1
|
Tian L, Ren J, Luo Y. The effects of different durations of exposure to hypomagnetic field on the number of active mitochondria and ROS levels in the mouse hippocampus. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101696. [PMID: 38586825 PMCID: PMC10995802 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the potential molecules in response to a hypomagnetic field (HMF), and exposure to an HMF for eight weeks led to an increase in ROS levels in the whole hippocampus area in mice. ROS are mainly derived from the byproducts of mitochondrial metabolism. However, previous in vivo studies mostly focus on the influence of one time point of HMF exposure on the mouse hippocampus and lack comparative studies on the effects of different durations of HMF exposure on the mouse hippocampus. Here, we investigated the effects of different durations of HMF on the number of active mitochondria and ROS levels in mouse hippocampus. Compared with the geomagnetic field (GMF) group, we found that the number of active mitochondria in the hippocampus was significantly reduced during the sixth week of HMF exposure, whereas the number of active mitochondria was significantly reduced and the ROS levels was significantly increased during the eighth week of HMF exposure. The number of active mitochondria gradually decreased and ROS levels gradually increased in both GMF and HMF groups with prolonged exposure time. In addition, the expression level of the PGC-1α gene in the hippocampus, the main regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, decreased significantly in the eighth week of HMF exposure. These results reveal that the changes in active mitochondria number and ROS levels were dependent on the durations of HMF exposure, and prolonged exposure to HMF exacerbates these changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanxiang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yukai Luo
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ferraro S, Dave A, Cereda C, Verduci E, Marcovina S, Zuccotti G. Space research to explore novel biochemical insights on Earth. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 558:119673. [PMID: 38621588 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Travel to space has overcome unprecedent technological challenges and this has resulted in transfer of these technological results on Earth to better our lives. Health technology, medical devices, and research advancements in human biology are the first beneficiaries of this transfer. The real breakthrough came with the International Space Station, which endorsed multidisciplinary international scientific collaborations and boosted the research on pathophysiological adaptation of astronauts to life on space. These studies evidenced that life in space appeared to have exposed the astronauts to an accelerated aging-related pathophysiological dysregulation across multiple systems. In this review we emphasize the interaction between several biomarkers and their alteration in concentrations/expression/function by space stress factors. These altered interactions, suggest that different biochemical and hormonal factors, and cell signals, contribute to a complex network of pathophysiological mechanisms, orchestrating the homeostatic dysregulation of various organs/metabolic pathways. The main effects of space travel on altering cell organelles biology, ultrastructure, and cross-talk, have been observed in cell aging as well as in the disruption of metabolic pathways, which are also the causal factor of rare inherited metabolic disorders, one of the major pediatric health issue. The pathophysiologic breakthrough from space research could allow the development of precision health both on Earth and Space by promoting the validation of improved biomarker-based risk scores and the exploration of new pathophysiologic hypotheses and therapeutic targets. Nonstandard abbreviations: International Space Station (ISS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), European Space Agency (ESA), National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), high sensitive troponin (hs-cTn), high sensitive troponin I (hs-cTn I), high sensitive troponin T, Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), N terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-BNP), cardiovascular disease (CVD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), urinary hydroxyproline (uHP), urinary C- and N-terminal telopeptides (uCTX and uNTX), pyridinoline (PYD), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), half-time (HF), serum Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (sBSAP), serum Alkaline Phosphatase (sAP), Carboxy-terminal Propeptide of Type 1 Procollagen (P1CP), serum Osteocalcin (sOC)), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), Growth Hormone (GH), amino acid (AA), β-hydroxy-β methyl butyrate (HMB), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ferraro
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anilkumar Dave
- Space Economy and Open Innovation, Darwix srl, Venice, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rudolf AM, Hood WR. Mitochondrial stress in the spaceflight environment. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101855. [PMID: 38403094 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Space is a challenging environment that deregulates individual homeostasis. The main external hazards associated with spaceflight include ionizing space radiation, microgravity, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, and hostile environment. Characterizing the biological responses to spaceflight environment is essential to validate the health risks, and to develop effective protection strategies. Mitochondria energetics is a key mechanism underpinning many physiological, ecological and evolutionary processes. Moreover, mitochondrial stress can be considered one of the fundamental features of space travel. So, we attempt to synthesize key information regarding the extensive effects of spaceflight on mitochondria. In summary, mitochondria are affected by all of the five main hazards of spaceflight at multiple levels, including their morphology, respiratory function, protein, and genetics, in various tissues and organ systems. We emphasize that investigating mitochondrial biology in spaceflight conditions should become the central focus of research on the impacts of spaceflight on human health, as this approach will help resolve numerous challenges of space health and combat several health disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata M Rudolf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Space Technology Centre, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wendy R Hood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Willis CRG, Calvaruso M, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Chouker A, Cialdai F, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Herranz R, Hellweg C, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon J, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Rettberg P, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Risaliti C, Santucci D, Sperl M, Tabury K, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Monici M, Szewczyk NJ. How to obtain an integrated picture of the molecular networks involved in adaptation to microgravity in different biological systems? NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:50. [PMID: 38693246 PMCID: PMC11063135 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00395-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Periodically, the European Space Agency (ESA) updates scientific roadmaps in consultation with the scientific community. The ESA SciSpacE Science Community White Paper (SSCWP) 9, "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments", focusses in 5 main topic areas, aiming to address key community-identified knowledge gaps in Space Biology. Here we present one of the identified topic areas, which is also an unanswered question of life science research in Space: "How to Obtain an Integrated Picture of the Molecular Networks Involved in Adaptation to Microgravity in Different Biological Systems?" The manuscript reports the main gaps of knowledge which have been identified by the community in the above topic area as well as the approach the community indicates to address the gaps not yet bridged. Moreover, the relevance that these research activities might have for the space exploration programs and also for application in industrial and technological fields on Earth is briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig R G Willis
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Institute for Cell and Neurobiol. Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Chouker
- Laboratory "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institue of Applied Science and Intelligent Sistems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, F-42000, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Dept., Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jack van Loon
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, ACTA/VU, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, Univ. Med. Center Utrecht & Dept. Clinical Sciences, Utrecht Univ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Dept, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Inst. Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Inst. for Traumatology, Res. Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, and Dept of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Ist. Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Kevin Tabury
