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Leuti A, Fava M, Pellegrini N, Forte G, Fanti F, Della Valle F, De Dominicis N, Sergi M, Maccarrone M. Simulated Microgravity Affects Pro-Resolving Properties of Primary Human Monocytes. Cells 2024; 13:100. [PMID: 38201304 PMCID: PMC10778078 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Space-related stressors such as microgravity are associated with cellular and molecular alterations of the immune and inflammatory homeostasis that have been linked to the disorders that astronauts suffer from during their missions. Most of the research of the past 30 years has consistently established that innate adaptive immune cells represent a target of microgravity, which leads to their defective or dysfunctional activation, as well as to an altered ability to produce soluble mediators-e.g., cytokines/chemokines and bioactive lipids-that altogether control tissue homeostasis. Bioactive lipids include a vast array of endogenous molecules of immune origin that control the induction, intensity and outcome of the inflammatory events. However, none of the papers published so far focus on a newly characterized class of lipid mediators called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which orchestrate the "resolution of inflammation"-i.e., the active control and confinement of the inflammatory torrent mostly driven by eicosanoids. SPMs are emerging as crucial players in those processes that avoid acute inflammation to degenerate into a chronic event. Given that SPMs, along with their metabolism and signaling, are being increasingly linked to many inflammatory disorders, their study seems of the outmost importance in the research of pathological processes involved in space-related diseases, also with the perspective of developing therapeutic countermeasures. Here, we show that microgravity, simulated in the rotary cell culture system (RCCS) developed by NASA, rearranges SPM receptors both at the gene and protein level, in human monocytes but not in lymphocytes. Moreover, RCCS treatment reduces the biosynthesis of a prominent SPM like resolvin (Rv) D1. These findings strongly suggest that not only microgravity can impair the functioning of immune cells at the level of bioactive lipids directly involved in proper inflammation, but it does so in a cell-specific manner, possibly perturbing immune homeostasis with monocytes being primary targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marina Fava
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Niccolò Pellegrini
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulia Forte
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Federico Fanti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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2
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Miranda S, Vermeesen R, Radstake WE, Parisi A, Ivanova A, Baatout S, Tabury K, Baselet B. Lost in Space? Unmasking the T Cell Reaction to Simulated Space Stressors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16943. [PMID: 38069265 PMCID: PMC10707245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The space environment will expose astronauts to stressors like ionizing radiation, altered gravity fields and elevated cortisol levels, which pose a health risk. Understanding how the interplay between these stressors changes T cells' response is important to better characterize space-related immune dysfunction. We have exposed stimulated Jurkat cells to simulated space stressors (1 Gy, carbon ions/1 Gy photons, 1 µM hydrocortisone (HC), Mars, moon, and microgravity) in a single or combined manner. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 was measured in the supernatant of Jurkat cells and at the mRNA level. Results show that alone, HC, Mars gravity and microgravity significantly decrease IL-2 presence in the supernatant. 1 Gy carbon ion irradiation showed a smaller impact on IL-2 levels than photon irradiation. Combining exposure to different simulated space stressors seems to have less immunosuppressive effects. Gene expression was less impacted at the time-point collected. These findings showcase a complex T cell response to different conditions and suggest the importance of elevated cortisol levels in the context of space flight, also highlighting the need to use simulated partial gravity technologies to better understand the immune system's response to the space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Miranda
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Randy Vermeesen
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
| | - Wilhelmina E. Radstake
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessio Parisi
- Radiation Protection Dosimetry and Calibration Expert Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Anna Ivanova
- Data Science Institute (DSI), I-BioStat University of Hasselt, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
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3
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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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4
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Li H, Wei H, Padera TP, Baish JW, Munn LL. Computational simulations of the effects of gravity on lymphatic transport. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac237. [PMID: 36712369 PMCID: PMC9802413 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Physical forces, including mechanical stretch, fluid pressure, and shear forces alter lymphatic vessel contractions and lymph flow. Gravitational forces can affect these forces, resulting in altered lymphatic transport, but the mechanisms involved have not been studied in detail. Here, we combine a lattice Boltzmann-based fluid dynamics computational model with known lymphatic mechanobiological mechanisms to investigate the movement of fluid through a lymphatic vessel under the effects of gravity that may either oppose or assist flow. Regularly spaced, mechanical bi-leaflet valves in the vessel enforce net positive flow as the vessel walls contract autonomously in response to calcium and nitric oxide (NO) levels regulated by vessel stretch and shear stress levels. We find that large gravitational forces opposing flow can stall the contractions, leading to no net flow, but transient mechanical perturbations can re-establish pumping. In the case of gravity strongly assisting flow, the contractions also cease due to high shear stress and NO production, which dilates the vessel to allow gravity-driven flow. In the intermediate range of oppositional gravity forces, the vessel actively contracts to offset nominal gravity levels or to modestly assist the favorable hydrostatic pressure gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huabing Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Material Science and Technology, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Huajian Wei
- Department of Material Science and Technology, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Timothy P Padera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - James W Baish
- Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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5
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Abstract
Exploring space is one of the most attractive goals that humanity ever set, notwithstanding, there are some psychological and psychopathological risks that should be considered. Several studies identified some possible hazards of space travels and related physical and psychological consequences on astronauts. If some psychological reactions are obviously inherent to the characteristics of the spaceships (habitability, confinement, psychological, and interpersonal relationships), other (disturbances of sleep-wake cycle, personality changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosomatic symptoms, neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function, and sensory perception) represent a clear warning of possible central nervous system (CNS) alterations, possibly due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Such conditions and eventual CNS changes might compromise the success of missions and the ability to cope with unexpected events and may lead to individual and long-term impairments. Therefore, further studies are needed, perhaps, requiring the birth of a novel branch of psychology/psychiatry that should not only consider the risks related to space exploration, but the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent them.
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6
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Marfia G, Navone SE, Guarnaccia L, Campanella R, Locatelli M, Miozzo M, Perelli P, Della Morte G, Catamo L, Tondo P, Campanella C, Lucertini M, Ciniglio Appiani G, Landolfi A, Garzia E. Space flight and central nervous system: Friends or enemies? Challenges and opportunities for neuroscience and neuro-oncology. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1649-1663. [PMID: 35678198 PMCID: PMC9544848 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Space environment provides many challenges to pilots, astronauts, and space scientists, which are constantly subjected to unique conditions, including microgravity, radiations, hypoxic condition, absence of the day and night cycle, etc. These stressful stimuli have the potential to affect many human physiological systems, triggering physical and biological adaptive changes to re‐establish the homeostatic state. A particular concern regards the risks for the effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system (CNS), as several lines of evidence reported a great impact on neuroplasticity, cognitive functions, neurovestibular system, short‐term memory, cephalic fluid shift, reduction in motor function, and psychological disturbances, especially during long‐term missions. Aside these potential detrimental effects, the other side of the coin reflects the potential benefit of applicating space‐related conditions on Earth‐based life sciences, as cancer research. Here, we focused on examining the effect of real and simulated microgravity on CNS functions, both in humans and in cellular models, browsing the different techniques to experience or mime microgravity on‐ground. Increasing evidence demonstrate that cancer cells, and brain cancer cells in particular, are negatively affected by microgravity, in terms of alteration in cell morphology, proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, representing an advancing novel side of space‐based investigations. Overall, deeper understandings about the mechanisms by which space environment influences CNS and tumor biology may be promisingly translated into many clinical fields, ranging from aerospace medicine to neuroscience and oncology, representing an enormous pool of knowledge for the implementation of countermeasures and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marfia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Elena Navone
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rolando Campanella
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Locatelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical-Surgical Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Perelli
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Della Morte
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Catamo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Tondo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Campanella
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Garzia
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
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7
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Mian A, Aamir Mian M. Space Medicine: Inspiring a new generation of physicians. Postgrad Med J 2022:7150864. [PMID: 37137531 DOI: 10.1136/pmj-2022-141875] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Space medicine is critical in enabling safe human exploration of space. The discipline focuses on supporting human survival, health, and performance in the austere environment of space. It is set to grow ever more important as significant transitions in the standard of space operations in the suborbital, low earth orbit (LEO) and beyond LEO domains will take place in the coming years. NASA along with their international and commercial partners have committed to returning to the Moon through the Artemis missions in this decade with the aim of achieving a permanent sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. Additionally, the development of reusable rockets is set to increase the number and frequency of humans going to space by making space travel more accessible. Commercial spaceflight and missions beyond LEO present many new challenges which space medicine physicians and researchers will need to address. Space medicine operates at the frontier of exploration, engineering, science and medicine. Aviation and Space Medicine (ASM) is the latest specialty to be recognised by the Royal College of Physicians and the General Medical Council in the UK. In this paper, we provide an introduction to space medicine, review the effects of spaceflight on human physiology and health along with countermeasures, medical and surgical issues in space, the varied roles of the ASM physician, challenges to UK space medicine practice and related research, and finally we explore the current representation of space medicine within the undergraduate curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeb Mian
