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High-gradient magnetic fields and starch metabolism: results from a space experiment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18256. [PMID: 36309570 PMCID: PMC9617909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22691-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Directing plant growth in weightlessness requires understanding the processes that establish plant orientation and how to manipulate them. Both gravi- and phototropism determine directional growth and previous experiments showed that high gradient magnetic fields (HGMF) can induce curvature in roots and shoots. Experiments with Brassica rapa verified that that gravitropism-like induction of curvature is possible in space and that the HGMF-responsive organelles are amyloplasts. We assessed the effect of space and HGMF based on 16 genes and compared their transcription with static growth and clinorotation. Amyloplasts size in root tips increased under weightlessness but decreased under clinorotation but not in response to magnetic fields. Amyloplast size changes were correlated with reduced amylase transcription in space samples and enhanced transcription after clinorotation. Mechanostimulation and weightlessness have opposite effects on the size of amyloplasts. The data show that plants perceive weightlessness, and that their metabolism adjusts to microgravity and mechanostimulation. Thus, clinorotation as surrogate for space research may lead to incorrect interpretations.
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Kordyum E, Hasenstein KH. Plant biology for space exploration - Building on the past, preparing for the future. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 29:1-7. [PMID: 33888282 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A review of past insights of space experiments with plants outlines basic space and gravity effects as well as gene expression. Efforts to grow plants in space gradually incorporated basic question on plant productivity, stress response and cultivation. The prospect of extended space missions as well as colonization of the Moon and Mars require better understanding and therefore research efforts on biomass productivity, substrate and water relations, atmospheric composition, pressure and temperature and substrate and volume (growth space) requirements. The essential combination of using plants not only for food production but also for regeneration of waste, and recycling of carbon and oxygen production requires integration of complex biological and engineering aspects. We combine a historical account of plant space research with considerations for future research on plant cultivation, selection, and productivity based on space-related environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kordyum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Institute of Botany NASU, Tereschenkivska Str. 2, 01601 Kiev, Ukraine, United States
| | - Karl H Hasenstein
- Biology Department, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, 70504-3602, United States.
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Sathasivam M, Hosamani R, K Swamy B, Kumaran G S. Plant responses to real and simulated microgravity. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 28:74-86. [PMID: 33612182 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant biology experiments in real and simulated microgravity have significantly contributed to our understanding of physiology and behavior of plants. How do plants perceive microgravity? How that perception translates into stimulus? And in turn plant's response and adaptation to microgravity through physiological, cellular, and molecular changes have been reasonably well documented in the literature. Knowledge gained through these plant biology experiments in microgravity helped to successfully cultivate crops in space. For instance, salad crop such as red romaine lettuce grown on the International Space Station (ISS) is allowed to incorporate into the crew's supplementary diet. However, the use of plants as a sustainable bio-regenerative life support system (BLSS) to produce fresh food and O2, reduce CO2 level, recycle metabolic waste, and efficient water management for long-duration space exploration missions requires critical gap filling research. Hence, it is inevitable to reflect and review plant biology microgravity research findings time and again with a new set of data available in the literature. With that in focus, the current article discusses phenotypic, physiological, biochemical, cell cycle, cell wall changes and molecular responses of plants to microgravity both in real and simulated conditions with the latest literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malarvizhi Sathasivam
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IABT), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, 580005, India
| | - Ravikumar Hosamani
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IABT), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, 580005, India.
| | - Basavalingayya K Swamy
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IABT), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, 580005, India
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Vandenbrink JP, Herranz R, Poehlman WL, Alex Feltus F, Villacampa A, Ciska M, Javier Medina F, Kiss JZ. RNA-seq analyses of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings after exposure to blue-light phototropic stimuli in microgravity. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2019; 106:1466-1476. [PMID: 31709515 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Plants synthesize information from multiple environmental stimuli when determining their direction of growth. Gravity, being ubiquitous on Earth, plays a major role in determining the direction of growth and overall architecture of the plant. Here, we utilized the microgravity environment on board the International Space Station (ISS) to identify genes involved influencing growth and development of phototropically stimulated seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana. METHODS Seedlings were grown on the ISS, and RNA was extracted from 7 samples (pools of 10-15 plants) grown in microgravity (μg) or Earth gravity conditions (1-g). Transcriptomic analyses via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of differential gene expression was performed using the HISAT2-Stringtie-DESeq2 RNASeq pipeline. Differentially expressed genes were further characterized by using Pathway Analysis and enrichment for Gene Ontology classifications. RESULTS For 296 genes that were found significantly differentially expressed between plants in microgravity compared to 1-g controls, Pathway Analysis identified eight molecular pathways that were significantly affected by reduced gravity conditions. Specifically, light-associated pathways (e.g., photosynthesis-antenna proteins, photosynthesis, porphyrin, and chlorophyll metabolism) were significantly downregulated in microgravity. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression in A. thaliana seedlings grown in microgravity was significantly altered compared to that of the 1-g control. Understanding how plants grow in conditions of microgravity not only aids in our understanding of how plants grow and respond to the environment but will also help to efficiently grow plants during long-range space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Vandenbrink
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, E28040, Spain
| | - William L Poehlman
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - F Alex Feltus
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | | | - Malgorzata Ciska
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, E28040, Spain
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, E28040, Spain
| | - John Z Kiss
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
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HSFA2 Functions in the Physiological Adaptation of Undifferentiated Plant Cells to Spaceflight. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020390. [PMID: 30658467 PMCID: PMC6359015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat Shock Factor A2 (HsfA2) is part of the Heat Shock Factor (HSF) network, and plays an essential role beyond heat shock in environmental stress responses and cellular homeostatic control. Arabidopsis thaliana cell cultures derived from wild type (WT) ecotype Col-0 and a knockout line deficient in the gene encoding HSFA2 (HSFA2 KO) were grown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to ascertain whether the HSF network functions in the adaptation to the novel environment of spaceflight. Microarray gene expression data were analyzed using a two-part comparative approach. First, genes differentially expressed between the two environments (spaceflight to ground) were identified within the same genotype, which represented physiological adaptation to spaceflight. Second, gene expression profiles were compared between the two genotypes (HSFA2 KO to WT) within the same environment, which defined genes uniquely required by each genotype on the ground and in spaceflight-adapted states. Results showed that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) define the HSFA2 KO cells' physiological state irrespective of the environment, and likely resulted from a deficiency in the chaperone-mediated protein folding machinery in the mutant. Results further suggested that additional to its universal stress response role, HsfA2 also has specific roles in the physiological adaptation to spaceflight through cell wall remodeling, signal perception and transduction, and starch biosynthesis. Disabling HsfA2 altered the physiological state of the cells, and impacted the mechanisms induced to adapt to spaceflight, and identified HsfA2-dependent genes that are important to the adaption of wild type cells to spaceflight. Collectively these data indicate a non-thermal role for the HSF network in spaceflight adaptation.