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han X, Qu L, Yu M, Ye L, Shi L, Ye G, Yang J, Wang Y, Fan H, Wang Y, Tan Y, Wang C, Li Q, Lei W, Chen J, Liu Z, Shen Z, Li Y, Hu S. Thiamine-modified metabolic reprogramming of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte under space microgravity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:86. [PMID: 38584163 PMCID: PMC10999445 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01791-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, the cardiovascular system undergoes remarkable adaptation to microgravity and faces the risk of cardiac remodeling. Therefore, the effects and mechanisms of microgravity on cardiac morphology, physiology, metabolism, and cellular biology need to be further investigated. Since China started constructing the China Space Station (CSS) in 2021, we have taken advantage of the Shenzhou-13 capsule to send human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) to the Tianhe core module of the CSS. In this study, hPSC-CMs subjected to space microgravity showed decreased beating rate and abnormal intracellular calcium cycling. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed a battery of metabolic remodeling of hPSC-CMs in spaceflight, especially thiamine metabolism. The microgravity condition blocked the thiamine intake in hPSC-CMs. The decline of thiamine utilization under microgravity or by its antagonistic analog amprolium affected the process of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It decreased ATP production, which led to cytoskeletal remodeling and calcium homeostasis imbalance in hPSC-CMs. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that thiamine supplementation could reverse the adaptive changes induced by simulated microgravity. This study represents the first astrobiological study on the China Space Station and lays a solid foundation for further aerospace biomedical research. These data indicate that intervention of thiamine-modified metabolic reprogramming in human cardiomyocytes during spaceflight might be a feasible countermeasure against microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinglong Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lina Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingqun Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liujia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guangfu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jingsi Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaning Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hao Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianghai Chen
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaoxia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenya Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Shijun Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Zhao L, Sun Y. Using single-sample networks to identify the contrasting patterns of gene interactions and reveal the radiation dose-dependent effects in multiple tissues of spaceflight mice. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:45. [PMID: 38575629 PMCID: PMC10995210 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00383-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome profiles are sensitive to space stressors and serve as valuable indicators of the biological effects during spaceflight. Herein, we transformed the expression profiles into gene interaction patterns by single-sample networks (SSNs) and performed the integrated analysis on the 301 spaceflight and 290 ground control samples, which were obtained from the GeneLab platform. Specifically, an individual SSN was established for each sample. Based on the topological structures of 591 SSNs, the differentially interacted genes (DIGs) were identified between spaceflights and ground controls. The results showed that spaceflight disrupted the gene interaction patterns in mice and resulted in significant enrichment of biological processes such as protein/amino acid metabolism and nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) metabolism (P-value < 0.05). We observed that the mice exposed to radiation doses within the three intervals (4.66-7.14, 7.592-8.295, 8.49-22.099 mGy) exhibited similar gene interaction patterns. Low and medium doses resulted in changes to the circadian rhythm, while the damaging effects on genetic material became more pronounced in higher doses. The gene interaction patterns in response to space stressors varied among different tissues, with the spleen, lung, and skin being the most responsive to space radiation (P-value < 0.01). The changes observed in gene networks during spaceflight conditions might contribute to the development of various diseases, such as mental disorders, depression, and metabolic disorders, among others. Additionally, organisms activated specific gene networks in response to virus reactivation. We identified several hub genes that were associated with circadian rhythms, suggesting that spaceflight could lead to substantial circadian rhythm dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Blottner D, Moriggi M, Trautmann G, Furlan S, Block K, Gutsmann M, Torretta E, Barbacini P, Capitanio D, Rittweger J, Limper U, Volpe P, Gelfi C, Salanova M. Nitrosative Stress in Astronaut Skeletal Muscle in Spaceflight. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:432. [PMID: 38671880 PMCID: PMC11047620 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-duration mission (LDM) astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) (>180 ISS days) revealed a close-to-normal sarcolemmal nitric oxide synthase type-1 (NOS1) immunoexpression in myofibers together with biochemical and quantitative qPCR changes in deep calf soleus muscle. Nitro-DIGE analyses identified functional proteins (structural, metabolic, mitochondrial) that were over-nitrosylated post- vs. preflight. In a short-duration mission (SDM) astronaut (9 ISS days), s-nitrosylation of a nodal protein of the glycolytic flux, specific proteins in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, respiratory chain, and over-nitrosylation of creatine kinase M-types as signs of impaired ATP production and muscle contraction proteins were seen. S-nitrosylation of serotransferrin (TF) or carbonic anhydrase 3 (CA3b and 3c) represented signs of acute response microgravity muscle maladaptation. LDM nitrosoprofiles reflected recovery of mitochondrial activity, contraction proteins, and iron transporter TF as signs of muscle adaptation to microgravity. Nitrosated antioxidant proteins, alcohol dehydrogenase 5/S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (ADH5/GSNOR), and selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) levels indicated signs of altered redox homeostasis and reduced protection from nitrosative stress in spaceflight. This work presents a novel spaceflight-generated dataset on s-nitrosylated muscle protein signatures from astronauts that helps both to better understand the structural and molecular networks associated to muscular nitrosative stress and to design countermeasures to dysfunction and impaired performance control in human spaceflight missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Blottner
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.T.); (K.B.); (M.G.); (M.S.)
- NeuroMuscular System and Signaling Group, Center of Space Medicine and Extreme Environments, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuela Moriggi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.B.); (D.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Gabor Trautmann
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.T.); (K.B.); (M.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Sandra Furlan
- C.N.R. Neuroscience Institute, I-35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Katharina Block
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.T.); (K.B.); (M.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Martina Gutsmann
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.T.); (K.B.); (M.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Enrica Torretta
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Lipidomics, IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pietro Barbacini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.B.); (D.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Daniele Capitanio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.B.); (D.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Joern Rittweger
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (J.R.); (U.L.)
| | - Ulrich Limper
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (J.R.); (U.L.)
- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Merheim Medical Center, Witten/Herdecke University, 51109 Cologne, Germany
| | - Pompeo Volpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università di Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.B.); (D.C.); (C.G.)
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Lipidomics, IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michele Salanova
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.T.); (K.B.); (M.G.); (M.S.)
- NeuroMuscular System and Signaling Group, Center of Space Medicine and Extreme Environments, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Okwori M, Eslami A. Feature engineering from meta-data for prediction of differentially expressed genes: An investigation of Mus musculus exposed to space-conditions. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 109:108026. [PMID: 38335853 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Transcription profiling is a key process that can reveal those biological mechanisms driving the response to various exposure conditions or gene perturbations. In this work, we investigate the prediction of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when exposed to conditions in space from a set of diverse engineered features. To do this, we collected DEGs and non-differentially expressed genes (NDEGs) of Mus musculus-based experiments on the GeneLab database. We engineered a diverse set of features from factors reported in the literature to affect gene expression. An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model was trained to predict if a given gene would be differentially expressed at various levels of differential expression. The test results on a separate holdout dataset showed an area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUCs) of 0.90±0.07, averaged across the five selected percentages of the most and least differentially expressed genes. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of selection of features, both individually with a correlation-based feature-selection procedure and in groups with a combination procedure, on the prediction performance. The feature selection confirmed some known drivers of adaptation to radiation and highlighted some new transcription factors and micro RNAs (miRNAs). Finally, gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed biological processes that tend to have expression patterns most suitable for this approach. This work highlights the potential of detection of differentially expressed genes using a machine learning (ML) approach, and provides some evidence of gene expression changes being captured by a diverse feature set not related to the condition under study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Okwori
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Union College, Schenectady, 12308, NY, United States of America.