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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8
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Mhatre SD, Iyer J, Puukila S, Paul AM, Tahimic CGT, Rubinstein L, Lowe M, Alwood JS, Sowa MB, Bhattacharya S, Globus RK, Ronca AE. Neuro-consequences of the spaceflight environment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:908-935. [PMID: 34767877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As human space exploration advances to establish a permanent presence beyond the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with NASA's Artemis mission, researchers are striving to understand and address the health challenges of living and working in the spaceflight environment. Exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, isolation and other spaceflight hazards pose significant risks to astronauts. Determining neurobiological and neurobehavioral responses, understanding physiological responses under Central Nervous System (CNS) control, and identifying putative mechanisms to inform countermeasure development are critically important to ensuring brain and behavioral health of crew on long duration missions. Here we provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the effects of spaceflight and of ground-based spaceflight analogs, including simulated weightlessness, social isolation, and ionizing radiation on humans and animals. Further, we discuss dietary and non-dietary countermeasures including artificial gravity and antioxidants, among others. Significant future work is needed to ensure that neural, sensorimotor, cognitive and other physiological functions are maintained during extended deep space missions to avoid potentially catastrophic health and safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Stephanie Puukila
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA; Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98154, USA
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
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9
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Arone A, Ivaldi T, Loganovsky K, Palermo S, Parra E, Flamini W, Marazziti D. The Burden of Space Exploration on the Mental Health of Astronauts: A Narrative Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:237-246. [PMID: 34984067 PMCID: PMC8696290 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Space travel, a topic of global interest, has always been a fascinating matter, as its potential appears to be infinite. The development of advanced technologies has made it possible to achieve objectives previously considered dreams and to widen more and more the limits that the human species can overcome. The dangers that astronauts may face are not minimal, and the impacts on physical and mental health may be significant. Specifically, symptoms of emotional dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, disruption of sleep-wake rhythms, visual phenomena and significant changes in body weight, along with morphological brain changes, are some of the most frequently reported occurrences during space missions. Given the renewed interest and investment on space explorations, the aim of this paper was thus to summarize the evidence of the currently available literature, and to offer an overview of the factors that might impair the psychological well-being and mental health of astronauts. To achieve the goal of this paper, the authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature and collected evidence from articles that successfully fulfilled the purpose of this work. The results of this review demonstrated how the psychological and psychiatric problems occurring during space missions are manifold and related to a multiplicity of variables, thus requiring further attention from the scientific community as new challenges lie ahead, and prevention of mental health of space travelers should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Konstantin Loganovsky
- Department of Radiation Psychoneurology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, State Institution “National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Parra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Walter Flamini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Medical and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
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10
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Kumar A, Tahimic CGT, Almeida EAC, Globus RK. Spaceflight Modulates the Expression of Key Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Related Genes in Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9088. [PMID: 34445793 PMCID: PMC8396460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight causes cardiovascular changes due to microgravity-induced redistribution of body fluids and musculoskeletal unloading. Cardiac deconditioning and atrophy on Earth are associated with altered Trp53 and oxidative stress-related pathways, but the effects of spaceflight on cardiac changes at the molecular level are less understood. We tested the hypothesis that spaceflight alters the expression of key genes related to stress response pathways, which may contribute to cardiovascular deconditioning during extended spaceflight. Mice were exposed to spaceflight for 15 days or maintained on Earth (ground control). Ventricle tissue was harvested starting ~3 h post-landing. We measured expression of select genes implicated in oxidative stress pathways and Trp53 signaling by quantitative PCR. Cardiac expression levels of 37 of 168 genes tested were altered after spaceflight. Spaceflight downregulated transcription factor, Nfe2l2 (Nrf2), upregulated Nox1 and downregulated Ptgs2, suggesting a persistent increase in oxidative stress-related target genes. Spaceflight also substantially upregulated Cdkn1a (p21) and cell cycle/apoptosis-related gene Myc, and downregulated the inflammatory response gene Tnf. There were no changes in apoptosis-related genes such as Trp53. Spaceflight altered the expression of genes regulating redox balance, cell cycle and senescence in cardiac tissue of mice. Thus, spaceflight may contribute to cardiac dysfunction due to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh Kumar
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (A.K.); (E.A.C.A.)
| | | | - Eduardo A. C. Almeida
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (A.K.); (E.A.C.A.)
| | - Ruth K. Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (A.K.); (E.A.C.A.)
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11
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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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12
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Paul AM, Overbey EG, da Silveira WA, Szewczyk N, Nishiyama NC, Pecaut MJ, Anand S, Galazka JM, Mao XW. Immunological and hematological outcomes following protracted low dose/low dose rate ionizing radiation and simulated microgravity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11452. [PMID: 34075076 PMCID: PMC8169688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a ground-based model to simulate spaceflight [21-days of single-housed, hindlimb unloading (HLU) combined with continuous low-dose gamma irradiation (LDR, total dose of 0.04 Gy)], an in-depth survey of the immune and hematological systems of mice at 7-days post-exposure was performed. Collected blood was profiled with a hematology analyzer and spleens were analyzed by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-sequencing). The results revealed negligible differences in immune differentials. However, hematological system analyses of whole blood indicated large disparities in red blood cell differentials and morphology, suggestive of anemia. Murine Reactome networks indicated majority of spleen cells displayed differentially expressed genes (DEG) involved in signal transduction, metabolism, cell cycle, chromatin organization, and DNA repair. Although immune differentials were not changed, DEG analysis of the spleen revealed expression profiles associated with inflammation and dysregulated immune function persist to 1-week post-simulated spaceflight. Additionally, specific regulation pathways associated with human blood disease gene orthologs, such as blood pressure regulation, transforming growth factor-β receptor signaling, and B cell differentiation were noted. Collectively, this study revealed differential immune and hematological outcomes 1-week post-simulated spaceflight conditions, suggesting recovery from spaceflight is an unremitting process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA. .,Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA. .,Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
| | - Eliah G Overbey
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Willian A da Silveira
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Nina C Nishiyama
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Sulekha Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose University, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA
| | - Jonathan M Galazka
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
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13
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Microgravity, Stem Cells, and Cancer: A New Hope for Cancer Treatment. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:5566872. [PMID: 34007284 PMCID: PMC8102114 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5566872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are integrated with the environment where they live. Gravitational force plays an important role in shaping the universe, lives, and even cellular biological processes. Research in the last 40 years has shown how exposure to microgravity changes biological processes. Microgravity has been shown to have significant effects on cellular proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, migration, and gene expression, specifically in tumor cells, and these effects may also exist in stem and cancer stem cells. It has also been shown that microgravity changes the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. Although studies have been carried out in a simulated microgravity environment in cell culture lines, there are few animal experiments or true microgravity studies. Cancer remains one of the most significant problems worldwide. Despite advances in medical science, no definitive strategies have been found for the prevention of cancer formation or to inform treatment. Thus, the microgravity environment is a potential new therapeutic strategy for future cancer treatment. This review will focus on current knowledge on the impact of the microgravity environment on cancer cells, stem cells, and the biological behavior of cancer stem cells.
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14
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Stability of Antimicrobial Drug Molecules in Different Gravitational and Radiation Conditions in View of Applications during Outer Space Missions. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082221. [PMID: 33921448 PMCID: PMC8069917 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of different antimicrobial drugs in terrestrial, microgravity and hypergravity conditions is presented within this review, in connection with their implementation during human space exploration. Drug stability is of utmost importance for applications in outer space. Instabilities may be radiation-induced or micro-/hypergravity produced. The antimicrobial agents used in space may have diminished effects not only due to the microgravity-induced weakened immune response of astronauts, but also due to the gravity and radiation-altered pathogens. In this context, the paper provides schemes and procedures to find reliable ways of fighting multiple drug resistance acquired by microorganisms. It shows that the role of multipurpose medicines modified at the molecular scale by optical methods in long-term space missions should be considered in more detail. Solutions to maintain drug stability, even in extreme environmental conditions, are also discussed, such as those that would be encountered during long-duration space exploratory missions. While the microgravity conditions may not be avoided in space, the suggested approaches deal with the radiation-induced modifications in humans, bacteria and medicines onboard, which may be fought by novel pharmaceutical formulation strategies along with radioprotective packaging and storage.
