewed demonstrates the value of several established model animal lineages (mouse, rat, vole, hamster, guinea pig) in validating biomarkers of exposure and effect, evaluating radioprotective and radiosensitising agents, and understanding tissue-specific and adverse reactions. A comprehensive analysis of the biological, genetic, and physiological traits that determine each species’ suitability for radiation research was presented, covering aspects such as genome conservation, homology of DNA repair pathways to humans, lifespan, and reproductive characteristics. This highlights the role of small mammals as crucial in vivo models for radiation research, aiding in concept validation, elucidation of mechanisms, and biomarker discovery.

Key words

DNA damage, ionising radiation, mammal model organisms, radiation effects, radiobiology, radiomimetics

How to Cite
Beltcheva M., Ostoich P., Chassovnikarova T., Aleksieva I. 2026. Small Mammals as Model Organisms for Studying DNA Damage Induced by Ionising Radiation and Radiomimetic Compounds. Acta zoologica bulgarica 78.

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