| | - Ali Eslami
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wichita State University, Wichita, 67260, KS, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rios CI, DiCarlo AL, Harrison L, Prasanna PGS, Buchsbaum JC, Rudokas MW, Gomes L, Winters TA. Advanced Technologies in Radiation Research. Radiat Res 2024; 201:338-365. [PMID: 38453643 PMCID: PMC11046920 DOI: 10.1667/rade-24-00003.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The U.S. Government is committed to maintaining a robust research program that supports a portfolio of scientific experts who are investigating the biological effects of radiation exposure. On August 17 and 18, 2023, the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program, within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), partnered with the National Cancer Institute, NIH, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Radiation Injury Treatment Network to convene a workshop titled, Advanced Technologies in Radiation Research (ATRR), which focused on the use of advanced technologies under development or in current use to accelerate radiation research. This meeting report provides a comprehensive overview of the research presented at the workshop, which included an assembly of subject matter experts from government, industry, and academia. Topics discussed during the workshop included assessments of acute and delayed effects of radiation exposure using modalities such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) - based gene editing, tissue chips, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and immersive imaging techniques. These approaches are being applied to develop products to diagnose and treat radiation injury to the bone marrow, skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract, among other tissues. The overarching goal of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for the radiation research community to come together to assess the technological landscape through sharing of data, methodologies, and challenges, followed by a guided discussion with all participants. Ultimately, the organizers hope that the radiation research community will benefit from the workshop and seek solutions to scientific questions that remain unaddressed. Understanding existing research gaps and harnessing new or re-imagined tools and methods will allow for the design of studies to advance medical products along the critical path to U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen I. Rios
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program/Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Andrea L. DiCarlo
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program/Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Lynn Harrison
- Division of Biological and Physical Sciences/National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, Texas
| | - Pataje G. S. Prasanna
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis/National Cancer Institute/NIH, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey C. Buchsbaum
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis/National Cancer Institute/NIH, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Michael W. Rudokas
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program/Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Lauren Gomes
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program/Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Thomas A. Winters
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program/Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Improving human healthspan in our rapidly aging population has never been more imperative. Telomeres, protective "caps" at the ends of linear chromosomes, are essential for maintaining genome stability of eukaryotic genomes. Due to their physical location and the "end-replication problem" first envisioned by Dr. Alexey Olovnikov, telomeres shorten with cell division, the implications of which are remarkably profound. Telomeres are hallmarks and molecular drivers of aging, as well as fundamental integrating components of the cumulative effects of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that erode telomere length over time. Ongoing telomere attrition and the resulting limit to replicative potential imposed by cellular senescence serves a powerful tumor suppressor function, and also underlies aging and a spectrum of age-related degenerative pathologies, including reduced fertility, dementias, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, very little data exists regarding the extraordinary stressors and exposures associated with long-duration space exploration and eventual habitation of other planets, nor how such missions will influence telomeres, reproduction, health, disease risk, and aging. Here, we briefly review our current understanding, which has advanced significantly in recent years as a result of the NASA Twins Study, the most comprehensive evaluation of human health effects associated with spaceflight ever conducted. Thus, the Twins Study is at the forefront of personalized space medicine approaches for astronauts and sets the stage for subsequent missions. We also extrapolate from current understanding to future missions, highlighting potential biological and biochemical strategies that may enable human survival, and consider the prospect of longevity in the extreme environment of space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria A Sierra
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Computational Biology & Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry J Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Klomchitcharoen S, Wechakarn P, Tangwattanasirikun T, Smerwong N, Netrapathompornkij P, Chatmeeboon T, Nangsue N, Thitasirivit V, Kaweewongsunthorn K, Piyanopharoj S, Phumiprathet P, Wongsawat Y. High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27406. [PMID: 38496885 PMCID: PMC10944226 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The intangible desire to explore the mysteries of the universe has driven numerous advancements for humanity for centuries. Extraterrestrial journeys are becoming more realistic as a result of human curiosity and endeavors. Over the years, space biology research has played a significant role in understanding the hazardous effects of the space environment on human health during long-term space travel. The inevitable consequence of a space voyage is space ionizing radiation, which has deadly aftereffects on the human body. The paramount objective of this study is to provide a robust platform for performing biological experiments within the Earth's stratosphere by utilizing high-altitude balloons. This platform allows the use of a biological payload to simulate spaceflight missions within the unique properties of space that cannot be replicated in terrestrial facilities. This paper describes the feasibility and demonstration of a biological balloon mission suitable for students and scientists to perform space biology experiments within the boundary of the stratosphere. In this study, a high-altitude balloon was launched into the upper atmosphere (∼29 km altitude), where living microorganisms were exposed to a hazardous combination of UV irradiation, ultralow pressure and cold shock. The balloon carried the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate microbial survival potential under extreme conditions. The results indicated a notable reduction in biosample mortality two orders of magnitude (2-log) after exposure to 164.9 kJ m-2 UV. Postflight experiments have shown strong evidence that the effect of UV irradiation on living organisms is stronger than that of other extreme conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumeth Klomchitcharoen
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Wechakarn
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Tanchanok Tangwattanasirikun
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Noparin Smerwong
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Phubase Netrapathompornkij
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Thanapat Chatmeeboon
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Norawit Nangsue
- Institute of Field Robotics, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Yodchanan Wongsawat
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Scotti MM, Wilson BK, Bubenik JL, Yu F, Swanson MS, Allen JB. Spaceflight effects on human vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38548798 PMCID: PMC10979029 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is strongly impacted by the hazards of spaceflight. Astronauts spending steadily increasing lengths of time in microgravity are subject to cardiovascular deconditioning resulting in loss of vascular tone, reduced total blood volume, and diminished cardiac output. Appreciating the mechanisms by which the cells of the vasculature are altered during spaceflight will be integral to understanding and combating these deleterious effects as the human presence in space advances. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq analysis coupled with review by QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) cultured for 3 days in microgravity and aboard the International Space Station to assess the transcriptomic changes that occur during spaceflight. The results of our RNA-Seq analysis show that SMCs undergo a wide range of transcriptional alteration while in space, significantly affecting 4422 genes. SMCs largely down-regulate markers of the contractile, synthetic, and osteogenic phenotypes including smooth muscle alpha actin (αSMA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Additionally, components of several cellular signaling pathways were strongly impacted including the STAT3, NFκB, PI3K/AKT, HIF1α, and Endothelin pathways. This study highlights the significant changes in transcriptional behavior SMCs exhibit during spaceflight and puts these changes in context to better understand vascular function in space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Scotti
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brandon K Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jodi L Bubenik
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fahong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maurice S Swanson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Finch RH, Vitry G, Siew K, Walsh SB, Behesti A, Hardiman G, da Silveira WA. Spaceflight causes strain-dependent gene expression changes associated with lipid and extracellular matrix dysregulation in the mouse kidney in vivo. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.13.584781. [PMID: 38559158 PMCID: PMC10979940 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