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15
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Ostheim P, Don Mallawaratchy A, Müller T, Schüle S, Hermann C, Popp T, Eder S, Combs SE, Port M, Abend M. Acute radiation syndrome-related gene expression in irradiated peripheral blood cell populations. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:474-484. [PMID: 33476246 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1876953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a nuclear or radiological event, an early diagnostic tool is needed to distinguish the worried well from those individuals who may later develop life-threatenFing hematologic acute radiation syndrome. We examined the contribution of the peripheral blood's cell populations on radiation-induced gene expression (GE) changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS EDTA-whole-blood from six healthy donors was X-irradiated with 0 and 4Gy and T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, NK-cells and granulocytes were separated using immunomagnetic methods. GE were examined in cell populations and whole blood. RESULTS The cell populations contributed to the total RNA amount with a ratio of 11.6 for T-lymphocytes, 1.2 for B-cells, 1.2 for NK-cells, 1.0 for granulocytes. To estimate the contribution of GE per cell population, the baseline (0Gy) and the radiation-induced fold-change in GE relative to unexposed was considered for each gene. The T-lymphocytes (74.8%/80.5%) contributed predominantly to the radiation-induced up-regulation observed for FDXR/DDB2 and the B-lymphocytes (97.1%/83.8%) for down-regulated POU2AF1/WNT3 with a similar effect on whole blood gene expression measurements reflecting a corresponding order of magnitude. CONCLUSIONS T- and B-lymphocytes contributed predominantly to the radiation-induced up-regulation of FDXR/DDB2 and down-regulation of POU2AF1/WNT3. This study underlines the use of FDXR/DDB2 for biodosimetry purposes and POU2AF1/WNT3 for effect prediction of acute health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ostheim
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Müller
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Schüle
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelius Hermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Popp
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Eder
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Radiation Medicine (IRM), Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), Oberschleißheim, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Abend
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology affiliated to the University Ulm, Munich, Germany
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16
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Gregg RK. Implications of microgravity-induced cell signaling alterations upon cancer cell growth, invasiveness, metastatic potential, and control by host immunity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:107-164. [PMID: 34074492 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The human endeavor to venture beyond the orbit of Earth is challenged by both continuous space radiation and microgravity-induced immune dysfunction. If cancers were to develop in astronauts, it is unclear how these abnormal cells would grow and progress in the microgravity environment. It is unknown if the astronaut's immune response would be able to control or eradicate cancer. A better molecular understanding of how the mechanical force of gravity affects the cell as well as the aggressiveness of cancers and the functionality of host immunity is needed. This review will summarize findings related to microgravity-mediated alterations in the cell cytoskeleton, cell-cell, and cell-extracellular matrix interactions including cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules, selectins, and integrins and related cell signaling. The effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on cell viability, cancer cell growth, invasiveness, angiogenesis, metastasis as well as immune cell functions and the subsequent signaling pathways involved will be discussed. Microgravity-induced alterations in function and signaling of the major anti-cancer immune populations will be examined including natural killer cells, dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Further studies regarding the molecular events impacted by microgravity in both cancer and immune cells will greatly increase the development of therapies to restrict tumor growth and enhance cancer-specific responses for both astronauts and patients on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randal K Gregg
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.
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17
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Willey JS, Britten RA, Blaber E, Tahimic CG, Chancellor J, Mortreux M, Sanford LD, Kubik AJ, Delp MD, Mao XW. The individual and combined effects of spaceflight radiation and microgravity on biologic systems and functional outcomes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:129-179. [PMID: 33902391 PMCID: PMC8274610 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1885283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Both microgravity and radiation exposure in the spaceflight environment have been identified as hazards to astronaut health and performance. Substantial study has been focused on understanding the biology and risks associated with prolonged exposure to microgravity, and the hazards presented by radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPEs) outside of low earth orbit (LEO). To date, the majority of the ground-based analogues (e.g., rodent or cell culture studies) that investigate the biology of and risks associated with spaceflight hazards will focus on an individual hazard in isolation. However, astronauts will face these challenges simultaneously Combined hazard studies are necessary for understanding the risks astronauts face as they travel outside of LEO, and are also critical for countermeasure development. The focus of this review is to describe biologic and functional outcomes from ground-based analogue models for microgravity and radiation, specifically highlighting the combined effects of radiation and reduced weight-bearing from rodent ground-based tail suspension via hind limb unloading (HLU) and partial weight-bearing (PWB) models, although in vitro and spaceflight results are discussed as appropriate. The review focuses on the skeletal, ocular, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and stem cells responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | | | | | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Larry D. Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
| | - Angela J. Kubik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
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18
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Paul AM, Mhatre SD, Cekanaviciute E, Schreurs AS, Tahimic CGT, Globus RK, Anand S, Crucian BE, Bhattacharya S. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio: A Biomarker to Monitor the Immune Status of Astronauts. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564950. [PMID: 33224136 PMCID: PMC7667275 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of spaceflight factors involved in immune dysfunction and the evaluation of biomarkers to assess in-flight astronaut health are essential goals for NASA. An elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a potential biomarker candidate, as leukocyte differentials are altered during spaceflight. In the reduced gravity environment of space, rodents and astronauts displayed elevated NLR and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios (GLR), respectively. To simulate microgravity using two well-established ground-based models, we cultured human whole blood-leukocytes in high-aspect rotating wall vessels (HARV-RWV) and used hindlimb unloaded (HU) mice. Both HARV-RWV simulation of leukocytes and HU-exposed mice showed elevated NLR profiles comparable to spaceflight exposed samples. To assess mechanisms involved, we found the simulated microgravity HARV-RWV model resulted in an imbalance of redox processes and activation of myeloperoxidase-producing inflammatory neutrophils, while antioxidant treatment reversed these effects. In the simulated microgravity HU model, mitochondrial catalase-transgenic mice that have reduced oxidative stress responses showed reduced neutrophil counts, NLR, and a dampened release of selective inflammatory cytokines compared to wildtype HU mice, suggesting simulated microgravity induced oxidative stress responses that triggered inflammation. In brief, both spaceflight and simulated microgravity models caused elevated NLR, indicating this as a potential biomarker for future in-flight immune health monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, United States
| | - Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,KBR, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Ann-Sofie Schreurs
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Sulekha Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
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19
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Turroni S, Magnani M, Kc P, Lesnik P, Vidal H, Heer M. Gut Microbiome and Space Travelers' Health: State of the Art and Possible Pro/Prebiotic Strategies for Long-Term Space Missions. Front Physiol 2020; 11:553929. [PMID: 33013480 PMCID: PMC7505921 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.553929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The upcoming exploration missions will imply a much longer duration than any of the missions flown so far. In these missions, physiological adaptation to the new environment leads to changes in different body systems, such as the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, metabolic and neurobehavioral health and immune function. To keep space travelers healthy on their trip to Moon, Mars and beyond and their return to Earth, a variety of countermeasures need to be provided to maintain body functionality. From research on the International Space Station (ISS) we know today, that for instance prescribing an adequate training regime for each individual with the devices available in the respective spacecraft is still a challenge. Nutrient supply is not yet optimal and must be optimized in exploration missions. Food intake is intrinsically linked to changes in the gut microbiome composition. Most of the microbes that inhabit our body supply ecosystem benefit to the host-microbe system, including production of important resources, bioconversion of nutrients, and protection against pathogenic microbes. The gut microbiome has also the ability to signal the host, regulating the processes of energy storage and appetite perception, and influencing immune and neurobehavioral function. The composition and functionality of the microbiome most likely changes during spaceflight. Supporting a healthy microbiome by respective measures in space travelers might maintain their health during the mission but also support rehabilitation when being back on Earth. In this review we are summarizing the changes in the gut microbiome observed in spaceflight and analog models, focusing particularly on the effects on metabolism, the musculoskeletal and immune systems and neurobehavioral disorders. Since space travelers are healthy volunteers, we focus on the potential of countermeasures based on pre- and probiotics supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbial Ecology of Health, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marciane Magnani
- Laboratory of Microbial Processes in Foods, Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Pukar Kc
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR_S 1166), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Lesnik
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR_S 1166), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Hubert Vidal
