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Antunes A, Meyer-Dombard DR. Editorial: Rising stars in space microbiology: 2022. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1322924. [PMID: 38029155 PMCID: PMC10679738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1322924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- André Antunes
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- China National Space Administration (CNSA), Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - D'Arcy R. Meyer-Dombard
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Bharindwal S, Goswami N, Jha P, Pandey S, Jobby R. Prospective Use of Probiotics to Maintain Astronaut Health during Spaceflight. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030727. [PMID: 36983881 PMCID: PMC10058446 DOI: 10.3390/life13030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining an astronaut's health during space travel is crucial. Multiple studies have observed various changes in the gut microbiome and physiological health. Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) had changes in the microbial communities in their gut, nose, and skin. Additionally, immune system cell alterations have been observed in astronauts with changes in neutrophils, monocytes, and T-cells. Probiotics help tackle these health issues caused during spaceflight by inhibiting pathogen adherence, enhancing epithelial barrier function by reducing permeability, and producing an anti-inflammatory effect. When exposed to microgravity, probiotics demonstrated a shorter lag phase, faster growth, improved acid tolerance, and bile resistance. A freeze-dried Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota capsule was tested for its stability on ISS for a month and has been shown to enhance innate immunity and balance intestinal microbiota. The usage of freeze-dried spores of B. subtilis proves to be advantageous to long-term spaceflight because it qualifies for all the aspects tested for commercial probiotics under simulated conditions. These results demonstrate a need to further study the effect of probiotics in simulated microgravity and spaceflight conditions and to apply them to overcome the effects caused by gut microbiome dysbiosis and issues that might occur during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahaj Bharindwal
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nidhi Goswami
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pamela Jha
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS University Mumbai, Mumbai 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siddharth Pandey
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Renitta Jobby
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
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Stratis D, Trudel G, Rocheleau L, Pelchat M, Laneuville O. The Characteristic Response of the Human Leukocyte Transcriptome to 60 Days of Bed Rest and to Reambulation. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:365-375. [PMID: 36251376 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to isolate the microgravity effect of spaceflight from other space stressors by characterizing the leukocytes' transcriptome of participants to a 60-d bed rest study; an Earth model of microgravity. METHODS Twenty healthy men received a nutritional supplement or not and 10 blood samples were collected throughout three study phases: baseline data collection (BDC) (BDC-12, BDC-11), head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest (HDT1, HDT2, HDT30, HDT60), and reambulation (R1, R2, R12, R30). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes, applied generalized linear models to assess differential expression followed by enrichment analysis to identify temporal changes (model 1) and to measure the impact of a nutritional supplement (model 2). RESULTS Baseline transcriptomes included 14,624 protein-coding transcripts and showed both high intraindividual correlations (mean Kendall coefficient, 0.91 ± 0.04) and interindividual homogeneity (0.89 ± 0.03). We identified 2415 differentially expressed protein-coding transcripts grouping into six clusters (C1-C6). At phase transitions, clusters showed either a decrease-then-increase (C3 and C5) or an increase-then-decrease (C1, C2, C6) pattern. All six clusters converged toward average expression at HDT30 and HDT60. Gene ontology terms at baseline related to immune functions while in bed rest and reambulation related to sequestration of ions, immune response, cellular stress, and mineralization. The nutritional intervention had no effect. CONCLUSIONS The temporal profiles of leukocytes' transcriptomes emphasized the dynamic nature of gene expression occurring during and after bed rest. Enriched biological processes among the differentially expressed genes included immune related and unrelated responses. The convergence toward no differential expression at days 30 and 60 of bed rest suggests a hypometabolic state. Current findings can guide future work on the complex responses and adaptation mechanisms to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stratis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
| | | | - Lynda Rocheleau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
| | - Martin Pelchat
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
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Lv H, Yang H, Jiang C, Shi J, Chen RA, Huang Q, Shao D. Microgravity and immune cells. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20220869. [PMID: 36789512 PMCID: PMC9929508 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment experienced during spaceflight severely impaired immune system, making astronauts vulnerable to various diseases that seriously threaten the health of astronauts. Immune cells are exceptionally sensitive to changes in gravity and the microgravity environment can affect multiple aspects of immune cells through different mechanisms. Previous reports have mainly summarized the role of microgravity in the classification of innate and adaptive immune cells, lacking an overall grasp of the laws that microgravity effects on immune cells at different stages of their entire developmental process, such as differentiation, activation, metabolism, as well as function, which are discussed and concluded in this review. The possible molecular mechanisms are also analysed to provide a clear understanding of the specific role of microgravity in the whole development process of immune cells. Furthermore, the existing methods by which to reverse the damage of immune cells caused by microgravity, such as the use of polysaccharides, flavonoids, other natural immune cell activators etc. to target cell proliferation, apoptosis and impaired function are summarized. This review will provide not only new directions and ideas for the study of immune cell function in the microgravity environment, but also an important theoretical basis for the development of immunosuppression prevention and treatment drugs for spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Lv
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-an Chen
- Hematology Department, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, 309 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
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Gu R, Liu H, Hu M, Zhu Y, Liu X, Wang F, Wu L, Song D, Liu Y. D-Mannose prevents bone loss under weightlessness. J Transl Med 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36617569 PMCID: PMC9827691 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astronauts undergo significant microgravity-induced bone loss during space missions, which has become one of the three major medical problems hindering human's long-term space flight. A risk-free and antiresorptive drug is urgently needed to prevent bone loss during space missions. D-mannose is a natural C-2 epimer of D-glucose and is abundant in cranberries. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of D-mannose against bone loss under weightlessness. METHODS The hind legs of tail-suspended (TS) rats were used to mimic weightlessness on Earth. Rats were administered D-mannose intragastrically. The osteoclastogenic and osteogenic capacity of D-mannose in vitro and in vivo was analyzed by micro-computed tomography, biomechanical assessment, bone histology, serum markers of bone metabolism, cell proliferation assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis was performed to detect the underlying mechanisms of D-mannose in bone protection. RESULTS The TS rats showed lower bone mineral density (BMD) and poorer bone morphological indices. D-mannose could improve BMD in TS rats. D-mannose inhibited osteoclast proliferation and fusion in vitro, without apparent effects on osteoblasts. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis showed that D-mannose administration significantly inhibited the cell fusion molecule dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) and two indispensable transcription factors for osteoclast fusion (c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 [NFATc1]). Finally, TS rats tended to experience dysuria-related urinary tract infections (UTIs), which were suppressed by treatment with D-mannose. CONCLUSION D-mannose protected against bone loss and UTIs in rats under weightlessness. The bone protective effects of D-mannose were mediated by inhibiting osteoclast cell fusion. Our findings provide a potential strategy to protect against bone loss and UTIs during space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranli Gu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Hao Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319The Central Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Menglong Hu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Xuenan Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Feilong Wang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Likun Wu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Danyang Song
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yunsong Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
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Siems K, Runzheimer K, Rehm A, Schwengers O, Heidler von Heilborn D, Kaser L, Arndt F, Neidhöfer C, Mengel JP, Parcina M, Lipski A, Hain T, Moeller R. Phenotypic and genomic assessment of the potential threat of human spaceflight-relevant Staphylococcus capitis isolates under stress conditions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1007143. [PMID: 36406458 PMCID: PMC9669719 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1007143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that spaceflight specific conditions such as microgravity lead to changes in bacterial physiology and resistance behavior including increased expression of virulence factors, enhanced biofilm formation and decreased susceptibility to antibiotics. To assess if spaceflight induced physiological changes can manifest in human-associated bacteria, we compared three spaceflight relevant Staphylococcus capitis isolates (DSM 111179, ISS; DSM 31028, clean room; DSM 113836; artificial gravity bedrest study) with the type strain (DSM 20326T). We tested the three strains regarding growth, colony morphology, metabolism, fatty acid and polar lipid pattern, biofilm formation, susceptibility to antibiotics and survival in different stress conditions such as treatment with hydrogen peroxide, exposure to desiccation, and irradiation with X-rays and UV-C. Moreover, we sequenced, assembled, and analyzed the genomes of all four strains. Potential genetic determinants for phenotypic differences were investigated by comparative genomics. We found that all four strains show similar metabolic patterns and the same susceptibility to antibiotics. All four strains were considered resistant to fosfomycin. Physiological differences were mainly observed compared to the type strain and minor differences among the other three strains. The ISS isolate and the bedrest study isolate exhibit a strong delayed yellow pigmentation, which is absent in the other two strains. Pigments were extracted and analyzed by UV/Vis spectroscopy showing characteristic carotenoid spectra. The ISS isolate showed the highest growth rate as well as weighted average melting temperature (WAMT) of fatty acids (41.8°C) of all strains. The clean room isolate showed strongest biofilm formation and a high tolerance to desiccation. In general, all strains survived desiccation better in absence of oxygen. There were no differences among the strains regarding radiation tolerance. Phenotypic and genomic differences among the strains observed in this study are not inevitably indicating an increased virulence of the spaceflight isolate. However, the increased growth rate, higher WAMT and colony pigmentation of the spaceflight isolate are relevant phenotypes that require further research within the human spaceflight context. We conclude that combining genetic analysis with classical microbiological methods allows the detailed assessment of the potential threat of bacteria in highly regulated and extreme environments such as spaceflight environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Siems
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Runzheimer
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Rehm
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwengers
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - David Heidler von Heilborn
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Liv Kaser
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Franca Arndt
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudio Neidhöfer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Mengel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marijo Parcina
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - André Lipski
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Torsten Hain
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
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7
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Caswell G, Eshelby B. Skin microbiome considerations for long haul space flights. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:956432. [PMID: 36158225 PMCID: PMC9493037 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.956432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the human skin microbiome has long been associated with changes to the pH of the skin, dermal immune function and chronic skin conditions. Dermatological issues have been noted as the most prevalent medical presentation in the microgravity environment of space. The change in gravitational forces has been implicated in human immuno-suppression, also impacted by changes in the gastrointestinal-skin axis and its impact on Vitamin D metabolism, altered microbial gene expression in resident flora (leading changes in biofilm formation) and increased virulence factors in potential pathogens. There are also other stressors to the skin microbiome unique to space travel, including increased exposure to radiation, prolonged periods of dry washing technique, air quality and changes in microbe replication and growth parameters. Optimal microbiome health leads to enhanced skin barrier manufacture and maintenance, along with improved skin immune function and healing. In a microgravity environment expected to be experienced during long space flights, disruptions to the skin microbiome, coupled with increased virulence of pathological viruses and bacteria has implications for holistic skin health, astronaut cognitive function and mental health, and is coupled with slowed rates of wound healing. Scenario management for holistic skin health and restoration of microbiome homeostasis on long space flights require consideration.