To explore new worlds we must ensure humans can survive and thrive in the space environment. Incidence of kidney stones in astronauts is a major risk factor associated with long term missions, caused by increased blood calcium levels due to bone demineralisation triggered by microgravity and space radiation. Transcriptomic changes have been observed in other tissues during spaceflight, including the kidney. We analysed kidney transcriptome patterns in two different strains of mice flown on the International Space Station, C57BL/6J and BALB/c. Here we show a link between spaceflight and transcriptome patterns associated with dysregulation of lipid and extracellular matrix metabolism and altered transforming growth factor-beta signalling. A stronger response was seen in C57BL/6J mice than BALB/c. Genetic differences in hyaluronan metabolism between strains may confer protection against extracellular matrix remodelling through downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We intend for our findings to contribute to development of new countermeasures against kidney disease in astronauts and people here on Earth. Highlights Spaceflight has a significant effect on gene expression in the kidney.Responses in the BALB/c indicate milder transcriptomic perturbations than C57BL/6J.Lipid metabolism was altered in both strains of mice.Extracellular matrix metabolism and TGF-β signalling up in BALB/c down in C57BL/6J.Reduced gene expression of hyaluronan synthesis pathway in BALB/c but not in C57BL/6J.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao L, Li Z, Huang B, Mi D, Xu D, Sun Y. Integrating evolutionarily conserved mechanism of response to radiation for exploring novel Caenorhabditis elegans radiation-responsive genes for estimation of radiation dose associated with spaceflight. Chemosphere 2024; 351:141148. [PMID: 38211791 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
During space exploration, space radiation is widely recognized as an inescapable perilous stressor, owing to its capacity to induce genomic DNA damage and escalate the likelihood of detrimental health outcomes. Rapid and reliable estimation of space radiation dose holds paramount significance in accurately assessing the health risks associated with spaceflight. However, the identification of space radiation-responsive genes, with their potential to serve as early indicators for diagnosing radiation dose associated with spaceflight, continues to pose a significant challenge. In this study, based on the evolutionarily conserved mechanism of radiation response, an in silico analysis method of homologous comparison was performed to identify the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologues of human radiation-responsive genes with possible roles in the major processes of response to radiation, and thereby to explore the potential C. elegans radiation-responsive genes for evaluating the levels of space radiation exposure. The results showed that there were 60 known C. elegans radiation-responsive genes and 211 C. elegans orthologues of human radiation-responsive genes implicated in the major processes of response to radiation. Through an investigation of all available transcriptomic datasets obtained from space-flown C. elegans, it was observed that the expression levels of the majority of these putative C. elegans radiation-responsive genes identified in this study were notably changed across various spaceflight conditions. Furthermore, this study indicated that within the identified genes, 19 known C. elegans radiation-responsive genes and 40 newly identified C. elegans orthologues of human radiation-responsive genes exhibited a remarkable positive correlation with the duration of spaceflight. Moreover, a noteworthy presence of substantial multi-collinearity among the majority of these identified genes was observed. This observation lends support to the possibility of treating each identified gene as an independent indicator of radiation dose in space. Ultimately, a subset of 15 potential radiation-responsive genes was identified, presenting the most promising indicators for estimation of radiation dose associated with spaceflight in C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zejun Li
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Baohang Huang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Dong Mi
- College of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Buescher FM, Schmitz MT, Frett T, Kramme J, de Boni L, Elmenhorst EM, Mulder E, Moestl S, Heusser K, Frings-Meuthen P, Jordan J, Rittweger J, Pesta D. Effects of 30 days bed rest and exercise countermeasures on PBMC bioenergetics. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14102. [PMID: 38294173 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
AIM Altered mitochondrial function across various tissues is a key determinant of spaceflight-induced physical deconditioning. In comparison to tissue biopsies, blood cell bioenergetics holds promise as a systemic and more readily accessible biomarker, which was evaluated during head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR), an established ground-based analog for spaceflight-induced physiological changes in humans. More specifically, this study explored the effects of HDTBR and an exercise countermeasure on mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS We subjected 24 healthy participants to a strict 30-day HDTBR protocol. The control group (n = 12) underwent HDTBR only, while the countermeasure group (n = 12) engaged in regular supine cycling exercise followed by veno-occlusive thigh cuffs post-exercise for 6 h. We assessed routine blood parameters 14 days before bed rest, the respiratory capacity of PBMCs via high-resolution respirometry, and citrate synthase activity 2 days before and at day 30 of bed rest. We confirmed PBMC composition by flow cytometry. RESULTS The change of the PBMC maximal oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS) amounted to an 11% increase in the countermeasure group, while it decreased by 10% in the control group (p = 0.04). The limitation of OXPHOS increased in control only while other respiratory states were not affected by either intervention. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between white blood cells, lymphocytes, and basophils with PBMC bioenergetics in both groups. CONCLUSION This study reveals that a regular exercise countermeasure has a positive impact on PBMC mitochondrial function, confirming the potential application of blood cell bioenergetics for human spaceflight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F-M Buescher
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - M T Schmitz
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - T Frett
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Kramme
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L de Boni
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - E M Elmenhorst
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - E Mulder
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Moestl
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - K Heusser
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - P Frings-Meuthen
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Rittweger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Pesta
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Campisi M, Cannella L, Pavanello S. Cosmic chronometers: Is spaceflight a catalyst for biological ageing? Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102227. [PMID: 38346506 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Astronauts returning from space missions often exhibit health issues mirroring age-related conditions, suggesting spaceflight as a potential driver of biological ageing and age-related diseases. To unravel the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, this comprehensive review explores the impact of the space "exposome" on the twelve hallmarks of ageing. Through a meticulous analysis encompassing both space environments and terrestrial analogs, we aim to decipher how different conditions influence ageing hallmarks. Utilizing PubMed, we identified 189 studies and 60 meet screening criteria. Research on biological ageing in space has focused on genomic instability, chronic inflammation, and deregulated nutrient sensing. Spaceflight consistently induces genomic instability, linked to prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, triggers pro-inflammatory and immune alterations, resembling conditions in isolated simulations. Nutrient sensing pathways reveal increased systemic insulin-like growth-factor-1. Microbiome studies indicate imbalances favoring opportunistic species during spaceflight. Telomere dynamics present intriguing patterns, with lengthening during missions and rapid shortening upon return. Despite a pro-ageing trend, some protective mechanisms emerge. Countermeasures, encompassing dietary adjustments, prebiotics, postbiotics, symbiotics, tailored exercises, meditation, and anti-inflammatory supplements, exhibit potential. Spaceflight's impact on ageing is intricate, with diverse findings challenging established beliefs. Multidisciplinary studies provide guidance for future research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Campisi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luana Cannella
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sarma MS, Shelhamer M. The human biology of spaceflight. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24048. [PMID: 38337152 PMCID: PMC10940193 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To expand the human exploration footprint and reach Mars in the 2030s, we must explore how humans survive and thrive in demanding, unusual, and novel ecologies (i.e., extreme environments). In the extreme conditions encountered during human spaceflight, there is a need to understand human functioning and response in a more rigorous theoretically informed way. Current models of human performance in space-relevant environments and human space science are often operationally focused, with emphasis on acute physiological or behavioral outcomes. However, integrating current perspectives in human biology allows for a more holistic and complete understanding of how humans function over a range of time in an extreme environment. Here, we show how the use of evolution-informed frameworks (i.e., models of life history theory to organize the adaptive pressures of spaceflight and biocultural perspectives) coupled with the use of mixed-methodological toolkits can shape models that better encompass the scope of biobehavioral human adjustment to long-duration space travel and extra-terrestrial habitation. Further, we discuss how we can marry human biology perspectives with the rigorous programmatic structures developed for spaceflight to model other unknown and nascent extremes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallika S. Sarma
- Human Spaceflight Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215
| | - Mark Shelhamer