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Martina Heer
- International University of Applied Sciences, Bad Reichenhall, Germany.,Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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20
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Dai S, Kong F, Liu C, Xiao F, Dong X, Zhang Y, Wang H. Effect of simulated microgravity conditions of hindlimb unloading on mice hematopoietic and mesenchymal stromal cells. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:2243-2252. [PMID: 32716109 PMCID: PMC7589432 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Conditions in space, such as microgravity, may affect the hematopoietic and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs) of astronauts. However, to date, few detailed phenotype change data about the different type of hematopoietic cells have reported. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (control) and a hindlimb suspension group (treated). After four weeks of hindlimb suspension, we found that this simulated microgravity (sµg) condition could increase the percentage of monocytes and macrophages and decrease the percentage of B lymphocytes and mature red cells in bone marrow. The percentage of B lymphocytes in the spleen and the red blood cell count in peripheral blood also decreased, consistent with the response of bone marrow. The cytoskeleton in the BM‐MSCs was disrupted. The expression levels of hematopoietic‐related genes, such as fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 ligand, granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin‐3, and adipogenic differentiation associated genes, leptin and proliferator‐activated receptor γ type 2, were upregulated under sµg conditions. These results indicated that simulating microgravity can affect the phenotype of certain types of hematopoietic cells and the morphology and gene expression pattern of BM‐MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Dai
- Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fanxuan Kong
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Fengjun Xiao
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiwen Dong
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yikun Zhang
- Department of Hematology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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21
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Validation of Methods to Assess the Immunoglobulin Gene Repertoire in Tissues Obtained from Mice on the International Space Station. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/gsr-2017-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Spaceflight is known to affect immune cell populations. In particular, splenic B-cell numbers decrease during spaceflight and in ground-based physiological models. Although antibody isotype changes have been assessed during and after spaceflight, an extensive characterization of the impact of spaceflight on antibody composition has not been conducted in mice. Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatic tools are now available to assess antibody repertoires. We can now identify immunoglobulin gene-segment usage, junctional regions, and modifications that contribute to specificity and diversity. Due to limitations on the International Space Station, alternate sample collection and storage methods must be employed. Our group compared Illumina MiSeq® sequencing data from multiple sample preparation methods in normal C57Bl/6J mice to validate that sample preparation and storage would not bias the outcome of antibody repertoire characterization. In this report, we also compared sequencing techniques and a bioinformatic workflow on the data output when we assessed the IgH and Igκ variable gene usage. Our bioinformatic workflow has been optimized for Illumina HiSeq® and MiSeq® datasets, and is designed specifically to reduce bias, capture the most information from Ig sequences, and produce a data set that provides other data mining options.
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22
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Validation of a New Rodent Experimental System to Investigate Consequences of Long Duration Space Habitation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2336. [PMID: 32047211 PMCID: PMC7012842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are useful for exploring the health consequences of prolonged spaceflight. Capabilities were developed to perform experiments in low earth orbit with on-board sample recovery, thereby avoiding complications caused by return to Earth. For NASA’s Rodent Research-1 mission, female mice (ten 32 wk C57BL/6NTac; ten 16 wk C57BL/6J) were launched on an unmanned vehicle, then resided on the International Space Station for 21/22d or 37d in microgravity. Mice were euthanized on-orbit, livers and spleens dissected, and remaining tissues frozen in situ for later analyses. Mice appeared healthy by daily video health checks and body, adrenal, and spleen weights of 37d-flight (FLT) mice did not differ from ground controls housed in flight hardware (GC), while thymus weights were 35% greater in FLT than GC. Mice exposed to 37d of spaceflight displayed elevated liver mass (33%) and select enzyme activities compared to GC, whereas 21/22d-FLT mice did not. FLT mice appeared more physically active than respective GC while soleus muscle showed expected atrophy. RNA and enzyme activity levels in tissues recovered on-orbit were of acceptable quality. Thus, this system establishes a new capability for conducting long-duration experiments in space, enables sample recovery on-orbit, and avoids triggering standard indices of chronic stress.
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23
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Tahimic CGT, Paul AM, Schreurs AS, Torres SM, Rubinstein L, Steczina S, Lowe M, Bhattacharya S, Alwood JS, Ronca AE, Globus RK. Influence of Social Isolation During Prolonged Simulated Weightlessness by Hindlimb Unloading. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1147. [PMID: 31572207 PMCID: PMC6753329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hindlimb unloading (HU) model has been used extensively to simulate the cephalad fluid shift and musculoskeletal disuse observed in spaceflight with its application expanding to study immune, cardiovascular and central nervous system responses, among others. Most HU studies are performed with singly housed animals, although social isolation also can substantially impact behavior and physiology, and therefore may confound HU experimental results. Other HU variants that allow for paired housing have been developed although no systematic assessment has been made to understand the effects of social isolation on HU outcomes. Hence, we aimed to determine the contribution of social isolation to tissue responses to HU. To accomplish this, we developed a refinement to the traditional NASA Ames single housing HU system to accommodate social housing in pairs, retaining desirable features of the original design. We conducted a 30-day HU experiment with adult, female mice that were either singly or socially housed. HU animals in both single and social housing displayed expected musculoskeletal deficits versus housing matched, normally loaded (NL) controls. However, select immune and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses were differentially impacted by the HU social environment relative to matched NL controls. HU led to a reduction in % CD4+ T cells in singly housed, but not in socially housed mice. Unexpectedly, HU increased adrenal gland mass in socially housed but not singly housed mice, while social isolation increased adrenal gland mass in NL controls. HU also led to elevated plasma corticosterone levels at day 30 in both singly and socially housed mice. Thus, musculoskeletal responses to simulated weightlessness are similar regardless of social environment with a few differences in adrenal and immune responses. Our findings show that combined stressors can mask, not only exacerbate, select responses to HU. These findings further expand the utility of the HU model for studying possible combined effects of spaceflight stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,KBR, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, United States
| | - Ann-Sofie Schreurs
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,KBR, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samantha M Torres
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, United States
| | - Sonette Steczina
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
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24
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Jiang N, Chen Z, Li B, Guo S, Li A, Zhang T, Fu X, Si S, Cui Y. Effects of rotary cell culture system‐simulated microgravity on the ultrastructure and biological behavior of human MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. PRECISION RADIATION ONCOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pro6.1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jiang
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching Hospital Beijing China
| | | | | | | | - Ao Li
- PLA 306 Hospital Beijing China
| | | | | | | | - Yan Cui
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching Hospital Beijing China
- PLA 306 Hospital Beijing China
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25
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Rettig TA, Nishiyama NC, Pecaut MJ, Chapes SK. Effects of skeletal unloading on the bone marrow antibody repertoire of tetanus toxoid and/or CpG treated C57BL/6J mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 22:16-28. [PMID: 31421845 PMCID: PMC6703179 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight is known to impact the immune system in multiple ways. However, its effect on the antibody repertoire, especially in response to challenge, has not been well characterized. The development of the repertoire has multiple steps that could be affected by spaceflight, including V-(D-)J-gene segment rearrangement and the selection of complementarity determining regions (CDRs); specifically, CDR3, responsible for much of the diversity in the repertoire. We used skeletal unloading with the antiorthostatic suspension (AOS) model to simulate some of the physiological effects associated with spaceflight. Animals ± AOS were challenged with tetanus toxoid (TT) and/or CpG, an adjuvant. Two weeks after challenge, bone marrow was collected and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq 2 × 300 platform. The resulting antibody repertoire was characterized, including V-, D- (heavy only), and J-gene segment usage, constant region usage, CDR3 length, and V(D)J combinations. We detected changes in gene-segment usage in response to AOS, TT, and CpG treatment in both the heavy and light chains. Additionally, changes were seen in the class-switched VH-gene repertoire. Alterations were also detected in V/J pairing for both the heavy and light chains, and changes in CDR3 length. We also detected lower levels of CDR3 AA overlap than detected in the splenic repertoire. These results demonstrate that AOS, TT, and CpG alter the bone marrow antibody repertoire however, it is still unclear from the data whether there is a loss of host antigen-specific responsiveness because of the change in gene use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha A Rettig
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1711 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, USA; Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus St, Chan Shun Pavilion, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Nina C Nishiyama
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus St, Chan Shun Pavilion, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus St, Chan Shun Pavilion, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Stephen K Chapes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1711 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, USA.