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Madrigal P, Singh NK, Wood JM, Gaudioso E, Hernández-Del-Olmo F, Mason CE, Venkateswaran K, Beheshti A. Machine learning algorithm to characterize antimicrobial resistance associated with the International Space Station surface microbiome. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:134. [PMID: 35999570 PMCID: PMC9400218 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a detrimental impact on human health on Earth and it is equally concerning in other environments such as space habitat due to microgravity, radiation and confinement, especially for long-distance space travel. The International Space Station (ISS) is ideal for investigating microbial diversity and virulence associated with spaceflight. The shotgun metagenomics data of the ISS generated during the Microbial Tracking-1 (MT-1) project and resulting metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) across three flights in eight different locations during 12 months were used in this study. The objective of this study was to identify the AMR genes associated with whole genomes of 226 cultivable strains, 21 shotgun metagenome sequences, and 24 MAGs retrieved from the ISS environmental samples that were treated with propidium monoazide (PMA; viable microbes). RESULTS We have analyzed the data using a deep learning model, allowing us to go beyond traditional cut-offs based only on high DNA sequence similarity and extending the catalog of AMR genes. Our results in PMA treated samples revealed AMR dominance in the last flight for Kalamiella piersonii, a bacteria related to urinary tract infection in humans. The analysis of 226 pure strains isolated from the MT-1 project revealed hundreds of antibiotic resistance genes from many isolates, including two top-ranking species that corresponded to strains of Enterobacter bugandensis and Bacillus cereus. Computational predictions were experimentally validated by antibiotic resistance profiles in these two species, showing a high degree of concordance. Specifically, disc assay data confirmed the high resistance of these two pathogens to various beta-lactam antibiotics. CONCLUSION Overall, our computational predictions and validation analyses demonstrate the advantages of machine learning to uncover concealed AMR determinants in metagenomics datasets, expanding the understanding of the ISS environmental microbiomes and their pathogenic potential in humans. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Madrigal
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
- Present Address: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK.
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Jason M Wood
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Elena Gaudioso
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science School, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández-Del-Olmo
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science School, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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Tesei D, Jewczynko A, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Understanding the Complexities and Changes of the Astronaut Microbiome for Successful Long-Duration Space Missions. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040495. [PMID: 35454986 PMCID: PMC9031868 DOI: 10.3390/life12040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During space missions, astronauts are faced with a variety of challenges that are unique to spaceflight and that have been known to cause physiological changes in humans over a period of time. Several of these changes occur at the microbiome level, a complex ensemble of microbial communities residing in various anatomic sites of the human body, with a pivotal role in regulating the health and behavior of the host. The microbiome is essential for day-to-day physiological activities, and alterations in microbiome composition and function have been linked to various human diseases. For these reasons, understanding the impact of spaceflight and space conditions on the microbiome of astronauts is important to assess significant health risks that can emerge during long-term missions and to develop countermeasures. Here, we review various conditions that are caused by long-term space exploration and discuss the role of the microbiome in promoting or ameliorating these conditions, as well as space-related factors that impact microbiome composition. The topics explored pertain to microgravity, radiation, immunity, bone health, cognitive function, gender differences and pharmacomicrobiomics. Connections are made between the trifecta of spaceflight, the host and the microbiome, and the significance of these interactions for successful long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Anna Jewczynko
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Anne M. Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130, USA
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Forcato M, Scebba F, Pyankova OV, Bridger JM, Foster HA, Signore G, Borghini A, Andreassi M, Andreazzoli M, Bicciato S, Pè ME, Angeloni D. Microgravity and space radiation inhibit autophagy in human capillary endothelial cells, through either opposite or synergistic effects on specific molecular pathways. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:28. [PMID: 34936031 PMCID: PMC11072227 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity and space radiation (SR) are two highly influential factors affecting humans in space flight (SF). Many health problems reported by astronauts derive from endothelial dysfunction and impaired homeostasis. Here, we describe the adaptive response of human, capillary endothelial cells to SF. Reference samples on the ground and at 1g onboard permitted discrimination between the contribution of microgravity and SR within the combined responses to SF. Cell softening and reduced motility occurred in SF cells, with a loss of actin stress fibers and a broader distribution of microtubules and intermediate filaments within the cytoplasm than in control cells. Furthermore, in space the number of primary cilia per cell increased and DNA repair mechanisms were found to be activated. Transcriptomics revealed the opposing effects of microgravity from SR for specific molecular pathways: SR, unlike microgravity, stimulated pathways for endothelial activation, such as hypoxia and inflammation, DNA repair and apoptosis, inhibiting autophagic flux and promoting an aged-like phenotype. Conversely, microgravity, unlike SR, activated pathways for metabolism and a pro-proliferative phenotype. Therefore, we suggest microgravity and SR should be considered separately to tailor effective countermeasures to protect astronauts' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Barravecchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara De Cesari
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mattia Forcato
- Center for Genome Research, Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Scebba
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Olga V Pyankova
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Joanna M Bridger
- Laboratory of Nuclear and Genomic Health, Centre of Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Helen A Foster
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Andrea Borghini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvio Bicciato
- Center for Genome Research, Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Enrico Pè
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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11
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Markina EA, Alekseeva OY, Andreeva ER, Buravkova LB. Short-Term Reloading After Prolonged Unloading Ensures Restoration of Stromal but Not Hematopoietic Precursor Activity in Tibia Bone Marrow of C57Bl/6N Mice. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:1228-1240. [PMID: 34714129 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone and muscle tissues are mostly susceptible to different kinds of hypodynamia, including real and simulated microgravity (sμg). To evaluate the effect of sμg on bone marrow (BM), male C57Bl/6N mice were divided into three groups: vivarium control (VC), 30-day hindlimb suspension (HS), and subsequent 12-h short-term support reloading (RL). The effects on BM total mononucleated cells (MNCs) as well as stromal and hematopoietic progenitors from murine tibia were studied. The number of BM MNCs, immunophenotype, proliferation, colony-forming units (CFUs), differentiation and secretory activity of hematopoietic and stromal BM cells were determined. HS led to a twofold decrease in MNCs, alteration of surface molecule expression profiles, suppression of proliferative activity of BM cells, and change of soluble mediators' levels. The stromal compartment was characterized by a decrease of CFU of fibroblasts and suppression of spontaneous osteo-commitment after HS. Among the hematopoietic precursors, a decrease in the total number of CFUs was found mainly at the expense of suppression of CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM. After RL, restoration of the stromal precursor's functional activity to control levels and overabundance of paracrine mediator's production were detected, whereas the complete recovery of hematopoietic precursor's activity did not occur. These data demonstrate the fast functional reaction of the stromal compartment on restoration of loading support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Markina
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Olga Y Alekseeva
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Elena R Andreeva
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ludmila B Buravkova
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
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12
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Li H, Luo Q, Shan W, Cai S, Tie R, Xu Y, Lin Y, Qian P, Huang H. Biomechanical cues as master regulators of hematopoietic stem cell fate. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5881-5902. [PMID: 34232331 PMCID: PMC8316214 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) perceive both soluble signals and biomechanical inputs from their microenvironment and cells themselves. Emerging as critical regulators of the blood program, biomechanical cues such as extracellular matrix stiffness, fluid mechanical stress, confined adhesiveness, and cell-intrinsic forces modulate multiple capacities of HSCs through mechanotransduction. In recent years, research has furthered the scientific community's perception of mechano-based signaling networks in the regulation of several cellular processes. However, the underlying molecular details of the biomechanical regulatory paradigm in HSCs remain poorly elucidated and researchers are still lacking in the ability to produce bona fide HSCs ex vivo for clinical use. This review presents an overview of the mechanical control of both embryonic and adult HSCs, discusses some recent insights into the mechanisms of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, and highlights the application of mechanical cues aiming at HSC expansion or differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghu Li
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Luo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shan
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyang Cai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruxiu Tie
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Xu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Lin
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
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13
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Madrigal P, Gabel A, Villacampa A, Manzano A, Deane CS, Bezdan D, Carnero-Diaz E, Medina FJ, Hardiman G, Grosse I, Szewczyk N, Weging S, Giacomello S, Harridge SDR, Morris-Paterson T, Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Herranz R. Revamping Space-omics in Europe. Cell Syst 2020; 11:555-556. [PMID: 33242401 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Madrigal
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Alicia Villacampa
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Manzano
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain
| | - Colleen S Deane
- Department of Sport and Health Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ivo Grosse
- University of Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, School of Medicine. Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen D R Harridge
- Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Shepherd's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Tessa Morris-Paterson
- Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Shepherd's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Thomas Cahill
- Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Willian A da Silveira
- Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain.