- Human Spaceflight Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jiang N, Zhang Y, Yao C, Chen F, Liu Y, Chen Y, Wang Y, Choudhary MI, Liu X. Hemerocallis citrina Baroni ameliorates chronic sleep deprivation-induced cognitive deficits and depressive-like behaviours in mice. Life Sci Space Res (Amst) 2024; 40:35-43. [PMID: 38245346 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation (SD) is common during spaceflight. SD is known to cause cognitive deficits and depression, requiring treatment and prevention. Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (Liliaceae) is a perennial herb with antidepressant, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of H. citrina extract (HCE) on SD-induced cognitive decline and depression-like behavior and possible neuroinflammation-related mechanisms. HCE (2 g/kg/day, i.g.) or vortioxetine (10 mg/kg/day, i.g.) were given to mice by oral gavage for a total of 28 days during the SD process. HCE treatment was found to ameliorate SD-induced impairment of short- and long-term spatial and nonspatial memory, measured using Y-maze, object recognition, and Morris water maze tests, as well as mitigating SD-induced depression-like behaviors, measured by tail suspension and forced swimming tests. HCE also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6) in the serum and hippocampus. Furthermore, HCE suppressed SD-induced microglial activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus. HCE also inhibited the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In summary, our findings indicated that HCE attenuated SD-induced cognitive impairment and depression-like behavior and that this effect may be mediated by the inhibition of inflammatory progression and microglial activation in the hippocampus, as well as the down-regulation of NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling. The findings of these studies showingTthese results indicate that HCE exerts neuroprotective effects and are consistent with the findings of previous studies, suggesting that HCE is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and depression in SD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Caihong Yao
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yupei Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yuzhen Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Xinmin Liu
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan 410000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dontre AJ. Weighing the impact of microgravity on vestibular and visual functions. Life Sci Space Res (Amst) 2024; 40:51-61. [PMID: 38245348 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Numerous technological challenges have been overcome to realize human space exploration. As mission durations gradually lengthen, the next obstacle is a set of physical limitations. Extended exposure to microgravity poses multiple threats to various bodily systems. Two of these systems are of particular concern for the success of future space missions. The vestibular system includes the otolith organs, which are stimulated in gravity but unloaded in microgravity. This impairs perception, posture, and coordination, all of which are relevant to mission success. Similarly, vision is impaired in many space travelers due to possible intracranial pressure changes or fluid shifts in the brain. As humankind prepares for extended missions to Mars and beyond, it is imperative to compensate for these perils in prolonged weightlessness. Possible countermeasures are considered such as exercise regimens, improved nutrition, and artificial gravity achieved with a centrifuge or spacecraft rotation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dontre
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, 2020 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA; Department of Communications, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences, Franklin University, 201 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nardi L, Davis NM, Sansolini S, Baratto de Albuquerque T, Laarraj M, Caputo D, de Cesare G, Shariati Pour SR, Zangheri M, Calabria D, Guardigli M, Balsamo M, Carrubba E, Carubia F, Ceccarelli M, Ghiozzi M, Popova L, Tenaglia A, Crisconio M, Donati A, Nascetti A, Mirasoli M. APHRODITE: A Compact Lab-on-Chip Biosensor for the Real-Time Analysis of Salivary Biomarkers in Space Missions. Biosensors (Basel) 2024; 14:72. [PMID: 38391991 PMCID: PMC10887022 DOI: 10.3390/bios14020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
One of the main challenges to be faced in deep space missions is to protect the health and ensure the maximum efficiency of the crew by preparing methods of prevention and in situ diagnosis. Indeed, the hostile environment causes important health problems, ranging from muscle atrophy, osteopenia, and immunological and metabolic alterations due to microgravity, to an increased risk of cancer caused by exposure to radiation. It is, therefore, necessary to provide new methods for the real-time measurement of biomarkers suitable for deepening our knowledge of the effects of space flight on the balance of the immune system and for allowing the monitoring of the astronaut's health during long-term missions. APHRODITE will enable human space exploration because it fills this void that affects both missions in LEO and future missions to the Moon and Mars. Its scientific objectives are the design, production, testing, and in-orbit demonstration of a compact, reusable, and reconfigurable system for performing the real-time analysis of oral fluid samples in manned space missions. In the frame of this project, a crew member onboard the ISS will employ APHRODITE to measure the selected target analytes, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), in oral fluid, in four (plus one additional desired session) separate experiment sessions. The paper addresses the design of the main subsystems of the analytical device and the preliminary results obtained during the first implementations of the device subsystems and testing measurements on Earth. In particular, the system design and the experiment data output of the lab-on-chip photosensors and of the front-end readout electronics are reported in detail along with preliminary chemical tests for the duplex competitive CL-immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of cortisol and DHEA-S. Different applications also on Earth are envisaged for the APHRODITE device, as it will be suitable for point-of-care testing applications (e.g., emergency medicine, bioterrorism, diagnostics in developing countries, etc.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Nardi
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Nithin Maipan Davis
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Serena Sansolini
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Thiago Baratto de Albuquerque
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Mohcine Laarraj
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Domenico Caputo
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (G.d.C.)
| | - Giampiero de Cesare
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (G.d.C.)
| | - Seyedeh Rojin Shariati Pour
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Tecnopolo di Rimini, Via Dario Campana 71, I-47922 Rimini, Italy; (S.R.S.P.); (M.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Martina Zangheri
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Tecnopolo di Rimini, Via Dario Campana 71, I-47922 Rimini, Italy; (S.R.S.P.); (M.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Donato Calabria
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, I-40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (M.G.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI AEROSPACE), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Baldassarre Canaccini 12, I-47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Massimo Guardigli
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, I-40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (M.G.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI AEROSPACE), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Baldassarre Canaccini 12, I-47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Michele Balsamo
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Elisa Carrubba
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Fabrizio Carubia
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Marco Ceccarelli
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Michele Ghiozzi
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Liyana Popova
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Andrea Tenaglia
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Marino Crisconio
- Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico, I-00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Donati
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Augusto Nascetti
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Mara Mirasoli
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Tecnopolo di Rimini, Via Dario Campana 71, I-47922 Rimini, Italy; (S.R.S.P.); (M.Z.); (M.M.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI AEROSPACE), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Baldassarre Canaccini 12, I-47121 Forlì, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Berliner AJ, Zezulka S, Hutchinson GA, Bertoldo S, Cockell CS, Arkin AP. Domains of life sciences in spacefaring: what, where, and how to get involved. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:12. [PMID: 38287000 PMCID: PMC10825151 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00354-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Berliner
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Program in Aerospace Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Spencer Zezulka
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Information, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gwyneth A Hutchinson
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Bertoldo
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chou J, Ramroop JR, Saravia-Butler AM, Wey B, Lera MP, Torres ML, Heavner ME, Iyer J, Mhatre SD, Bhattacharya S, Govind S. Drosophila parasitoids go to space: Unexpected effects of spaceflight on hosts and their parasitoids. iScience 2024; 27:108759. [PMID: 38261932 PMCID: PMC10797188 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and humans exhibit immune system dysfunction in space, studies examining their immune systems' interactions with natural parasites in space are lacking. Drosophila parasitoid wasps modify blood cell function to suppress host immunity. In this study, naive and parasitized ground and space flies from a tumor-free control and a blood tumor-bearing mutant strain were examined. Inflammation-related genes were activated in space in both fly strains. Whereas control flies did not develop tumors, tumor burden increased in the space-returned tumor-bearing mutants. Surprisingly, control flies were more sensitive to spaceflight than mutant flies; many of their essential genes were downregulated. Parasitoids appeared more resilient than fly hosts, and spaceflight did not significantly impact wasp survival or the expression of their virulence genes. Previously undocumented mutant wasps with novel wing color and wing shape were isolated post-flight and will be invaluable for host-parasite studies on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chou
