Research progress on the effects of ionizing radiation on epigenetic modification

Ionizing radiation serves as a significant stressor capable of inflicting damage on organisms, and the mechanisms underlying its DNA-damaging effects have been increasingly elucidated. As research has advanced, the investigation of the biological effects of ionizing radiation has progressively shifted from traditional mechanisms of DNA damage and repair to the emerging field of epigenetics. This paper systematically reviews the progress in understanding the effects of ionizing radiation on epigenetic modifications in plants, emphasizing the dynamic alterations in epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA methylation in response to radiation stress, as well as their biological significance. This review provides a theoretical foundation for comprehending the epigenetic effects of radiation and holds substantial reference value in the domains of radiation protection, cancer treatment, and crop breeding.