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14
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Makedonas G, Mehta SK, Scheuring RA, Haddon R, Crucian BE. SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Impacts on NASA Ground Operations to Protect ISS Astronauts. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 8:3247-3250. [PMID: 32971311 PMCID: PMC7503132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
NASA implements required medical tests and clinical monitoring to ensure the health and safety of its astronauts. These measures include a pre-launch quarantine to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases. During space missions, most astronauts experience perturbations to their immune system that manifest as a detectable secondary immunodeficiency. On return to Earth, after the stress of re-entry and landing, astronauts would be most vulnerable to infectious disease. In April 2020, a crew returned from International Space Station to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Post-flight quarantine protocols (both crew and contacts) were enhanced to protect this crew from SARS-CoV-2. In addition, specific additional clinical monitoring was performed to determine post-flight immunocompetence. Given that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prognosis is more severe for the immunocompromised, a countermeasures protocol for spaceflight suggested by an international team of scientists could benefit terrestrial patients with secondary immunodeficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satish K Mehta
- Immunology & Virology Laboratory, JES Tech, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard A Scheuring
- Space Medicine Division, Health and Human Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Robert Haddon
- Department of Preventive, Occupational, and Aerospace Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.
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15
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Schaefer K, Dambuza IM, Dall’Angelo S, Yuecel R, Jaspars M, Trembleau L, Zanda M, Brown GD, Netea MG, Gow NAR. A Weakened Immune Response to Synthetic Exo-Peptides Predicts a Potential Biosecurity Risk in the Retrieval of Exo-Microorganisms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8071066. [PMID: 32708909 PMCID: PMC7409182 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8071066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We tested the immune response of T cells of the mammalian immune system towards protein antigens that includes the unusual amino acids isovaline and α-aminoisobutyric. Those amino acids have been found in high abundance on carbonaceous meteorites but are extremely rare in proteomes of earth organisms. We hypothesised that proteins of non-terrestrial alien life forms might contain such amino acids and tested whether chemically synthesised “exopeptides” that contain these amino acids could be detected by the immune system. Our assays, based on the responses of CD8+ T cells to these exopeptides, indicated that antigen cleavage, processing, and subsequent T cell activation still occurred, but were less efficient than the response to control peptides that lacked these amino acids. We therefore speculate that the encounter of putative exo-microorganisms of an unusual antigenic repertoire might pose an immunological risk for space missions aiming to retrieve potentially biotic samples from exoplanets and moons. Abstract The discovery of liquid water at several locations in the solar system raises the possibility that microbial life may have evolved outside Earth and as such could be accidently introduced into the Earth’s ecosystem. Unusual sugars or amino acids, like non-proteinogenic isovaline and α-aminoisobutyric acid that are vanishingly rare or absent from life forms on Earth, have been found in high abundance on non-terrestrial carbonaceous meteorites. It is therefore conceivable that exo-microorganisms might contain proteins that include these rare amino acids. We therefore asked whether the mammalian immune system would be able to recognize and induce appropriate immune responses to putative proteinaceous antigens that include these rare amino acids. To address this, we synthesised peptide antigens based on a backbone of ovalbumin and introduced isovaline and α-aminoisobutyric acid residues and demonstrated that these peptides can promote naïve OT-I cell activation and proliferation, but did so less efficiently than the canonical peptides. This is relevant to the biosecurity of missions that may retrieve samples from exoplanets and moons that have conditions that may be permissive for life, suggesting that accidental contamination and exposure to exo-microorganisms with such distinct proteomes might pose an immunological challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schaefer
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivy M. Dambuza
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sergio Dall’Angelo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (S.D.); (M.Z.)
| | - Raif Yuecel
- Iain Fraser Cytometry Centre (IFCC), University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
- Centre for Cytomics, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Marcel Jaspars
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; (M.J.); (L.T.)
| | - Laurent Trembleau
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; (M.J.); (L.T.)
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (S.D.); (M.Z.)
- Sir David Davies Building, Centre for Imaging Science, School of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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16
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Crucian BE, Makedonas G, Sams CF, Pierson DL, Simpson R, Stowe RP, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Krieger SS, Rooney B, Douglas G, Downs M, Nelman-Gonzalez M, Williams TJ, Mehta S. Countermeasures-based Improvements in Stress, Immune System Dysregulation and Latent Herpesvirus Reactivation onboard the International Space Station - Relevance for Deep Space Missions and Terrestrial Medicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:68-76. [PMID: 32464118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) has continued to evolve from an operational perspective and multiple studies have monitored both stress and the immune system of ISS astronauts. Alterations were ascribed to a potentially synergistic array of factors, including microgravity, radiation, psychological stress, and circadian misalignment. Comparing similar data across 12 years of ISS construction and operations, we report that immunity, stress, and the reactivation of latent herpesviruses have all improved in ISS astronauts. Major physiological improvements seem to have initiated approximately 2012, a period coinciding with improvements onboard ISS including cargo delivery and resupply frequency, personal communication, exercise equipment and protocols, food quality and variety, nutritional supplementation, and schedule management. We conclude that spaceflight associated immune dysregulation has been positively influenced by operational improvements and biomedical countermeasures onboard ISS. Although an operational challenge, agencies should therefore incorporate, within vehicle design limitations, these dietary, operational, and stress-relieving countermeasures into deep space mission planning. Specific countermeasures that have benefited astronauts could serve as a therapy augment for terrestrial acquired immunodeficiency patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Richard Simpson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | | | | | - Grace Douglas
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Meghan Downs
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States
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17
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Padgen MR, Lera MP, Parra MP, Ricco AJ, Chin M, Chinn TN, Cohen A, Friedericks CR, Henschke MB, Snyder TV, Spremo SM, Wang JH, Matin AC. EcAMSat spaceflight measurements of the role of σ s in antibiotic resistance of stationary phase Escherichia coli in microgravity. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 24:18-24. [PMID: 31987476 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We report the results of the EcAMSat (Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Satellite) autonomous space flight experiment, investigating the role of σs in the development of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) in microgravity (µ-g). The presence of σs, encoded by the rpoS gene, has been shown to increase antibiotic resistance in Earth gravity, but it was unknown if this effect occurs in µ-g. Two strains, wildtype (WT) UPEC and its isogenic ΔrpoS mutant, were grown to stationary phase aboard EcAMSat, an 11-kg small satellite, and in a parallel ground-based control experiment; cell growth rates for the two strains were found to be unaltered by µ-g. After starvation for over 24 h, stationary-phase cells were incubated with three doses of gentamicin (Gm), a common treatment for urinary tract infections (which have been reported in astronauts). Cellular metabolic activity was measured optically using the redox-based indicator alamarBlue (aB): both strains exhibited slower metabolism in µ-g, consistent with results from previous smallsat missions. The results also showed that µ-g did not enhance UPEC resistance to Gm; in fact, both strains were more susceptible to Gm in µ-g. It was also found, via a second ground-control experiment, that multi-week storage in the payload hardware stressed the cells, potentially obscuring small differential effects of the antibiotic between WT and mutant and/or between µ-g and ground. Overall, results showed that the ∆rpoS mutant was 34-37% less metabolically active than the WT for four different sets of conditions: ground without Gm, ground with Gm; µ-g without Gm, µ-g with Gm. We conclude therefore that the rpoS gene and its downstream products are important therapeutic targets for treating bacterial infections in space, much as they are on the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew P Lera
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Matthew Chin
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Tori N Chinn
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Aaron Cohen
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing-Hung Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - A C Matin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
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18
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Honda T, Nakayama R, Kawahara Y, Yuge L, Ueda K. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus is cell-intrinsically controlled in latency in microgravity. Virus Res 2020; 276:197821. [PMID: 31756357 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In the next several decades, humans will explore deep space, including Mars. During long-term space flight, astronauts will be exposed to various physical stressors. Among these stressors, microgravity may compromise the immune system. Consistently, the reactivation of several latent herpesviruses has been reported in astronauts. Although herpesvirus infection status is determined by both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors, it remains unclear which factors play major roles in the virus reactivation in microgravity. Here, using Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-infected cells, we found that KSHV is cell-intrinsically controlled in latency in microgravity. Innate immunity appeared to be unaffected in microgravity, while the expression of some restriction factors against KSHV, such as CTCF and AMPK, was upregulated. Collectively, the infected cells in microgravity can control KSHV in latency, possibly by unimpaired innate immunity and upregulated KSHV restriction factors. This is the first pilot study of the conflicts between cell-intrinsic defense systems and viruses in microgravity and provides fundamental information regarding host-virus interactions in microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Honda
