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Gucy2c Signaling Opposes The Acute Radiation-Induced Gi Syndrome., Peng Li, Evan Wuthrick, Jeff A. Rappaport, Crystal Kraft, Jieru E. Lin, Glen Marszalowicz, Adam E. Snook, Tingting Zhan, Terry M. Hyslop, Scott A. Waldman

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

High doses of ionizing radiation induce acute damage to epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, mediating toxicities restricting the therapeutic efficacy of radiation in cancer and morbidity and mortality in nuclear disasters. No approved prophylaxis or therapy exists for these toxicities, in part reflecting an incomplete understanding of mechanisms contributing to the acute radiation-induced GI syndrome (RIGS). Guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C) and its hormones guanylin and uroguanylin have recently emerged as one paracrine axis defending intestinal mucosal integrity against mutational, chemical, and inflammatory injury. Here, we reveal a role for the GUCY2C paracrine axis in compensatory mechanisms opposing RIGS. …