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26
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Down-regulation of GATA1-dependent erythrocyte-related genes in the spleens of mice exposed to a space travel. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7654. [PMID: 31114014 PMCID: PMC6529412 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs are critical for regulating acquired immune responses. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of spaceflight on secondary lymphoid organs at the molecular level. We analysed the spleens and lymph nodes from mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit for 35 days, as part of a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency mission. During flight, half of the mice were exposed to 1 g by centrifuging in the ISS, to provide information regarding the effect of microgravity and 1 g exposure during spaceflight. Whole-transcript cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the spleen suggested that erythrocyte-related genes regulated by the transcription factor GATA1 were significantly down-regulated in ISS-flown vs. ground control mice. GATA1 and Tal1 (regulators of erythropoiesis) mRNA expression was consistently reduced by approximately half. These reductions were not completely alleviated by 1 g exposure in the ISS, suggesting that the combined effect of space environments aside from microgravity could down-regulate gene expression in the spleen. Additionally, plasma immunoglobulin concentrations were slightly altered in ISS-flown mice. Overall, our data suggest that spaceflight might disturb the homeostatic gene expression of the spleen through a combination of microgravity and other environmental changes.
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27
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Guéguinou N, Jeandel J, Kaminski S, Baatout S, Ghislin S, Frippiat JP. Modulation of Iberian Ribbed Newt Complement Component C3 by Stressors Similar to those Encountered during a Stay Onboard the International Space Station. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071579. [PMID: 30934839 PMCID: PMC6479312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays an important role in inflammation, innate and acquired immunity, as well as homeostasis. Despite these functions, the effects of spaceflight conditions on the complement system have not yet been intensively studied. Consequently, we investigated the effects of five types of chronic stressors, similar to those encountered during a stay onboard the International Space Station, on C3 expression in larvae of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. We focused on C3 because it is a critical component of this system. These studies were completed by the analysis of adult mice exposed to two models of inflight stressors. Our data show that simulating space radiation, or combining a modification of the circadian rhythm with simulated microgravity, affects the amount of C3 proteins. These results suggest that C3 expression could be modified under real spaceflight conditions, potentially increasing the risk of inflammation and associated tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Guéguinou
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Jérémy Jeandel
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Sandra Kaminski
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, SCK·CEN, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Stéphanie Ghislin
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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28
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Cao D, Song J, Ling S, Niu S, Lu L, Cui Z, Li Y, Hao S, Zhong G, Qi Z, Sun W, Yuan X, Li H, Zhao D, Jin X, Liu C, Wu X, Kan G, Cao H, Kang Y, Yu S, Li Y. Hematopoietic stem cells and lineage cells undergo dynamic alterations under microgravity and recovery conditions. FASEB J 2019; 33:6904-6918. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802421rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dengchao Cao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jinping Song
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shukuan Ling
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shuaishuai Niu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Liang Lu
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Zhengzhi Cui
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuheng Li
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shanshan Hao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Guohui Zhong
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Zhihong Qi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Weijia Sun
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xinxin Yuan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hongxing Li
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Dingsheng Zhao
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Caizhi Liu
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xiaorui Wu
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Guanghan Kan
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hongqing Cao
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
| | - Youmin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shuyang Yu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yingxian Li
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and ApplicationChina Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijingChina
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29
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Hoehn D, Pujol-Canadell M, Young EF, Serban G, Shuryak I, Maerki J, Xu Z, Chowdhury M, Luna AM, Vlada G, Smilenov LB. Effects of High- and Low-LET Radiation on Human Hematopoietic System Reconstituted in Immunodeficient Mice. Radiat Res 2018; 191:162-175. [PMID: 30520704 DOI: 10.1667/rr15148.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, a number of important physiological changes in humans who have traveled on spaceflights have been catalogued. Of major concern are the short- and long-term radiation-induced injuries to the hematopoietic system that may be induced by high-energy galactic cosmic rays encountered on interplanetary space missions. To collect data on the effects of space radiation on the human hematopoietic system in vivo, we used a humanized mouse model. In this study, we irradiated humanized mice with 0.4 Gy of 350 MeV/n 28Si ions, a dose that has been shown to induce tumors in tumor-prone mice and a reference dose that has a relative biological effectiveness of 1 (1 Gy of 250-kVp X rays). Cell counts, cell subset frequency and cytogenetic data were collected from bone marrow spleen and blood of irradiated and control mice at short-term (7, 30 and 60 days) and long-term ( 6 - 7 months) time points postirradiation. The data show a significant short-term effect on the human hematopoietic stem cell counts imparted by both high- and low-LET radiation exposure. The radiation effects on bone marrow, spleen and blood human cell counts and human cell subset frequency were complex but did not alter the functions of the hematopoietic system. The long-term data acquired from high-LET irradiated mice showed complete recovery of the human hematopoietic system in all hematopoietic compartments. The combined results demonstrate that, in spite of early perturbation, the longer term effects of high-LET radiation are not detrimental to human hematopoiesis in our system of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hoehn
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Erik F Young
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Geo Serban
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Igor Shuryak
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Zheng Xu
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Aesis M Luna
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - George Vlada
- a Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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30
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Smith JK. IL-6 and the dysregulation of immune, bone, muscle, and metabolic homeostasis during spaceflight. NPJ Microgravity 2018; 4:24. [PMID: 30534586 PMCID: PMC6279793 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-018-0057-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that exercise-related secretion of IL-6 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells is proportionate to body weight, suggesting that IL-6 is gravisensitive and that suboptimal production of this key cytokine may contribute to homeostatic dysregulations that occur during spaceflight. This review details what is known about the role of this key cytokine in innate and adaptive immunity, hematopoiesis, and in bone, muscle and metabolic homeostasis on Earth and in the microgravity of space and suggests an experimental approach to confirm or disavow the role of IL-6 in space-related dysregulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kelly Smith
- Departments of Academic Affairs and Biomedical Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN USA
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31
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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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32
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Thiel CS, Tauber S, Christoffel S, Huge A, Lauber BA, Polzer J, Paulsen K, Lier H, Engelmann F, Schmitz B, Schütte A, Raig C, Layer LE, Ullrich O. Rapid coupling between gravitational forces and the transcriptome in human myelomonocytic U937 cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13267. [PMID: 30185876 PMCID: PMC6125427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31596-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gravitational force has been constant throughout Earth's evolutionary history. Since the cell nucleus is subjected to permanent forces induced by Earth's gravity, we addressed the question, if gene expression homeostasis is constantly shaped by the gravitational force on Earth. We therefore investigated the transcriptome in force-free conditions of microgravity, determined the time frame of initial gravitational force-transduction to the transcriptome and assessed the role of cation channels. We combined a parabolic flight experiment campaign with a suborbital ballistic rocket experiment employing the human myelomonocytic cell line U937 and analyzed the whole gene transcription by microarray, using rigorous controls for exclusion of effects not related to gravitational force and cross-validation through two fully independent research campaigns. Experiments with the wide range ion channel inhibitor SKF-96365 in combination with whole transcriptome analysis were conducted to study the functional role of ion channels in the transduction of gravitational forces at an integrative level. We detected profound alterations in the transcriptome already after 20 s of microgravity or hypergravity. In microgravity, 99.43% of all initially altered transcripts adapted after 5 min. In hypergravity, 98.93% of all initially altered transcripts adapted after 75 s. Only 2.4% of all microgravity-regulated transcripts were sensitive to the cation channel inhibitor SKF-96365. Inter-platform comparison of differentially regulated transcripts revealed 57 annotated gravity-sensitive transcripts. We assume that gravitational forces are rapidly and constantly transduced into the nucleus as omnipresent condition for nuclear and chromatin structure as well as homeostasis of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora S Thiel
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Svantje Tauber
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Swantje Christoffel
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Huge
- Core Facility Genomic, Medical Faculty of Muenster, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, D3, Domagstrasse 3, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Beatrice A Lauber
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Polzer
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Paulsen
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hartwin Lier
- KEK GmbH, Kemberger Str. 5, 06905, Bad Schmiedeberg, Germany
| | - Frank Engelmann
- KEK GmbH, Kemberger Str. 5, 06905, Bad Schmiedeberg, Germany
- Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Christiane Raig
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Liliana E Layer
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Ullrich
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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A microRNA signature and TGF-β1 response were identified as the key master regulators for spaceflight response. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199621. [PMID: 30044882 PMCID: PMC6059388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Translating fundamental biological discoveries from NASA Space Biology program into health risk from space flights has been an ongoing challenge. We propose to use NASA GeneLab database to gain new knowledge on potential systemic responses to space. Unbiased systems biology analysis of transcriptomic data from seven different rodent datasets reveals for the first time the existence of potential “master regulators” coordinating a systemic response to microgravity and/or space radiation with TGF-β1 being the most common regulator. We hypothesized the space environment leads to the release of biomolecules circulating inside the blood stream. Through datamining we identified 13 candidate microRNAs (miRNA) which are common in all studies and directly interact with TGF-β1 that can be potential circulating factors impacting space biology. This study exemplifies the utility of the GeneLab data repository to aid in the process of performing novel hypothesis–based research.