- Biology Department, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Johnny R. Ramroop
- Biology Department, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Amanda M. Saravia-Butler
- KBR NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Brian Wey
- Biology Department, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Matthew P. Lera
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Medaya L. Torres
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Bionetics, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Heavner
- Biology Department, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
- PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- KBR NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Siddhita D. Mhatre
- KBR NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Shubha Govind
- Biology Department, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang P, Yan J, Wei J, Li Y, Sun C. Disrupted synaptic homeostasis and partial occlusion of associative long-term potentiation in the human cortex during social isolation. J Affect Disord 2024; 344:207-218. [PMID: 37832738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation often occurs in the military mission of soldiers but has increased in the general population since the COVID-19 epidemic. Overall synaptic homeostasis along with associative plasticity for the activity-dependent refinement of transmission across single synapses represent basic neural network function and adaptive behavior mechanisms. Here, we use electrophysiological and behavioral indices to non-invasively study the net synaptic strength and long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity of humans in social isolation environments. The theta activity of electroencephalography (EEG) signals and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) intensity to elicit a predefined amplitude of motor-evoked potential (MEP) demonstrate the disrupted synaptic homeostasis in the human cortex during social isolation. Furthermore, the induced MEP change by paired associative stimulation (PAS) demonstrates the partial occlusion of LTP-like plasticity, further behavior performances in a word-pair task are also identified as a potential index. Our study indicates that social isolation disrupts synaptic homeostasis and occludes associative LTP-like plasticity in the human cortex, decreasing behavior performance related to declarative memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Juan Yan
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Jiao Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Neurosurgery, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Yane Li
- College of Mathematics and Computer Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Chuancai Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Nephrology, Jinan 250013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mo X, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Zhou X, Zhang Z, Fang Y, Fan Z, Guo Y, Zhang T, Xiong Z. Satellite-Based On-Orbit Printing of 3D Tumor Models. Adv Mater 2023:e2309618. [PMID: 38145905 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Space three dimension (3D) bioprinting provides a precise and bionic tumor model for evaluating the compound effect of the space environment on tumors, thereby providing insight into the progress of the disease and potential treatments. However, space 3D bioprinting faces several challenges, including prelaunch uncertainty, possible liquid leakage, long-term culture in space, automatic equipment control, data acquisition, and transmission. Here, a novel satellite-based 3D bioprinting device with high structural strength, small volume, and low weight (<6 kg) is developed. A microgel-based biphasic thermosensitive bioink and suspension medium that supports the on-orbit printing and in situ culture of complex tumor models is developed. An intelligent control algorithm that enables the automatic control of 3D printing, autofocusing, fluorescence imaging, and data transfer back to the ground is developed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that on-orbit printing of tumor models is achieved in space with stable morphology and moderate viability via a satellite. It is found that 3D tumor models are more sensitive to antitumor drugs in space than on Earth. This study opens up a new avenue for 3D bioprinting in space and offers new possibilities for future research in space life science and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingwu Mo
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xianhao Zhou
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhenrui Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yongcong Fang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zilian Fan
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yihan Guo
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Xiong
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kazmi S, Farajdokht F, Meynaghizadeh-Zargar R, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Pasokh A, Farzipour M, Farazi N, Hamblin MR, Mahmoudi J. Transcranial photobiomodulation mitigates learning and memory impairments induced by hindlimb unloading in a mouse model of microgravity exposure by suppression of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation signaling pathways. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148583. [PMID: 37717889 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged microgravity exposure causes cognitive impairment. Evidence shows that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in the causation. Here, we explore the effectiveness of transcranial near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) on cognitive deficits in a mouse model of simulated microgravity. 24 adult male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into three groups (8 in each); control, hindlimb unloading (HU), and HU + PBM groups. After surgery to fit the suspension fixing, the animals were housed either in HU cages or in their normal cage for 14 days. The mice in the HU + PBM group received PBM (810 nm laser, 10 Hz, 8 J/cm2) once per day for 14 days. Spatial learning and memory were assessed in the Lashley III maze and hippocampus tissue samples were collected to assess oxidative stress markers and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), and Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Behavioral testing showed that the PBM-treated animals had a shorter latency time to find the target and fewer errors than the HU group. PBM decreased hippocampal lipid peroxidation while increasing antioxidant defense systems (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) compared to HU mice. PBM increased protein expression of Sirt1, Nrf2, and BDNF while decreasing NF-κB compared to HU mice. Our findings suggested that the protective effect of PBM against HU-induced cognitive impairment involved the activation of the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, up-regulation of BDNF, and reduction of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kazmi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Farajdokht
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Pasokh
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mohammad Farzipour
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narmin Farazi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mahmoudi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Majumder N, Ghosh S. 3D biofabrication and space: A 'far-fetched dream' or a 'forthcoming reality'? Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108273. [PMID: 37863444 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The long duration space missions across the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) often expose the voyagers to an abrupt zero gravity influence. The severe extraterrestrial cosmic radiation directly causes a plethora of moderate to chronic healthcare crises. The only feasible solution to manage critical injuries on board is surgical interventions or immediate return to Earth. This led the group of space medicine practitioners to adopt principles from tissue engineering and develop human tissue equivalents as an immediate regenerative therapy on board. The current review explicitly demonstrates the constructive application of different tissue-engineered equivalents matured under the available ground-based microgravity simulation facilities. Further, it elucidates how augmenting the superiority of biomaterial-based 3D bioprinting technology can enhance their clinical applicability. Additionally, the regulatory role of weightlessness condition on the underlying cellular signaling pathways governing tissue morphogenesis has been critically discussed. This information will provide future directions on how 3D biofabrication can be used as a plausible tool for healing on-flight chronic health emergencies. Thus, in our review, we aimed to precisely debate whether 3D biofabrication is deployed to cater to on-flight healthcare anomalies or space-like conditions are being utilized for generating 3D bioprinted human tissue constructs for efficient drug screening and regenerative therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Majumder
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Barcenilla BB, Meyers AD, Castillo-González C, Young P, Min JH, Song J, Phadke C, Land E, Canaday E, Perera IY, Bailey SM, Aquilano R, Wyatt SE, Shippen DE. Arabidopsis telomerase takes off by uncoupling enzyme activity from telomere length maintenance in space. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7854. [PMID: 38030615 PMCID: PMC10686995 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-induced changes in astronaut telomeres have garnered significant attention in recent years. While plants represent an essential component of future long-duration space travel, the impacts of spaceflight on plant telomeres and telomerase have not been examined. Here we report on the telomere dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana grown aboard the International Space Station. We observe no changes in telomere length in space-flown Arabidopsis seedlings, despite a dramatic increase in telomerase activity (up to 150-fold in roots), as well as elevated genome oxidation. Ground-based follow up studies provide further evidence that telomerase is induced by different environmental stressors, but its activity is uncoupled from telomere length. Supporting this conclusion, genetically engineered super-telomerase lines with enhanced telomerase activity maintain wildtype telomere length. Finally, genome oxidation is inversely correlated with telomerase activity levels. We propose a redox protective capacity for Arabidopsis telomerase that may promote survivability in harsh environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borja Barbero Barcenilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Alexander D Meyers
