Transcriptome and proteome analysis reveals divergent adaptive strategies in HNEPC and HNE-1 cells under ultra-low background radiation

Natural background radiation has affected the life for almost 4 billion years. However, limited studies have investigated the biological effects of ultra-low background radiation (ULBR) in deep underground environments. Deep underground laboratories provide a stable ULBR environment (0.04 µSv/h), offering a unique platform to supplement radiation dose-effect models. This study explored the impact of ULBR on normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (HNEPC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (HNE-1), indicating that the ULBR environment significantly inhibited the proliferation of cells. Transcriptomic and proteomic results indicated that HNEPC cells triggered adaptive strategies (e.g., activation of the p53 pathway, enhancing antioxidative capacity) to cope with cellular stress under the ULBR environment; HNE-1 cells exhibited more pronounced changes in the transcriptome and proteome, and reduced their invasion, migration, proliferation, and metabolic capabilities through unique pathways (e.g., metabolic reprogramming, inhibition of the tumor necrosis factor and NF-κB signaling pathways). This study provides new insights into the dose-biological effects of radiation and complements the theoretical foundation for the study and utilization of the deep underground ULBR environment.