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Crucian BE, Choukèr A, Simpson RJ, Mehta S, Marshall G, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Heer M, Ponomarev S, Whitmire A, Frippiat JP, Douglas GL, Lorenzi H, Buchheim JI, Makedonas G, Ginsburg GS, Ott CM, Pierson DL, Krieger SS, Baecker N, Sams C. Immune System Dysregulation During Spaceflight: Potential Countermeasures for Deep Space Exploration Missions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1437. [PMID: 30018614 PMCID: PMC6038331 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have established that dysregulation of the human immune system and the reactivation of latent herpesviruses persists for the duration of a 6-month orbital spaceflight. It appears certain aspects of adaptive immunity are dysregulated during flight, yet some aspects of innate immunity are heightened. Interaction between adaptive and innate immunity also seems to be altered. Some crews experience persistent hypersensitivity reactions during flight. This phenomenon may, in synergy with extended duration and galactic radiation exposure, increase specific crew clinical risks during deep space exploration missions. The clinical challenge is based upon both the frequency of these phenomena in multiple crewmembers during low earth orbit missions and the inability to predict which specific individual crewmembers will experience these changes. Thus, a general countermeasure approach that offers the broadest possible coverage is needed. The vehicles, architecture, and mission profiles to enable such voyages are now under development. These include deployment and use of a cis-Lunar station (mid 2020s) with possible Moon surface operations, to be followed by multiple Mars flyby missions, and eventual human Mars surface exploration. Current ISS studies will continue to characterize physiological dysregulation associated with prolonged orbital spaceflight. However, sufficient information exists to begin consideration of both the need for, and nature of, specific immune countermeasures to ensure astronaut health. This article will review relevant in-place operational countermeasures onboard ISS and discuss a myriad of potential immune countermeasures for exploration missions. Discussion points include nutritional supplementation and functional foods, exercise and immunity, pharmacological options, the relationship between bone and immune countermeasures, and vaccination to mitigate herpes (and possibly other) virus risks. As the immune system has sentinel connectivity within every other physiological system, translational effects must be considered for all potential immune countermeasures. Finally, we shall discuss immune countermeasures in the context of their individualized implementation or precision medicine, based on crewmember specific immunological biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E. Crucian
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander Choukèr
- Laboratory of Translational Research “Stress and Immunity”, Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard J. Simpson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Gailen Marshall
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Scott M. Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sara R. Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Martina Heer
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Jean P. Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Nancy, France
| | - Grace L. Douglas
- Human Systems Engineering and Development Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of Translational Research “Stress and Immunity”, Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Geoffrey S. Ginsburg
- Duke Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - C. Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Duane L. Pierson
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Natalie Baecker
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Clarence Sams
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Panesar SS, Ashkan K. Surgery in space. Br J Surg 2018; 105:1234-1243. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There has been renewed public interest in manned space exploration owing to novel initiatives by private and governmental bodies. Long-term goals include manned missions to, and potential colonization of, nearby planets. Travel distances and mission length required for these would render Earth-based treatment and telemedical solutions unfeasible. These issues present an anticipatory challenge to planners, and novel or adaptive medical technologies must therefore be devised to diagnose and treat the range of medical issues that future space travellers will encounter.
Methods
The aim was to conduct a search of the literature pertaining to human physiology, pathology, trauma and surgery in space.
Results
Known physiological alterations include fluid redistribution, cardiovascular changes, bone and muscle atrophy, and effects of ionizing radiation. Potential pathological mechanisms identified include trauma, cancer and common surgical conditions, such as appendicitis.
Conclusion
Potential surgical treatment modalities must consist of self-sufficient and adaptive technology, especially in the face of uncertain pathophysiological mechanisms and logistical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Panesar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - K Ashkan
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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36
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Gaignier F, Legrand-Frossi C, Stragier E, Mathiot J, Merlin JL, Cohen-Salmon C, Lanfumey L, Frippiat JP. A Model of Chronic Exposure to Unpredictable Mild Socio-Environmental Stressors Replicates Some Spaceflight-Induced Immunological Changes. Front Physiol 2018; 9:514. [PMID: 29867558 PMCID: PMC5954118 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, astronauts face radiations, mechanical, and socio-environmental stressors. To determine the impact of chronic socio-environmental stressors on immunity, we exposed adult male mice to chronic unpredictable mild psychosocial and environmental stressors (CUMS model) for 3 weeks. This duration was chosen to simulate a long flight at the human scale. Our data show that this combination of stressors induces an increase of serum IgA, a reduction of normalized splenic mass and tends to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as previously reported during or after space missions. However, CUMS did not modify major splenic lymphocyte sub-populations and the proliferative responses of splenocytes suggesting that these changes could be due to other factors such as gravity changes. Thus, CUMS, which is an easy to implement model, could contribute to deepen our understanding of some spaceflight-associated immune alterations and could be useful to test countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Gaignier
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christine Legrand-Frossi
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Emilien Stragier
- INSERM UMR894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Paris, France
| | - Julianne Mathiot
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Louis Merlin
- Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, Service de Biopathologie and CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Charles Cohen-Salmon
- INSERM U1141, PROTECT, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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37
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Ward C, Rettig TA, Hlavacek S, Bye BA, Pecaut MJ, Chapes SK. Effects of spaceflight on the immunoglobulin repertoire of unimmunized C57BL/6 mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 16:63-75. [PMID: 29475521 PMCID: PMC5826609 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight has been shown to suppress the adaptive immune response, altering the distribution and function of lymphocyte populations. B lymphocytes express highly specific and highly diversified receptors, known as immunoglobulins (Ig), that directly bind and neutralize pathogens. Ig diversity is achieved through the enzymatic splicing of gene segments within the genomic DNA of each B cell in a host. The collection of Ig specificities within a host, or Ig repertoire, has been increasingly characterized in both basic research and clinical settings using high-throughput sequencing technology (HTS). We utilized HTS to test the hypothesis that spaceflight affects the B-cell repertoire. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the impact of spaceflight on the unimmunized Ig repertoire of C57BL/6 mice that were flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the Rodent Research One validation flight in comparison to ground controls. Individual gene segment usage was similar between ground control and flight animals, however, gene segment combinations and the junctions in which gene segments combine was varied among animals within and between treatment groups. We also found that spontaneous somatic mutations in the IgH and Igκ gene loci were not increased. These data suggest that space flight did not affect the B cell repertoire of mice flown and housed on the ISS over a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Ward
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Trisha A Rettig
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Savannah Hlavacek
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Bailey A Bye
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St. Rm 101, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States
| | - Stephen K Chapes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States.