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Ryota Nakayama
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yumi Kawahara
- Space Bio-Laboratories Co., Ltd., Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Louis Yuge
- Space Bio-Laboratories Co., Ltd., Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan; Division of Bio-Environmental Adaptation Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Keiji Ueda
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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19
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Amselem S. Remote Controlled Autonomous Microgravity Lab Platforms for Drug Research in Space. Pharm Res 2019; 36:183. [PMID: 31741058 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Research conducted in microgravity conditions has the potential to yield new therapeutics, as advances can be achieved in the absence of phenomena such as sedimentation, hydrostatic pressure and thermally-induced convection. The outcomes of such studies can significantly contribute to many scientific and technological fields, including drug discovery. This article reviews the existing traditional microgravity platforms as well as emerging ideas for enabling microgravity research focusing on SpacePharma's innovative autonomous remote-controlled microgravity labs that can be launched to space aboard nanosatellites to perform drug research in orbit. The scientific literature is reviewed and examples of life science fields that have benefited from studies in microgravity conditions are given. These include the use of microgravity environment for chemical applications (protein crystallization, drug polymorphism, self-assembly of biomolecules), pharmaceutical studies (microencapsulation, drug delivery systems, behavior and stability of colloidal formulations, antibiotic drug resistance), and biological research, including accelerated models for aging, investigation of bacterial virulence , tissue engineering using organ-on-chips in space, enhanced stem cells proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimon Amselem
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD, 1st Aba Even Av, 4672519, Herzliya Pituach, Israel. .,SpacePharma SA, Rue l'Armeratte 3, 2950, Courgenay, Switzerland.
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20
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Space Station conditions are selective but do not alter microbial characteristics relevant to human health. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3990. [PMID: 31488812 PMCID: PMC6728350 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique habitat for humans and microorganisms. Here, we report the results of the ISS experiment EXTREMOPHILES, including the analysis of microbial communities from several areas aboard at three time points. We assess microbial diversity, distribution, functional capacity and resistance profile using a combination of cultivation-independent analyses (amplicon and shot-gun sequencing) and cultivation-dependent analyses (physiological and genetic characterization of microbial isolates, antibiotic resistance tests, co-incubation experiments). We show that the ISS microbial communities are highly similar to those present in ground-based confined indoor environments and are subject to fluctuations, although a core microbiome persists over time and locations. The genomic and physiological features selected by ISS conditions do not appear to be directly relevant to human health, although adaptations towards biofilm formation and surface interactions were observed. Our results do not raise direct reason for concern with respect to crew health, but indicate a potential threat towards material integrity in moist areas. The International Space Station is a unique habitat for humans and microbes. Here, Mora et al. analyze microbial communities from several areas aboard, finding similarities with those of ground-based indoor environments, as well as adaptations towards biofilm formation but not necessarily relevant to human health.
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21
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Morabito C, Lanuti P, Caprara GA, Marchisio M, Bizzarri M, Guarnieri S, Mariggiò MA. Physiological Responses of Jurkat Lymphocytes to Simulated Microgravity Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081892. [PMID: 30999563 PMCID: PMC6515345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of microgravity conditions deeply affects the human body functions at the systemic, organ and cellular levels. This study aimed to investigate the effects induced by simulated-microgravity on non-stimulated Jurkat lymphocytes, an immune cell phenotype considered as a biosensor of the body responses, in order to depict at the cellular level the effects of such a peculiar condition. Jurkat cells were grown at 1 g or on random positioning machine simulating microgravity. On these cells we performed: morphological, cell cycle and proliferation analyses using cytofluorimetric and staining protocols—intracellular Ca2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria membrane potential and O2− measurements using fluorescent probes—aconitase and mitochondria activity, glucose and lactate content using colorimetric assays. After the first exposure days, the cells showed a more homogeneous roundish shape, an increased proliferation rate, metabolic and detoxifying activity resulted in decreased intracellular Ca2+ and ROS. In the late exposure time, the cells adapted to the new environmental condition. Our non-activated proliferating Jurkat cells, even if responsive to altered external forces, adapted to the new environmental condition showing a healthy status. In order to define the cellular mechanism(s) triggered by microgravity, developing standardized experimental approaches and controlled cell culture and simulator conditions is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giusy A Caprara
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 06100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Maria A Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
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22
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Spielmann G, Agha N, Kunz H, Simpson RJ, Crucian B, Mehta S, Laughlin M, Campbell J. B cell homeostasis is maintained during long-duration spaceflight. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 126:469-476. [PMID: 30496712 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00789.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflights reportedly induce immune dysregulation, which is considered a risk to astronaut safety and mission success. Recent studies have examined the impact of spaceflight on markers of adaptive and innate immunity, but no study, to date, has comprehensively evaluated humoral immunity and serological markers of B cell function. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in B cell numbers and phenotypes, along with plasma Igs and polyclonal free light chains (FLCs)-near-"real-time" biomarkers of Ig synthesis-in response to an ~6-mo mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Whole-blood samples were collected before flight, during flight ("Early flight," "Mid-flight," and "Late flight"), immediately upon return, and during a recovery period (R + 18, R + 30/R + 33, and R + 60/R + 66) from 23 ISS crew members. B Cell counts and phenotypes were measured throughout the duration of the mission, along with total plasma Ig and FLC levels. There was no effect of spaceflight on the number and proportion of the different B cell subsets. There was no difference in kappa FLC between preflight samples and either in-flight or recovery samples ( P > 0.05), and only a marginal reduction was observed in lambda FLC levels upon return to Earth ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, IgG and IgM remained unchanged during and after spaceflight compared with preflight values ( P > 0.05). Of note, plasma IgA concentrations were elevated in-flight compared with baseline and recovery values ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that B cell homeostasis is maintained during long-duration spaceflight, advocating for potential in-flight vaccination as viable countermeasures against viral reactivation during exploration-class missions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Agha
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas
| | - Hawley Kunz
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine , Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Brian Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Satish Mehta
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Mitzi Laughlin
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,Fondren Orthopedic Group, Fondren Orthopedic Research Institute , Houston, Texas
| | - John Campbell
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana.,Department for Health, University of Bath , Bath , United Kingdom
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23
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Low EK, Brudvik E, Kuhlman B, Wilson PF, Almeida-Porada G, Porada CD. Microgravity Impairs DNA Damage Repair in Human Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells and Inhibits Their Differentiation into Dendritic Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1257-1267. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erica K. Low
- Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Egil Brudvik
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Bradford Kuhlman
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Paul F. Wilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Graça Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Christopher D. Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
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24
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Makedonas G, Chouker A, Mehta S, Simpson R, Stowe R, Sams C, Pierson D, Crucian B. Mechanistic Clues to Overcome Spaceflight-Induced Immune Dysregulation. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40139-018-0178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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25
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Cromer WE, Zawieja DC. Acute exposure to space flight results in evidence of reduced lymph Transport, tissue fluid Shifts, and immune alterations in the rat gastrointestinal system. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 17:74-82. [PMID: 29753416 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Space flight causes a number of alterations in physiological systems, changes in the immunological status of subjects, and altered interactions of the host to environmental stimuli. We studied the effect of space flight on the lymphatic system of the gastrointestinal tract which is responsible for lipid transport and immune surveillance which includes the host interaction with the gut microbiome. We found that there were signs of tissue damage present in the space flown animals that was lacking in ground controls (epithelial damage, crypt morphological changes, etc.). Additionally, morphology of the lymphatic vessels in the tissue suggested a collapsed state at time of harvest and there was a profound change in the retention of lipid in the villi of the ileum. Contrary to our assumptions there was a reduction in tissue fluid volume likely associated with other fluid shifts described. The reduction of tissue fluid volume in the colon and ileum is a likely contributing factor to the state of the lymphatic vessels and lipid transport issues observed. There were also associated changes in the number of MHC-II+ immune cells in the colon tissue, which along with reduced lymphatic competence would favor immune dysfunction in the tissue. These findings help expand our understanding of the effects of space flight on various organ systems. It also points out potential issues that have not been closely examined and have to potential for the need of countermeasure development.