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- NASA Postdoctoral Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Kennedy Space Center FL, Merritt Island, FL, 32899, USA
| | - Claudia Castillo-González
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Pierce Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ji-Hee Min
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jiarui Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Chinmay Phadke
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Eric Land
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Emma Canaday
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Imara Y Perera
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Roberto Aquilano
- National Technological University, Rosario Regional Faculty, Zeballos 1341, S2000, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Sarah E Wyatt
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
| | - Dorothy E Shippen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pingitore A, Mastorci F, Laurino M, Marabotti C, Vassalle C. Editorial: Cardiovascular adaptation to extreme environment, volume II. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1296422. [PMID: 37937286 PMCID: PMC10627216 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1296422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
|
30
|
Soni P, Edwards H, Anupom T, Rahman M, Lesanpezeshki L, Blawzdziewicz J, Cope H, Gharahdaghi N, Scott D, Toh LS, Williams PM, Etheridge T, Szewczyk N, Willis CRG, Vanapalli SA. Spaceflight Induces Strength Decline in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cells 2023; 12:2470. [PMID: 37887314 PMCID: PMC10605753 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Understanding and countering the well-established negative health consequences of spaceflight remains a primary challenge preventing safe deep space exploration. Targeted/personalized therapeutics are at the forefront of space medicine strategies, and cross-species molecular signatures now define the 'typical' spaceflight response. However, a lack of direct genotype-phenotype associations currently limits the robustness and, therefore, the therapeutic utility of putative mechanisms underpinning pathological changes in flight. Methods: We employed the worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a validated model of space biology, combined with 'NemaFlex-S' microfluidic devices for assessing animal strength production as one of the most reproducible physiological responses to spaceflight. Wild-type and dys-1 (BZ33) strains (a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model for comparing predisposed muscle weak animals) were cultured on the International Space Station in chemically defined media before loading second-generation gravid adults into NemaFlex-S devices to assess individual animal strength. These same cultures were then frozen on orbit before returning to Earth for next-generation sequencing transcriptomic analysis. Results: Neuromuscular strength was lower in flight versus ground controls (16.6% decline, p < 0.05), with dys-1 significantly more (23% less strength, p < 0.01) affected than wild types. The transcriptional gene ontology signatures characterizing both strains of weaker animals in flight strongly corroborate previous results across species, enriched for upregulated stress response pathways and downregulated mitochondrial and cytoskeletal processes. Functional gene cluster analysis extended this to implicate decreased neuronal function, including abnormal calcium handling and acetylcholine signaling, in space-induced strength declines under the predicted control of UNC-89 and DAF-19 transcription factors. Finally, gene modules specifically altered in dys-1 animals in flight again cluster to neuronal/neuromuscular pathways, suggesting strength loss in DMD comprises a strong neuronal component that predisposes these animals to exacerbated strength loss in space. Conclusions: Highly reproducible gene signatures are strongly associated with space-induced neuromuscular strength loss across species and neuronal changes in calcium/acetylcholine signaling require further study. These results promote targeted medical efforts towards and provide an in vivo model for safely sending animals and people into deep space in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Purushottam Soni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (P.S.); (M.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Hunter Edwards
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Taslim Anupom
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (P.S.); (M.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Leila Lesanpezeshki
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (P.S.); (M.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Jerzy Blawzdziewicz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Henry Cope
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (H.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Nima Gharahdaghi
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (H.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Daniel Scott
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Li Shean Toh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.S.T.); (P.M.W.)
| | - Philip M. Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.S.T.); (P.M.W.)
| | - Timothy Etheridge
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK;
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (H.C.); (N.G.)
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Craig R. G. Willis
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;
| | - Siva A. Vanapalli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (P.S.); (M.R.); (L.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang S, Wang T, Zeng X, Chu X, Zhuoma D, Zhao Y, Chen YZ. Exploring outer space biophysical phenomena via SpaceLID. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17400. [PMID: 37833498 PMCID: PMC10575925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive investigations in outer space have revealed not only how life adapts to the space environment, but also that interesting biophysical phenomena occur. These phenomena affect human health and other life forms (animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi), and to ensure the safety of future human space exploration need to be further investigated. This calls for joint research efforts between biologists and physicists, as these phenomena present cross-disciplinary barriers. Various national organizations provide useful forums for bridging this gap. Additional discussion avenues and database resources are helpful for facilitating the interdisciplinary investigations of these phenomena. In this paper, we present the newly established Space Life Investigation Database (SpaceLID, https://bidd.group/spacelid/ ) which provides information about biophysical phenomena occurring in space. Examples obtained using the database are given while discussing the underlying causes of these phenomena and their implications for the physiology and health of life in space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines and Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xinyi Chu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | | | - Yufen Zhao
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and The Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Yu Zong Chen
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bonetto V, Magnelli V, Sabbatini M, Caprì F, van Loon JJWA, Tavella S, Masini MA. The importance of gravity vector on adult mammalian organisms: Effects of hypergravity on mouse testis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282625. [PMID: 37773950 PMCID: PMC10540970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the age of space exploration, the effect of hypergravity on human physiology is a relatively neglected topic. However, astronauts have several experiences of hypergravity during their missions. The main disturbance of altered gravity can be imputed to cell cytoskeleton alteration and physiologic homeostasis of the body. Testis has proved to be a particularly sensible organ, subject to environmental alteration and physiological disturbance. This makes testis an organ eligible for investigating the alteration following exposure to altered gravity. In our study, mice were exposed to hypergravity (3g for 14 days) in the Large Diameter Centrifuge machine (ESA, Netherland). We have observed a morphological alteration of the regular architecture of the seminiferous tubules of testis as well as an altered expression of factors involved in the junctional complexes of Sertoli cells, responsible for ensuring the morpho-functional integrity of the organ. The expression of key receptors in physiological performance, such as Androgen Receptors and Interstitial Cells Stimulating Hormone receptors, was found lower expressed. All these findings indicate the occurrence of altered physiological organ performance such as the reduction of the spermatozoa number and altered endocrine parameters following hypergravity exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Valeria Magnelli
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Maurizio Sabbatini
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Flavia Caprì
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Jack J. W. A. van Loon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences & Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Life Support and Physical Sciences Section (TEC-MMG), European Space Agency (ESA), European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherland
| | - Sara Tavella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa (GE), Italy
| | - Maria Angela Masini
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Manzano A, Weging S, Bezdan D, Borg J, Cahill T, Carnero-Diaz E, Cope H, Deane CS, Etheridge T, Giacomello S, Hardiman G, Leys N, Madrigal P, Mastroleo F, Medina FJ, Mieczkowski J, Fernandez-Rojo MA, Siew K, Szewczyk NJ, Walsh SB, da Silveira WA, Herranz R. Enhancing European capabilities for application of multi-omics studies in biology and biomedicine space research. iScience 2023; 26:107289. [PMID: 37636054 PMCID: PMC10448007 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Following on from the NASA twins' study, there has been a tremendous interest in the use of omics techniques in spaceflight. Individual space agencies, NASA's GeneLab, JAXA's ibSLS, and the ESA-funded Space Omics Topical Team and the International Standards for Space Omics Processing (ISSOP) groups have established several initiatives to support this growth. Here, we present recommendations from the Space Omics Topical Team to promote standard application of space omics in Europe. We focus on four main themes: i) continued participation in and coordination with international omics endeavors, ii) strengthening of the European space omics infrastructure including workforce and facilities, iii) capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in the commercial space sector, and iv) capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in human subjects research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aránzazu Manzano