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38
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Thiel CS, Huge A, Hauschild S, Tauber S, Lauber BA, Polzer J, Paulsen K, Lier H, Engelmann F, Schmitz B, Schütte A, Layer LE, Ullrich O. Stability of gene expression in human T cells in different gravity environments is clustered in chromosomal region 11p15.4. NPJ Microgravity 2017; 3:22. [PMID: 28868355 PMCID: PMC5579209 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-017-0028-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, a plethora of in vitro studies with living human cells contributed a vast amount of knowledge about cellular and molecular effects of microgravity. Previous studies focused mostly on the identification of gravity-responsive genes, whereas a multi-platform analysis at an integrative level, which specifically evaluates the extent and robustness of transcriptional response to an altered gravity environment was not performed so far. Therefore, we investigated the stability of gene expression response in non-activated human Jurkat T lymphocytic cells in different gravity environments through the combination of parabolic flights with a suborbital ballistic rocket and 2D clinostat and centrifuge experiments, using strict controls for excluding all possible other factors of influence. We revealed an overall high stability of gene expression in microgravity and identified olfactory gene expression in the chromosomal region 11p15.4 as particularly robust to altered gravity. We identified that classical reference genes ABCA5, GAPDH, HPRT1, PLA2G4A, and RPL13A were stably expressed in all tested gravity conditions and platforms, while ABCA5 and GAPDH were also known to be stably expressed in U937 cells in all gravity conditions. In summary, 10-20% of all transcripts remained totally unchanged in any gravitational environment tested (between 10-4 and 9 g), 20-40% remained unchanged in microgravity (between 10-4 and 10-2 g) and 97-99% were not significantly altered in microgravity if strict exclusion criteria were applied. Therefore, we suppose a high stability of gene expression in microgravity. Comparison with other stressors suggests that microgravity alters gene expression homeostasis not stronger than other environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora S Thiel
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Huge
- Core Facility Genomic, Medical Faculty of Muenster, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, D3, Domagstrasse 3, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Swantje Hauschild
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Svantje Tauber
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Beatrice A Lauber
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Polzer
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Paulsen
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hartwin Lier
- KEK GmbH, Kemberger Str. 5, D-06905 Bad Schmiedeberg, Germany
| | - Frank Engelmann
- KEK GmbH, Kemberger Str. 5, D-06905 Bad Schmiedeberg, Germany.,Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Burkhard Schmitz
- Airbus Defence and Space, Airbus DS GmbH, D-28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Andreas Schütte
- Airbus Defence and Space, Airbus DS GmbH, D-28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Liliana E Layer
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Ullrich
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Machine Design, Engineering Design and Product Development, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Space Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
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39
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Dynamic gene expression response to altered gravity in human T cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5204. [PMID: 28701719 PMCID: PMC5507981 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the dynamics of immediate and initial gene expression response to different gravitational environments in human Jurkat T lymphocytic cells and compared expression profiles to identify potential gravity-regulated genes and adaptation processes. We used the Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 containing 44,699 protein coding genes and 22,829 non-protein coding genes and performed the experiments during a parabolic flight and a suborbital ballistic rocket mission to cross-validate gravity-regulated gene expression through independent research platforms and different sets of control experiments to exclude other factors than alteration of gravity. We found that gene expression in human T cells rapidly responded to altered gravity in the time frame of 20 s and 5 min. The initial response to microgravity involved mostly regulatory RNAs. We identified three gravity-regulated genes which could be cross-validated in both completely independent experiment missions: ATP6V1A/D, a vacuolar H + -ATPase (V-ATPase) responsible for acidification during bone resorption, IGHD3-3/IGHD3-10, diversity genes of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus participating in V(D)J recombination, and LINC00837, a long intergenic non-protein coding RNA. Due to the extensive and rapid alteration of gene expression associated with regulatory RNAs, we conclude that human cells are equipped with a robust and efficient adaptation potential when challenged with altered gravitational environments.
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40
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Rettig TA, Ward C, Pecaut MJ, Chapes SK. Validation of Methods to Assess the Immunoglobulin Gene Repertoire in Tissues Obtained from Mice on the International Space Station. GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH : PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH 2017; 5:2-23. [PMID: 29270444 PMCID: PMC5736159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight is known to affect immune cell populations. In particular, splenic B cell numbers decrease during spaceflight and in ground-based physiological models. Although antibody isotype changes have been assessed during and after space flight, an extensive characterization of the impact of spaceflight on antibody composition has not been conducted in mice. Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatic tools are now available to assess antibody repertoires. We can now identify immunoglobulin gene- segment usage, junctional regions, and modifications that contribute to specificity and diversity. Due to limitations on the International Space Station, alternate sample collection and storage methods must be employed. Our group compared Illumina MiSeq sequencing data from multiple sample preparation methods in normal C57Bl/6J mice to validate that sample preparation and storage would not bias the outcome of antibody repertoire characterization. In this report, we also compared sequencing techniques and a bioinformatic workflow on the data output when we assessed the IgH and Igκ variable gene usage. This included assessments of our bioinformatic workflow on Illumina HiSeq and MiSeq datasets and is specifically designed to reduce bias, capture the most information from Ig sequences, and produce a data set that provides other data mining options. We validated our workflow by comparing our normal mouse MiSeq data to existing murine antibody repertoire studies validating it for future antibody repertoire studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Ward
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda University, CA
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41
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Is spaceflight-induced immune dysfunction linked to systemic changes in metabolism? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174174. [PMID: 28542224 PMCID: PMC5443495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on its final mission (STS-135) on July 8, 2011. After just under 13 days, the shuttle landed safely at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for the last time. Female C57BL/6J mice flew as part of the Commercial Biomedical Testing Module-3 (CBTM-3) payload. Ground controls were maintained at the KSC facility. Subsets of these mice were made available to investigators as part of NASA’s Bio-specimen Sharing Program (BSP). Our group characterized cell phenotype distributions and phagocytic function in the spleen, catecholamine and corticosterone levels in the adrenal glands, and transcriptomics/metabolomics in the liver. Despite decreases in most splenic leukocyte subsets, there were increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related activity. Although there were increases noted in corticosterone levels in both the adrenals and liver, there were no significant changes in catecholamine levels. Furthermore, functional analysis of gene expression and metabolomic profiles suggest that the functional changes are not due to oxidative or psychological stress. Despite changes in gene expression patterns indicative of increases in phagocytic activity (e.g. endocytosis and formation of peroxisomes), there was no corresponding increase in genes related to ROS metabolism. In contrast, there were increases in expression profiles related to fatty acid oxidation with decreases in glycolysis-related profiles. Given the clear link between immune function and metabolism in many ground-based diseases, we propose a similar link may be involved in spaceflight-induced decrements in immune and metabolic function.
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42
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Chen Y, Xu C, Wang P, Cai Y, Ma H. Effect of Long-Term Simulated Microgravity on Immune System and Lung Tissues in Rhesus Macaque. Inflammation 2017; 40:589-600. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-016-0506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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43
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Frippiat JP, Crucian BE, de Quervain DJF, Grimm D, Montano N, Praun S, Roozendaal B, Schelling G, Thiel M, Ullrich O, Choukèr A. Towards human exploration of space: The THESEUS review series on immunology research priorities. NPJ Microgravity 2016; 2:16040. [PMID: 28725745 PMCID: PMC5515533 DOI: 10.1038/npjmgrav.2016.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the immune system occurs during spaceflight and may represent a crew health risk during exploration missions because astronauts are challenged by many stressors. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the biology of immune modulation under spaceflight conditions in order to be able to maintain immune homeostasis under such challenges. In the framework of the THESEUS project whose aim was to develop an integrated life sciences research roadmap regarding human space exploration, experts working in the field of space immunology, and related disciplines, established a questionnaire sent to scientists around the world. From the review of collected answers, they deduced a list of key issues and provided several recommendations such as a maximal exploitation of currently available resources on Earth and in space, and to increase increments duration for some ISS crew members to 12 months or longer. These recommendations should contribute to improve our knowledge about spaceflight effects on the immune system and the development of countermeasures that, beyond astronauts, could have a societal impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicola Montano
- Cardiovascular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anaesthesiology, 'Stress and Immunity' Laboratory, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Thiel
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Ullrich
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Choukèr
- Department of Anaesthesiology, 'Stress and Immunity' Laboratory, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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44
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Gridley DS, Pecaut MJ. Changes in the distribution and function of leukocytes after whole-body iron ion irradiation. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2016; 57:477-491. [PMID: 27380804 PMCID: PMC5045078 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrw051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