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Hasenstein KH, John S, Scherp P, Povinelli D, Mopper S. Analysis of magnetic gradients to study gravitropism. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2013; 100:249-55. [PMID: 23174915 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1200304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Gravitropism typically is generated by dense particles that respond to gravity. Experimental stimulation by high-gradient magnetic fields provides a new approach to selectively manipulate the gravisensing system. METHODS The movement of corn, wheat, and potato starch grains in suspension was examined with videomicroscopy during parabolic flights that generated 20 to 25 s of weightlessness. During weightlessness, a magnetic gradient was generated by inserting a wedge into a uniform, external magnetic field that caused repulsion of starch grains. The resultant velocity of movement was compared with the velocity of sedimentation under 1 g conditions. RESULTS The high-gradient magnetic fields repelled the starch grains and generated a force of at least 0.6 g. Different wedge shapes significantly affected starch velocity and directionality of movement. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic gradients are able to move diamagnetic compounds under weightless or microgravity conditions and serve as directional stimulus during seed germination in low-gravity environments. Further work can determine whether gravity sensing is based on force or contact between amyloplasts and statocyte membrane system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl H Hasenstein
- Biology Department, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana 70504-2451, USA.
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Chebli Y, Geitmann A. Gravity research on plants: use of single-cell experimental models. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2011; 2:56. [PMID: 22639598 PMCID: PMC3355640 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2011.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Future space missions and implementation of permanent bases on Moon and Mars will greatly depend on the availability of ambient air and sustainable food supply. Therefore, understanding the effects of altered gravity conditions on plant metabolism and growth is vital for space missions and extra-terrestrial human existence. In this mini-review we summarize how plant cells are thought to perceive changes in magnitude and orientation of the gravity vector. The particular advantages of several single-celled model systems for gravity research are explored and an overview over recent advancements and potential use of these systems is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Chebli
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anja Geitmann
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada
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Jensen JH, Chandra R, Ramani A, Lu H, Johnson G, Lee SP, Kaczynski K, Helpern JA. Magnetic field correlation imaging. Magn Reson Med 2006; 55:1350-61. [PMID: 16700026 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.20907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is presented for estimating the magnetic field correlation (MFC) associated with magnetic field inhomogeneities (MFIs) within biological tissues. The method utilizes asymmetric spin echoes and is based on a detailed theory for the effect of MFIs on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal decay. The validity of the method is supported with results from phantom experiments at 1.5 and 3 T, and human brain images obtained at 3 T are shown to demonstrate the method's feasibility. The preliminary results suggest that MFC imaging may be useful for the quantitative assessment of iron within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens H Jensen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, NY 10016, USA.
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Philosoph-Hadas S, Friedman H, Meir S. Gravitropic bending and plant hormones. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2005; 72:31-78. [PMID: 16492468 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(05)72002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gravitropism is a complex multistep process that redirects the growth of roots and various above-ground organs in response to changes in the direction of the gravity vector. The anatomy and morphology of these graviresponding organs indicates a certain spatial separation between the sensing region and the responding one, a situation that strongly suggests the requirement of phytohormones as mediators to coordinate the process. The Cholodny-Went hypothesis suggested auxin as the main mediator of gravitropism. So far, ample evidence has been gathered with regard to auxin asymmetrical detection, polar and lateral transport involving influx and efflux carriers, response signaling pathway, and possible modes of action in differential cell elongation, supports its major role in gravitropism at least in roots. However, it is becoming clear that the participation of other hormones, acting in concert with auxin, is necessary as well. Of particular importance is the role of ethylene in shoot gravitropism, possibly associated with the modulation of auxin transport or sensitivity, and the key role implicated for cytokinin as the putative root cap inhibitor that controls early root gravitropism. Therefore, the major advances in the understanding of transport and signaling of auxin, ethylene, and cytokinin may shed light on the possibly tight and complicated interactions between them in gravitropism. Not much convincing evidence has been accumulated regarding the participation of other phytohormones, such as gibberellins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, and salicylic acid, in gravitropism. However, the emerging concept of cooperative hormone action opens new possibilities for a better understanding of the complex interactions of all phytohormones and their possible synergistic effects and involvement in the gravitropic bending process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Philosoph-Hadas
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
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