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Affiliation(s)
- W E Cromer
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, United States.
| | - D C Zawieja
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, United States
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26
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Almeida-Porada G, Rodman C, Kuhlman B, Brudvik E, Moon J, George S, Guida P, Sajuthi SP, Langefeld CD, Walker SJ, Wilson PF, Porada CD. Exposure of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment to Simulated Solar and Galactic Cosmic Radiation Induces Biological Bystander Effects on Human Hematopoiesis. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1237-1256. [PMID: 29698131 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The stem cell compartment of the hematopoietic system constitutes one of the most radiosensitive tissues of the body and leukemias represent one of the most frequent radiogenic cancers with short latency periods. As such, leukemias may pose a particular threat to astronauts during prolonged space missions. Control of hematopoiesis is tightly governed by a specialized bone marrow (BM) microenvironment/niche. As such, any environmental insult that damages cells of this niche would be expected to produce pronounced effects on the types and functionality of hematopoietic/immune cells generated. We recently reported that direct exposure of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) to simulated solar energetic particle (SEP) and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) radiation dramatically altered the differentiative potential of these cells, and that simulated GCR exposures can directly induce DNA damage and mutations within human HSC, which led to leukemic transformation when these cells repopulated murine recipients. In this study, we performed the first in-depth examination to define changes that occur in mesenchymal stem cells present in the human BM niche following exposure to accelerated protons and iron ions and assess the impact these changes have upon human hematopoiesis. Our data provide compelling evidence that simulated SEP/GCR exposures can also contribute to defective hematopoiesis/immunity through so-called "biological bystander effects" by damaging the stromal cells that comprise the human marrow microenvironment, thereby altering their ability to support normal hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Almeida-Porada
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Christopher Rodman
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Bradford Kuhlman
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Egil Brudvik
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - John Moon
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sunil George
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Peter Guida
- 2 Biological, Environmental, and Climate Sciences Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory , Upton, New York
| | - Satria P Sajuthi
- 3 Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Center for Public Health Genomics , Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Carl D Langefeld
- 3 Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Center for Public Health Genomics , Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Stephen J Walker
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Paul F Wilson
- 4 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center , Sacramento, California
| | - Christopher D Porada
- 1 Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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27
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Aunins TR, Erickson KE, Prasad N, Levy SE, Jones A, Shrestha S, Mastracchio R, Stodieck L, Klaus D, Zea L, Chatterjee A. Spaceflight Modifies Escherichia coli Gene Expression in Response to Antibiotic Exposure and Reveals Role of Oxidative Stress Response. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:310. [PMID: 29615983 PMCID: PMC5865062 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria grown in space experiments under microgravity conditions have been found to undergo unique physiological responses, ranging from modified cell morphology and growth dynamics to a putative increased tolerance to antibiotics. A common theory for this behavior is the loss of gravity-driven convection processes in the orbital environment, resulting in both reduction of extracellular nutrient availability and the accumulation of bacterial byproducts near the cell. To further characterize the responses, this study investigated the transcriptomic response of Escherichia coli to both microgravity and antibiotic concentration. E. coli was grown aboard International Space Station in the presence of increasing concentrations of the antibiotic gentamicin with identical ground controls conducted on Earth. Here we show that within 49 h of being cultured, E. coli adapted to grow at higher antibiotic concentrations in space compared to Earth, and demonstrated consistent changes in expression of 63 genes in response to an increase in drug concentration in both environments, including specific responses related to oxidative stress and starvation response. Additionally, we find 50 stress-response genes upregulated in response to the microgravity when compared directly to the equivalent concentration in the ground control. We conclude that the increased antibiotic tolerance in microgravity may be attributed not only to diminished transport processes, but also to a resultant antibiotic cross-resistance response conferred by an overlapping effect of stress response genes. Our data suggest that direct stresses of nutrient starvation and acid-shock conveyed by the microgravity environment can incidentally upregulate stress response pathways related to antibiotic stress and in doing so contribute to the increased antibiotic stress tolerance observed for bacteria in space experiments. These results provide insights into the ability of bacteria to adapt under extreme stress conditions and potential strategies to prevent antimicrobial-resistance in space and on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Aunins
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Keesha E Erickson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Nripesh Prasad
- Genomic Services Laboratory, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Shawn E Levy
- Genomic Services Laboratory, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Angela Jones
- Genomic Services Laboratory, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Shristi Shrestha
- Genomic Services Laboratory, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Rick Mastracchio
- Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Louis Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - David Klaus
- Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Anushree Chatterjee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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28
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Successful amplification of DNA aboard the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2017; 3:26. [PMID: 29167819 PMCID: PMC5691047 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-017-0033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As the range and duration of human ventures into space increase, it becomes imperative that we understand the effects of the cosmic environment on astronaut health. Molecular technologies now widely used in research and medicine will need to become available in space to ensure appropriate care of astronauts. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for DNA analysis, yet its potential for use on-orbit remains under-explored. We describe DNA amplification aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through the use of a miniaturized miniPCR system. Target sequences in plasmid, zebrafish genomic DNA, and bisulfite-treated DNA were successfully amplified under a variety of conditions. Methylation-specific primers differentially amplified bisulfite-treated samples as would be expected under standard laboratory conditions. Our findings establish proof of concept for targeted detection of DNA sequences during spaceflight and lay a foundation for future uses ranging from environmental monitoring to on-orbit diagnostics.
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29
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Bradley JH, Stein R, Randolph B, Molina E, Arnold JP, Gregg RK. T cell resistance to activation by dendritic cells requires long-term culture in simulated microgravity. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2017; 15:55-61. [PMID: 29198314 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune impairment mediated by microgravity threatens the success of space exploration requiring long-duration spaceflight. The cells of most concern, T lymphocytes, coordinate the host response against microbial and cancerous challenges leading to elimination and long-term protection. T cells are activated upon recognition of specific microbial peptides bound on the surface of antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DC). Subsequently, this engagement results in T cell proliferation and differentiation into effector T cells driven by autocrine interleukin-2 (IL-2) and other cytokines. Finally, the effector T cells acquire the weaponry needed to destroy microbial invaders and tumors. Studies conducted on T cells during spaceflight, or using Earth-based culture systems, have shown reduced production of cytokines, proliferation and effector functions as compared to controls. This may account for the cases of viral reactivation events and opportunistic infections associated with astronauts of numerous missions. This work has largely been based upon the outcome of T cell activation by stimulatory factors that target select T cell signaling pathways rather than the complex, signaling events related to the natural process of antigen presentation by DC. This study tested the response of an ovalbumin peptide-specific T cell line, OT-II TCH, to activation by DC when the T cells were cultured 24-120 h in a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment generated by a rotary cell culture system. Following 72 h culture of T cells in SMG (SMG-T) or control static (Static-T) conditions, IL-2 production by the T cells was reduced in SMG-T cells compared to Static-T cells upon stimulation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. However, when the SMG-T cells were stimulated with DC and peptide, IL-2 was significantly increased compared to Static-T cells. Such enhanced IL-2 production by SMG-T cells peaked at 72 h SMG culture time and decreased thereafter. When activation of SMG-T cells occurred in SMG, the T cells produced less IL-2 than control T cell cultures upon incubation with PMA and ionomycin. Short-term (24 h) SMG culture and activation of T cells by DC resulted in enhanced IL-2 production compared to Static-T cells, however, when culture was extended to 120 h, SMG-T cells secreted significantly less IL-2 than Static-T cells. SMG-T cell IL-2 doubled upon stimulation of the DC prior to addition to the T cell culture but remained less than control. SMG-T cell resistance to activation appeared comparable to the phenomenon of T cell exhaustion observed in patients with chronic diseases or persistent tumors. That is, long-term culture of T cells in SMG resulted in increased expression of the inhibitory receptor, CTLA-4. Blockade of CTLA-4 interaction with DC ligands resulted in improved T cell IL-2 production. Overall, this is the first study to determine the efficacy of DC in activating peptide-specific T cells. Furthermore, the findings suggests that countermeasures to restore T cell responsiveness in astronauts during long-term spaceflight or those living in microgravity environments should target possible inhibitory pathways that arise on activated T cells following stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian H Bradley
- Magnolia Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, 412 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 United States
| | - Rachel Stein
- Magnolia Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, 412 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 United States
| | - Brad Randolph
- Magnolia Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, 412 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 United States
| | - Emily Molina
- Magnolia Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, 412 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 United States
| | - Jennifer P Arnold
- Magnolia Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, 412 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 United States
| | - Randal K Gregg
- Magnolia Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, 412 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 United States.