High-energy particle radiation could have a considerable impact on health during space missions. This study evaluated C57BL/6 mice on Day 40 after total-body 56Fe26+ irradiation at 0, 1, 2 and 3 gray (Gy). Radiation consistently increased thymus mass (one-way ANOVA: P < 0.005); spleen, liver and lung masses were similar among all groups. In the blood, there was no radiation effect on the white blood cell (WBC) count or major leukocyte types. However, the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and the CD8+ T cytotoxic (Tc) cell count and percentage all decreased, while both the CD4:CD8 (Th:Tc) cell ratio and spontaneous blastogenesis increased, in one or more irradiated groups compared with unirradiated controls (P < 0.05 vs 0 Gy). In contrast, splenic WBC, lymphocyte, B cell and T helper (Th) counts, %B cells and the CD4:CD8 ratio were all significantly elevated, while Tc percentages decreased, in one or more of the irradiated groups compared with controls (P < 0.05 vs 0 Gy). Although there were trends for minor, radiation-induced increases in %CD11b+ granulocytes in the spleen, cells double-labeled with adhesion markers (CD11b+CD54+, CD11b+CD62E+) were normal. Splenocyte spontaneous blastogenesis and that induced by mitogens (PHA, ConA, LPS) was equivalent to normal. In bone marrow, the percentage of cells expressing stem cell markers, Sca-1 and CD34/Sca-1, were low in one or more of the irradiated groups (P < 0.05 vs 0 Gy). Collectively, the data indicate that significant immunological abnormalities still exist more than a month after 56Fe irradiation and that there are differences dependent upon body compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daila S Gridley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Chan Shun Pavilion, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Chan Shun Pavilion, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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45
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Jha R, Wu Q, Singh M, Preininger MK, Han P, Ding G, Cho HC, Jo H, Maher KO, Wagner MB, Xu C. Simulated Microgravity and 3D Culture Enhance Induction, Viability, Proliferation and Differentiation of Cardiac Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30956. [PMID: 27492371 PMCID: PMC4974658 DOI: 10.1038/srep30956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient generation of cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells is critical for their regenerative applications. Microgravity and 3D culture can profoundly modulate cell proliferation and survival. Here, we engineered microscale progenitor cardiac spheres from human pluripotent stem cells and exposed the spheres to simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine for 3 days during their differentiation to cardiomyocytes. This process resulted in the production of highly enriched cardiomyocytes (99% purity) with high viability (90%) and expected functional properties, with a 1.5 to 4-fold higher yield of cardiomyocytes from each undifferentiated stem cell as compared with 3D-standard gravity culture. Increased induction, proliferation and viability of cardiac progenitors as well as up-regulation of genes associated with proliferation and survival at the early stage of differentiation were observed in the 3D culture under simulated microgravity. Therefore, a combination of 3D culture and simulated microgravity can be used to efficiently generate highly enriched cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajneesh Jha
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qingling Wu
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monalisa Singh
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcela K Preininger
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pengcheng Han
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gouliang Ding
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hee Cheol Cho
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin O Maher
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary B Wagner
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chunhui Xu
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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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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47
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Zhang Y, Lu T, Wong M, Wang X, Stodieck L, Karouia F, Story M, Wu H. Transient gene and microRNA expression profile changes of confluent human fibroblast cells in spaceflight. FASEB J 2016; 30:2211-24. [PMID: 26917741 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity, or an altered gravity environment different from the 1 g of the Earth, has been shown to influence global gene expression patterns and protein levels in cultured cells. However, most of the reported studies that have been conducted in space or by using simulated microgravity on the ground have focused on the growth or differentiation of these cells. It has not been specifically addressed whether nonproliferating cultured cells will sense the presence of microgravity in space. In an experiment conducted onboard the International Space Station, confluent human fibroblast cells were fixed after being cultured in space for 3 and 14 d, respectively, to investigate changes in gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in these cells. Results of the experiment showed that on d 3, both the flown and ground cells were still proliferating slowly, as measured by the percentage of Ki-67(+) cells. Gene and miRNA expression data indicated activation of NF-κB and other growth-related pathways that involve hepatocyte growth factor and VEGF as well as the down-regulation of the Let-7 miRNA family. On d 14, when the cells were mostly nonproliferating, the gene and miRNA expression profile of the flight sample was indistinguishable from that of the ground sample. Comparison of gene and miRNA expressions in the d 3 samples, with respect to d 14, revealed that most of the changes observed on d 3 were related to cell growth for both the flown and ground cells. Analysis of cytoskeletal changes via immunohistochemistry staining of the cells with antibodies for α-tubulin and fibronectin showed no difference between the flown and ground samples. Taken together, our study suggests that in true nondividing human fibroblast cells in culture, microgravity experienced in space has little effect on gene and miRNA expression profiles.-Zhang, Y., Lu, T., Wong, M., Wang, X., Stodieck, L., Karouia, F., Story, M., Wu, H. Transient gene and microRNA expression profile changes of confluent human fibroblast cells in spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA; Wyle Laboratories, Houston, Texas, USA; Kennedy Space Center, NASA, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA
| | - Tao Lu
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA; University of Houston Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Wong
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Fathi Karouia
- Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, California, USA; and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Story
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Honglu Wu
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA;
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48
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Globus RK, Morey-Holton E. Hindlimb unloading: rodent analog for microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1196-206. [PMID: 26869711 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00997.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent hindlimb unloading (HU) model was developed in the 1980s to make it possible to study mechanisms, responses, and treatments for the adverse consequences of spaceflight. Decades before development of the HU model, weightlessness was predicted to yield deficits in the principal tissues responsible for structure and movement on Earth, primarily muscle and bone. Indeed, results from early spaceflight and HU experiments confirmed the expected sensitivity of the musculoskeletal system to gravity loading. Results from human and animal spaceflight and HU experiments show that nearly all organ systems and tissues studied display some measurable changes, albeit sometimes minor and of uncertain relevance to astronaut health. The focus of this review is to examine key HU results for various organ systems including those related to stress; the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems; vision changes; and wound healing. Analysis of the validity of the HU model is important given its potential value for both hypothesis testing and countermeasure development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Emily Morey-Holton
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
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Blaber E, Sato K, Almeida EAC. Stem cell health and tissue regeneration in microgravity. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 23 Suppl 1:73-8. [PMID: 25457968 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity causes significant mechanical unloading of mammalian tissues, resulting in rapid alterations of their physiology, which poses a significant risk for long-duration manned spaceflight. The immediate degenerative effects of spaceflight we understand best are those studied during short-term low-Earth-orbit experiments, and include rapid microgravity-adaptive bone and muscle loss, loss of cardiovascular capacity, defects in wound and bone fracture healing, and impaired immune function. Over the long-term, exposure to microgravity may cause severe deficits in mammalian stem cell-based tissue regenerative health, including, osteogenesis, hematopoiesis, and lymphopoeisis, as well as cause significant stem cell-based tissue degeneration in amphibian tail and lens regeneration. To address the needs for stem cell and other cell science research on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA has developed the new Bioculture System that will allow investigators to initiate and conduct on-orbit experiments that astronauts will be able to monitor and interact with during the course of cell cultures. This cell culture capability combined with advanced technologies for molecular biology and on-orbit measurement of gene expression (WetLab2) and other tools that are now coming online bring the ISS National Laboratory a step closer to becoming a fully functional space laboratory for advancing space biological sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Blaber
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center , Moffett Field, California
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Post-Spaceflight (STS-135) Mouse Splenocytes Demonstrate Altered Activation Properties and Surface Molecule Expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124380. [PMID: 25970640 PMCID: PMC4430214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in immune function have been documented during or post-spaceflight and in ground based models of microgravity. Identification of immune parameters that are dysregulated during spaceflight is an important step in mitigating crew health risks during deep space missions. The in vitro analysis of leukocyte activity post-spaceflight in both human and animal species is primarily focused on lymphocytic function. This report completes a broader spectrum analysis of mouse lymphocyte and monocyte changes post 13 days orbital flight (mission STS-135). Analysis includes an examination in surface markers for cell activation, and antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecules. Cytokine production was measured after stimulation with T-cell mitogen or TLR-2, TLR-4, or TLR-5 agonists. Splenocyte surface marker analysis immediate post-spaceflight and after in vitro culture demonstrated unique changes in phenotypic populations between the flight mice and matched treatment ground controls. Post-spaceflight splenocytes (flight splenocytes) had lower expression intensity of CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ cells, lower percentage of CD11c+MHC II+ cells, and higher percentage of CD11c+MHC I+ populations compared to ground controls. The flight splenocytes demonstrated an increase in phagocytic activity. Stimulation with ConA led to decrease in CD4+ population but increased CD4+CD25+ cells compared to ground controls. Culturing with TLR agonists led to a decrease in CD11c+ population in splenocytes isolated from flight mice compared to ground controls. Consequently, flight splenocytes with or without TLR-agonist stimulation showed a decrease in CD11c+MHC I+, CD11c+MHC II+, and CD11c+CD86+ cells compared to ground controls. Production of IFN-γ was decreased and IL-2 was increased from ConA stimulated flight splenocytes. This study demonstrated that expression of surface molecules can be affected by conditions of spaceflight and impaired responsiveness persists under culture conditions in vitro.
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