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30
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Van Ombergen A, Laureys S, Sunaert S, Tomilovskaya E, Parizel PM, Wuyts FL. Spaceflight-induced neuroplasticity in humans as measured by MRI: what do we know so far? NPJ Microgravity 2017. [PMID: 28649624 PMCID: PMC5445591 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-016-0010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel poses an enormous challenge on the human body; microgravity, ionizing radiation, absence of circadian rhythm, confinement and isolation are just some of the features associated with it. Obviously, all of the latter can have an impact on human physiology and even induce detrimental changes. Some organ systems have been studied thoroughly under space conditions, however, not much is known on the functional and morphological effects of spaceflight on the human central nervous system. Previous studies have already shown that central nervous system changes occur during and after spaceflight in the form of neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function and sensory perception, cephalic fluid shifts and psychological disturbances. However, little is known about the underlying neural substrates. In this review, we discuss the current limited knowledge on neuroplastic changes in the human central nervous system associated with spaceflight (actual or simulated) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging-based techniques. Furthermore, we discuss these findings as well as their future perspectives, since this can encourage future research into this delicate and intriguing aspect of spaceflight. Currently, the literature suffers from heterogeneous experimental set-ups and therefore, the lack of comparability of findings among studies. However, the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor and somatosensory areas and vestibular-related pathways seem to be involved across different studies, suggesting that these brain regions are most affected by (simulated) spaceflight. Extending this knowledge is crucial, especially with the eye on long-duration interplanetary missions (e.g. Mars) and space tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Van Ombergen
- Antwerp University Research Centre for Equilibrium and Aerospace (AUREA), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk (Antwerp), 2610 Belgium.,Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research & Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stefan Sunaert
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Translational MRI, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- SSC RF-Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Paul M Parizel
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Floris L Wuyts
- Antwerp University Research Centre for Equilibrium and Aerospace (AUREA), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium.,Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium
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31
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In vitro and in vivo assessment of direct effects of simulated solar and galactic cosmic radiation on human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Leukemia 2016; 31:1398-1407. [PMID: 27881872 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Future deep space missions to Mars and near-Earth asteroids will expose astronauts to chronic solar energetic particles (SEP) and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) radiation, and likely one or more solar particle events (SPEs). Given the inherent radiosensitivity of hematopoietic cells and short latency period of leukemias, space radiation-induced hematopoietic damage poses a particular threat to astronauts on extended missions. We show that exposing human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC) to extended mission-relevant doses of accelerated high-energy protons and iron ions leads to the following: (1) introduces mutations that are frequently located within genes involved in hematopoiesis and are distinct from those induced by γ-radiation; (2) markedly reduces in vitro colony formation; (3) markedly alters engraftment and lineage commitment in vivo; and (4) leads to the development, in vivo, of what appears to be T-ALL. Sequential exposure to protons and iron ions (as typically occurs in deep space) proved far more deleterious to HSC genome integrity and function than either particle species alone. Our results represent a critical step for more accurately estimating risks to the human hematopoietic system from space radiation, identifying and better defining molecular mechanisms by which space radiation impairs hematopoiesis and induces leukemogenesis, as well as for developing appropriately targeted countermeasures.
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32
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McIntyre ABR, Rizzardi L, Yu AM, Alexander N, Rosen GL, Botkin DJ, Stahl SE, John KK, Castro-Wallace SL, McGrath K, Burton AS, Feinberg AP, Mason CE. Nanopore sequencing in microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2016; 2:16035. [PMID: 28725742 PMCID: PMC5515536 DOI: 10.1038/npjmgrav.2016.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid DNA sequencing and analysis has been a long-sought goal in remote research and point-of-care medicine. In microgravity, DNA sequencing can facilitate novel astrobiological research and close monitoring of crew health, but spaceflight places stringent restrictions on the mass and volume of instruments, crew operation time, and instrument functionality. The recent emergence of portable, nanopore-based tools with streamlined sample preparation protocols finally enables DNA sequencing on missions in microgravity. As a first step toward sequencing in space and aboard the International Space Station (ISS), we tested the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION during a parabolic flight to understand the effects of variable gravity on the instrument and data. In a successful proof-of-principle experiment, we found that the instrument generated DNA reads over the course of the flight, including the first ever sequenced in microgravity, and additional reads measured after the flight concluded its parabolas. Here we detail modifications to the sample-loading procedures to facilitate nanopore sequencing aboard the ISS and in other microgravity environments. We also evaluate existing analysis methods and outline two new approaches, the first based on a wave-fingerprint method and the second on entropy signal mapping. Computationally light analysis methods offer the potential for in situ species identification, but are limited by the error profiles (stays, skips, and mismatches) of older nanopore data. Higher accuracies attainable with modified sample processing methods and the latest version of flow cells will further enable the use of nanopore sequencers for diagnostics and research in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa B R McIntyre
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lindsay Rizzardi
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Angela M Yu
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Noah Alexander
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gail L Rosen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Kristen K John
- Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.,NASA Postdoctoral Program, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah L Castro-Wallace
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken McGrath
- Australian Genome Research Facility, Gehrmann Labs, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Aaron S Burton
- Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), New York, NY, USA
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Mora M, Mahnert A, Koskinen K, Pausan MR, Oberauner-Wappis L, Krause R, Perras AK, Gorkiewicz G, Berg G, Moissl-Eichinger C. Microorganisms in Confined Habitats: Microbial Monitoring and Control of Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Cleanrooms and the International Space Station. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1573. [PMID: 27790191 PMCID: PMC5061736 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoor environments, where people spend most of their time, are characterized by a specific microbial community, the indoor microbiome. Most indoor environments are connected to the natural environment by high ventilation, but some habitats are more confined: intensive care units, operating rooms, cleanrooms and the international space station (ISS) are extraordinary living and working areas for humans, with a limited exchange with the environment. The purposes for confinement are different: a patient has to be protected from infections (intensive care unit, operating room), product quality has to be assured (cleanrooms), or confinement is necessary due to extreme, health-threatening outer conditions, as on the ISS. The ISS represents the most secluded man-made habitat, constantly inhabited by humans since November 2000 – and, inevitably, also by microorganisms. All of these man-made confined habitats need to be microbiologically monitored and controlled, by e.g., microbial cleaning and disinfection. However, these measures apply constant selective pressures, which support microbes with resistance capacities against antibiotics or chemical and physical stresses and thus facilitate the rise of survival specialists and multi-resistant strains. In this article, we summarize the available data on the microbiome of aforementioned confined habitats. By comparing the different operating, maintenance and monitoring procedures as well as microbial communities therein, we emphasize the importance to properly understand the effects of confinement on the microbial diversity, the possible risks represented by some of these microorganisms and by the evolution of (antibiotic) resistances in such environments – and the need to reassess the current hygiene standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Mora
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria
| | - Alexander Mahnert
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz Austria
| | - Kaisa Koskinen
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, GrazAustria; BioTechMed-Graz, GrazAustria
| | - Manuela R Pausan
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria
| | | | - Robert Krause
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria
| | - Alexandra K Perras
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, GrazAustria; Department for Microbiology, University of Regensburg, RegensburgGermany
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- BioTechMed-Graz, GrazAustria; Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, GrazAustria
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz Austria
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34
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Hateley S, Hosamani R, Bhardwaj SR, Pachter L, Bhattacharya S. Transcriptomic response of Drosophila melanogaster pupae developed in hypergravity. Genomics 2016; 108:158-167. [PMID: 27621057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Altered gravity can perturb normal development and induce corresponding changes in gene expression. Understanding this relationship between the physical environment and a biological response is important for NASA's space travel goals. We use RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR techniques to profile changes in early Drosophila melanogaster pupae exposed to chronic hypergravity (3g, or three times Earth's gravity). During the pupal stage, D. melanogaster rely upon gravitational cues for proper development. Assessing gene expression changes in the pupae under altered gravity conditions helps highlight gravity-dependent genetic pathways. A robust transcriptional response was observed in hypergravity-treated pupae compared to controls, with 1513 genes showing a significant (q<0.05) difference in gene expression. Five major biological processes were affected: ion transport, redox homeostasis, immune response, proteolysis, and cuticle development. This outlines the underlying molecular and biological changes occurring in Drosophila pupae in response to hypergravity; gravity is important for many biological processes on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Hateley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States.
| | - Ravikumar Hosamani
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 94035, United States.
| | - Shilpa R Bhardwaj
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 94035, United States.
| | - Lior Pachter
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States.
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 94035, United States.
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35
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Zhao L, Gao Y, Mi D, Sun Y. Mining potential biomarkers associated with space flight in Caenorhabditis elegans experienced Shenzhou-8 mission with multiple feature selection techniques. Mutat Res 2016; 791-792:27-34. [PMID: 27573923 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To identify the potential biomarkers associated with space flight, a combined algorithm, which integrates the feature selection techniques, was used to deal with the microarray datasets of Caenorhabditis elegans obtained in the Shenzhou-8 mission. Compared with the ground control treatment, a total of 86 differentially expressed (DE) genes in responses to space synthetic environment or space radiation environment were identified by two filter methods. And then the top 30 ranking genes were selected by the random forest algorithm. Gene Ontology annotation and functional enrichment analyses showed that these genes were mainly associated with metabolism process. Furthermore, clustering analysis showed that 17 genes among these are positive, including 9 for space synthetic environment and 8 for space radiation environment only. These genes could be used as the biomarkers to reflect the space environment stresses. In addition, we also found that microgravity is the main stress factor to change the expression patterns of biomarkers for the short-duration spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Gao
- Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shushanhu Road 350, Hefei 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Mi
- Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Rithidech KN, Jangiam W, Tungjai M, Gordon C, Honikel L, Whorton EB. Induction of Chronic Inflammation and Altered Levels of DNA Hydroxymethylation in Somatic and Germinal Tissues of CBA/CaJ Mice Exposed to (48)Ti Ions. Front Oncol 2016; 6:155. [PMID: 27446801 PMCID: PMC4921787 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the lung is one of the target organs at risk for cancer induction from exposure to heavy ions found in space, information is insufficient on cellular/molecular responses linked to increased cancer risk. Knowledge of such events may aid in the development of new preventive measures. Furthermore, although it is known that germinal cells are sensitive to X- or γ-rays, there is little information on the effects of heavy ions on germinal cells. Our goal was to investigate in vivo effects of 1 GeV/n (48)Ti ions (one of the important heavy ions found in the space environment) on somatic (lung) and germinal (testis) tissues collected at various times after a whole body irradiation of CBA/CaJ mice (0, 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 Gy, delivered at 1 cGy/min). We hypothesized that (48)Ti-ion-exposure induced damage in both tissues. Lung tissue was collected from each mouse from each treatment group at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postirradiation. For the testis, we collected samples at 6 months postirradiation. Hence, only late-occurring effects of (48)Ti ions in the testis were studied. There were five mice per treatment group at each harvest time. We investigated inflammatory responses after exposure to (48)Ti ions by measuring the levels of activated nuclear factor kappa B and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in both tissues of the same mouse. These measurements were coupled with the quantitation of the levels of global 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Our data clearly showed the induction of chronic inflammation in both tissues of exposed mice. A dose-dependent reduction in global 5hmC was found in the lung at all time-points and in testes collected at 6 months postirradiation. In contrast, significant increases in global 5mC were found only in lung and testes collected at 6 months postirradiation from mice exposed to 0.5 Gy of 1 GeV/n (48)Ti ions. Overall, our data showed that (48)Ti ions may create health risks in both lung and testicular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Witawat Jangiam
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Montree Tungjai
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chris Gordon
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Louise Honikel
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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37
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Zhang H, Ren NT, Zhou FQ, Li J, Lei W, Liu N, Bi L, Wu ZX, Zhang R, Zhang YG, Cui G. Effects of Hindlimb Unweighting on MBP and GDNF Expression and Morphology in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:2433-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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38
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XU XI, LI PINGPING, ZHANG PENG, CHU MING, LIU HONGJU, CHEN XIAOPING, GE QING. Differential effects of Rhodiola rosea on regulatory T cell differentiation and interferon-γ production in vitro and in vivo. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:529-36. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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39
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Sun Y, Hu D, Li L, Jing Z, Wei C, Zhang L, Fu Y, Liu H. Influence mechanism of low-dose ionizing radiation on Escherichia coli DH5α population based on plasma theory and system dynamics simulation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 151 Pt 1:185-192. [PMID: 26479196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
It remains a mystery why the growth rate of bacteria is higher in low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) environment than that in normal environment. In this study, a hypothesis composed of environmental selection and competitive exclusion was firstly proposed from observed phenomena, experimental data and microbial ecology. Then a LDIR environment simulator (LDIRES) was built to cultivate a model organism of bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) DH5α, the accurate response of bacterial population to ionizing radiation intensity variation was measured experimentally, and then the precise relative dosage of ionizing radiation E. coli DH5α population received was calculated by finite element analysis based on drift-diffusion equations of plasma. Finally, a highly valid mathematical model expressing the relationship between E. coli DH5α population and LDIR intensity was developed by system dynamics based on hypotheses, experimental data and microbial ecology. Both experiment and simulation results clearly showed that the E. coli DH5α individuals with greater specific growth rate and lower substrate consumption coefficient would adapt and survive in LDIR environment and those without such adaptability were finally eliminated under the combined effects of ionizing radiation selection and competitive exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical, Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dawei Hu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical, Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zheng Jing
- China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Chuanfeng Wei
- China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Lantao Zhang
- China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Yuming Fu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical, Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
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40
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Abstract
Manned space flight induces a reduction in immune competence among crew and is likely to cause deleterious changes to the composition of the gastrointestinal, nasal, and respiratory bacterial flora, leading to an increased risk of infection. The space flight environment may also affect the susceptibility of microorganisms within the spacecraft to antibiotics, key components of flown medical kits, and may modify the virulence characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms that contaminate the fabric of the International Space Station and other flight platforms. This review will consider the impact of true and simulated microgravity and other characteristics of the space flight environment on bacterial cell behavior in relation to the potential for serious infections that may appear during missions to astronomical objects beyond low Earth orbit.
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41
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Kennedy AR, Crucian B, Huff JL, Klein SL, Morens D, Murasko D, Nickerson CA, Sonnenfeld G. Effects of sex and gender on adaptation to space: immune system. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 23:956-8. [PMID: 25401940 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.4913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on sex and gender effects on immunological alterations occurring during space flight. Sex differences in immune function and the outcome of inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases are well documented. The work of the Immunology Workgroup identified numerous reasons why there could be sex and/or gender differences observed during and after spaceflight, but thus far, there has been very little investigation in this area of research. In most cases, this is due to either a low total number of subjects or the minimal number of female flight crew members available for these studies. Thus, the availability of a sufficient number of female subjects to enable statistical analysis of the data has been a limiting factor. As the inclusion of female crew members has increased in the recent past, such studies should be possible in the future. It is very difficult to obtain immunologic and infectious data in small animals that can be usefully extrapolated to humans undergoing spaceflight. Thus, it is recommended by the Immunology Workgroup that a greater emphasis be placed on studying astronauts themselves, with a focus on long-term evaluations of specific, known infectious risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann R Kennedy
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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42
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Broad-spectrum antibiotic or G-CSF as potential countermeasures for impaired control of bacterial infection associated with an SPE exposure during spaceflight. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120126. [PMID: 25793272 PMCID: PMC4368688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A major risk for astronauts during prolonged space flight is infection as a result of the combined effects of microgravity, situational and confinement stress, alterations in food intake, altered circadian rhythm, and radiation that can significantly impair the immune system and the body’s defense systems. We previously reported a massive increase in morbidity with a decrease in the ability to control a bacterial challenge when mice were maintained under hindlimb suspension (HS) conditions and exposed to solar particle event (SPE)-like radiation. HS and SPE-like radiation treatment alone resulted in a borderline significant increase in morbidity. Therefore, development and testing of countermeasures that can be used during extended space missions in the setting of exposure to SPE radiation becomes a serious need. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of enrofloxacin (an orally bioavailable antibiotic) and Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (Neulasta) on enhancing resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in mice subjected to HS and SPE-like radiation. The results revealed that treatment with enrofloxacin or G-CSF enhanced bacterial clearance and significantly decreased morbidity and mortality in challenged mice exposed to suspension and radiation. These results establish that antibiotics, such as enrofloxacin, and G-CSF could be effective countermeasures to decrease the risk of bacterial infections after exposure to SPE radiation during extended space flight, thereby reducing both the risk to the crew and the danger of mission failure.
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43
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Martinez EM, Yoshida MC, Candelario TLT, Hughes-Fulford M. Spaceflight and simulated microgravity cause a significant reduction of key gene expression in early T-cell activation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 308:R480-8. [PMID: 25568077 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00449.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Healthy immune function depends on precise regulation of lymphocyte activation. During the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Apollo and Shuttle eras, multiple spaceflight studies showed depressed lymphocyte activity under microgravity (μg) conditions. Scientists on the ground use two models of simulated μg (sμg): 1) the rotating wall vessel (RWV) and 2) the random positioning machine (RPM), to study the effects of altered gravity on cell function before advancing research to the true μg when spaceflight opportunities become available on the International Space Station (ISS). The objective of this study is to compare the effects of true μg and sμg on the expression of key early T-cell activation genes in mouse splenocytes from spaceflight and ground animals. For the first time, we compared all three conditions of microgravity spaceflight, RPM, and RWV during immune gene activation of Il2, Il2rα, Ifnγ, and Tagap; moreover, we confirm two new early T-cell activation genes, Iigp1 and Slamf1. Gene expression for all samples was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Our results demonstrate significantly increased gene expression in activated ground samples with suppression of mouse immune function in spaceflight, RPM, and RWV samples. These findings indicate that sμg models provide an excellent test bed for scientists to develop baseline studies and augment true μg in spaceflight experiments. Ultimately, sμg and spaceflight studies in lymphocytes may provide insight into novel regulatory pathways, benefiting both future astronauts and those here on earth suffering from immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Martinez
- Hughes-Fulford Laboratory, Department of Medicine Metabolism Division San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Miya C Yoshida
- Hughes-Fulford Laboratory, Department of Medicine Metabolism Division San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Tara Lynne T Candelario
- Hughes-Fulford Laboratory, Department of Medicine Metabolism Division San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Millie Hughes-Fulford
- Hughes-Fulford Laboratory, Department of Medicine Metabolism Division San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California; and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Liu T, Pei H, Xu D, Zhang Y, Wan J, Wu X, Zhang X, Sun F, He J, Li P, Tian N, Wang J, Chen W, Zhou G. GANRA-5 protects mice from X-ray irradiation-induced dysfunction of the immune system. Free Radic Res 2014; 48:875-82. [DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2014.919389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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45
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Kim HW, Matin A, Rhee MS. Microgravity alters the physiological characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, ATCC 43889, and ATCC 43895 under different nutrient conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:2270-8. [PMID: 24487539 PMCID: PMC3993155 DOI: 10.1128/aem.04037-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide understanding of microgravity effects on important food-borne bacteria, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, ATCC 43889, and ATCC 43895, cultured in nutrient-rich or minimal medium. Physiological characteristics, such as growth (measured by optical density and plating), cell morphology, and pH, were monitored under low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG; space conditions) and normal gravity (NG; Earth conditions). In nutrient-rich medium, all strains except ATCC 35150 showed significantly higher optical density after 6 h of culture under LSMMG conditions than under NG conditions (P < 0.05). LSMMG-cultured cells were approximately 1.8 times larger than NG-cultured cells at 24 h; therefore, it was assumed that the increase in optical density was due to the size of individual cells rather than an increase in the cell population. The higher pH of the NG cultures relative to that of the LSMMG cultures suggests that nitrogen metabolism was slower in the latter. After 24 h of culturing in minimal media, LSMMG-cultured cells had an optical density 1.3 times higher than that of NG-cultured cells; thus, the higher optical density in the LSMMG cultures may be due to an increase in both cell size and number. Since bacteria actively grew under LSMMG conditions in minimal medium despite the lower pH, it is of some concern that LSMMG-cultured E. coli O157:H7 may be able to adapt well to acidic environments. These changes may be caused by changes in nutrient metabolism under LSMMG conditions, although this needs to be demonstrated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. W. Kim
- Department of Food Bioscience and Technology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - A. Matin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sherman Fairchild Science Building, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - M. S. Rhee
- Department of Food Bioscience and Technology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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46
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Risk assessment of space radiation during manned space flights. RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-013-0277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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47
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Li M, Holmes V, Zhou Y, Ni H, Sanzari JK, Kennedy AR, Weissman D. Hindlimb suspension and SPE-like radiation impairs clearance of bacterial infections. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85665. [PMID: 24454913 PMCID: PMC3893249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A major risk of extended space travel is the combined effects of weightlessness and radiation exposure on the immune system. In this study, we used the hindlimb suspension model of microgravity that includes the other space stressors, situational and confinement stress and alterations in food intake, and solar particle event (SPE)-like radiation to measure the combined effects on the ability to control bacterial infections. A massive increase in morbidity and decrease in the ability to control bacterial growth was observed using 2 different types of bacteria delivered by systemic and pulmonary routes in 3 different strains of mice. These data suggest that an astronaut exposed to a strong SPE during extended space travel is at increased risk for the development of infections that could potentially be severe and interfere with mission success and astronaut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghong Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Veronica Holmes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yu Zhou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Houping Ni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jenine K. Sanzari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ann R. Kennedy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Drew Weissman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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Xu X, Tan C, Li P, Zhang S, Pang X, Liu H, Li L, Sun X, Zhang Y, Wu H, Chen X, Ge Q. Changes of cytokines during a spaceflight analog--a 45-day head-down bed rest. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77401. [PMID: 24143230 PMCID: PMC3797033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight is associated with deregulation in the immune system. Head-down bed rest (HDBR) at -6° is believed to be the most practical model for examining multi-system responses to microgravity in humans during spaceflight. In the present study, a 45-day HDBR was performed to investigate the alterations in human immune cell distributions and their functions in response to various stimuli. The effect of countermeasure, Rhodiola rosea (RR) treatment, was also examined. A significant decrease of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) productions by activated T cells, increase of IL-1β and IL-18 by activated B and myeloid cells were observed during HDBR. The upregulation of serum cortisol was correlated with the changes of IL-1 family cytokines. In addition, a significant increase of memory T and B cell and regulatory T cells (Treg) were also detected. The uptake of RR further decreased IFN-γ level and slowed down the upregulation of IL-1 family cytokines. These data suggest that for prolonged HDBR and spaceflight, the decreased protective T cell immunity and enhanced proinflammatory cytokines should be closely monitored. The treatment with RR may play an important role in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines but not in boosting protective T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Pingping Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shusong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuewen Pang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hongju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hounan Wu
- Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (QG); (HW); (XC)
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (QG); (HW); (XC)
| | - Qing Ge
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (QG); (HW); (XC)
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Huyan T, Li Q, Yang H, Jin ML, Zhang MJ, Ye LJ, Li J, Huang QS, Yin DC. Protective effect of polysaccharides on simulated microgravity-induced functional inhibition of human NK cells. Carbohydr Polym 2013; 101:819-27. [PMID: 24299844 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Polysaccharides are believed to be strong immunostimulants that can promote the proliferation and activity of T cells, B cells, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of five polysaccharides (Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), lentinan (LNT), G. lucidum polysaccharide (GLP), Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and yeast glucan (YG)) on primary human NK cells under normal or simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions. Our results demonstrated that polysaccharides markedly promoted the cytotoxicity of NK cells by enhancing IFN-γ and perforin secretion and increasing the expression of the activating receptor NKp30 under normal conditions. Meanwhile polysaccharides can enhance NK cell function under SMG conditions by restoring the expression of the activating receptor NKG2D and reducing the early apoptosis and late apoptosis/necrosis. Moreover, the antibody neutralization test showed that CR3 may be the critical receptor involved in polysaccharides induced NK cells activation. These findings indicated that polysaccharides may be used as immune regulators to promote the health of the public and astronauts during space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Huyan
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi Xilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi Xilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
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50
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Sanzari JK, Romero-Weaver AL, James G, Krigsfeld G, Lin L, Diffenderfer ES, Kennedy AR. Leukocyte activity is altered in a ground based murine model of microgravity and proton radiation exposure. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71757. [PMID: 23977138 PMCID: PMC3743739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system adaptation during spaceflight is a concern in space medicine. Decreased circulating leukocytes observed during and after space flight infer suppressed immune responses and susceptibility to infection. The microgravity aspect of the space environment has been simulated on Earth to study adverse biological effects in astronauts. In this report, the hindlimb unloading (HU) model was employed to investigate the combined effects of solar particle event-like proton radiation and simulated microgravity on immune cell parameters including lymphocyte subtype populations and activity. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell critical for adaptive immune responses and T lymphocytes are regulators of cell-mediated immunity, controlling the entire immune response. Mice were suspended prior to and after proton radiation exposure (2 Gy dose) and total leukocyte numbers and splenic lymphocyte functionality were evaluated on days 4 or 21 after combined HU and radiation exposure. Total white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts are reduced by approximately 65%, 70%, 55%, and 70%, respectively, compared to the non-treated control group at 4 days after combined exposure. Splenic lymphocyte subpopulations are altered at both time points investigated. At 21 days post-exposure to combined HU and proton radiation, T cell activation and proliferation were assessed in isolated lymphocytes. Cell surface expression of the Early Activation Marker, CD69, is decreased by 30% in the combined treatment group, compared to the non-treated control group and cell proliferation was suppressed by approximately 50%, compared to the non-treated control group. These findings reveal that the combined stressors (HU and proton radiation exposure) result in decreased leukocyte numbers and function, which could contribute to immune system dysfunction in crew members. This investigation is one of the first to report on combined proton radiation and simulated microgravity effects on hematopoietic, specifically immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenine K. Sanzari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ana L. Romero-Weaver
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle James
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Krigsfeld
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Liyong Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Diffenderfer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ann R. Kennedy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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