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Daniela Bezdan
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen (NCCT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Yuri GmbH, Meckenbeuren, Germany
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, 2080 Msida MSD, Malta
| | - Thomas Cahill
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, EPHE, UA, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Henry Cope
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Colleen S. Deane
- Human Development & Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Timothy Etheridge
- Department of Sport and Health Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Stefania Giacomello
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Pedro Madrigal
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Felice Mastroleo
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - F. Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Manuel A. Fernandez-Rojo
- Hepatic Regenerative Medicine Lab, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Keith Siew
- University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | | | - Willian A. da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
- International Space University, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xiong Y, Ma C, Li Q, Zhang W, Zhao H, Ren P, Zhang K, Lei X. Melatonin ameliorates simulated-microgravity-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism dysregulation in hepatocytes. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23132. [PMID: 37552471 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301137r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The liver is an essential multifunctional organ, which constantly communicates with nearly all tissues. It has raised the concern that microgravity exposure can lead to liver dysfunction and metabolic syndromes. However, molecular mechanisms and intervention measures of the adverse effects of microgravity on hepatocytes are limited. In this study, we utilized the random positioning machine culture system to investigate the adverse effects on hepatocytes under simulated microgravity (SMG). Our results showed that SMG impaired hepatocyte viability, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Compared to normal gravity, it also triggered lipid accumulation, elevated triglyceride (TG) and ROS levels, and impaired mitochondria function in hepatocytes. Furthermore, RNA sequencing results showed that SMG upregulated genes implicated in lipid metabolisms, including PPARγ, PLIN2, CD36, FABPs, etc. Importantly, all these defects can be suppressed by melatonin, a potent antioxidant secreted by the pineal gland, suggesting its potential use of therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xiong
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Li
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenya Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peigen Ren
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shimizu R, Hirano I, Hasegawa A, Suzuki M, Otsuki A, Taguchi K, Katsuoka F, Uruno A, Suzuki N, Yumoto A, Okada R, Shirakawa M, Shiba D, Takahashi S, Suzuki T, Yamamoto M. Nrf2 alleviates spaceflight-induced immunosuppression and thrombotic microangiopathy in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:875. [PMID: 37626149 PMCID: PMC10457343 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05251-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-related stresses impact health via various body systems, including the haematopoietic and immune systems, with effects ranging from moderate alterations of homoeostasis to serious illness. Oxidative stress appears to be involved in these changes, and the transcription factor Nrf2, which regulates expression of a set of cytoprotective and antioxidative stress response genes, has been implicated in the response to spaceflight-induced stresses. Here, we show through analyses of mice from the MHU-3 project, in which Nrf2-knockout mice travelled in space for 31 days, that mice lacking Nrf2 suffer more seriously from spaceflight-induced immunosuppression than wild-type mice. We discovered that a one-month spaceflight-triggered the expression of tissue inflammatory marker genes in wild-type mice, an effect that was even more pronounced in the absence of Nrf2. Concomitant with induction of inflammatory conditions, the consumption of coagulation-fibrinolytic factors and platelets was elevated by spaceflight and further accelerated by Nrf2 deficiency. These results highlight that Nrf2 mitigates spaceflight-induced inflammation, subsequent immunosuppression, and thrombotic microangiopathy. These observations reveal a new strategy to relieve health problems encountered during spaceflight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuko Shimizu
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ikuo Hirano
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hasegawa
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mikiko Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akihito Otsuki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumiki Katsuoka
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akira Uruno
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Norio Suzuki
- Division of Oxygen Biology, New Industry Creation hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akane Yumoto
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Risa Okada
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology and Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
De Micco V, Aronne G, Caplin N, Carnero-Diaz E, Herranz R, Horemans N, Legué V, Medina FJ, Pereda-Loth V, Schiefloe M, De Francesco S, Izzo LG, Le Disquet I, Kittang Jost AI. Perspectives for plant biology in space and analogue environments. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:67. [PMID: 37604914 PMCID: PMC10442387 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in plant space biology are required for the realization of human space exploration missions, where the re-supply of resources from Earth is not feasible. Until a few decades ago, space life science was focused on the impact of the space environment on the human body. More recently, the interest in plant space biology has increased because plants are key organisms in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for the regeneration of resources and fresh food production. Moreover, plants play an important role in psychological support for astronauts. The definition of cultivation requirements for the design, realization, and successful operation of BLSS must consider the effects of space factors on plants. Altered gravitational fields and radiation exposure are the main space factors inducing changes in gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation, signalling and physiological processes with possible consequences on tissue organization and organogenesis, thus on the whole plant functioning. Interestingly, the changes at the cellular and molecular levels do not always result in organismic or developmental changes. This apparent paradox is a current research challenge. In this paper, the main findings of gravity- and radiation-related research on higher plants are summarized, highlighting the knowledge gaps that are still necessary to fill. Existing experimental facilities to simulate the effect of space factors, as well as requirements for future facilities for possible experiments to achieve fundamental biology goals are considered. Finally, the need for making synergies among disciplines and for establishing global standard operating procedures for analyses and data collection in space experiments is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy.
| | - Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Nicol Caplin
- SciSpacE Team, Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute of Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, National Museum of Natural History, CNRS, EPHE, UA, 45, rue Buffon CP50, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies (BIS), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Valérie Legué
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mona Schiefloe
- NTNU Social Research, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS) Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7049, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sara De Francesco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Isabel Le Disquet
- Institute of Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, National Museum of Natural History, CNRS, EPHE, UA, 45, rue Buffon CP50, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ann- Iren Kittang Jost
- NTNU Social Research, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS) Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7049, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Berardini M, Gesualdi L, Morabito C, Ferranti F, Reale A, Zampieri M, Karpach K, Tinari A, Bertuccini L, Guarnieri S, Catizone A, Mariggiò MA, Ricci G. Simulated Microgravity Exposure Induces Antioxidant Barrier Deregulation and Mitochondria Enlargement in TCam-2 Cell Spheroids. Cells 2023; 12:2106. [PMID: 37626916 PMCID: PMC10453291 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of microgravity-induced effects in several cellular models is represented by the alteration of oxidative balance with the consequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is well known that male germ cells are sensitive to oxidative stress and to changes in gravitational force, even though published data on germ cell models are scarce. We previously studied the effects of simulated microgravity (s-microgravity) on a 2D cultured TCam-2 seminoma-derived cell line, considered the only human cell line available to study in vitro mitotically active human male germ cells. In this study, we used a corresponding TCam-2 3D cell culture model that mimics cell-cell contacts in organ tissue to test the possible effects induced by s-microgravity exposure. TCam-2 cell spheroids were cultured for 24 h under unitary gravity (Ctr) or s-microgravity conditions, the latter obtained using a random positioning machine (RPM). A significant increase in intracellular ROS and mitochondria superoxide anion levels was observed after RPM exposure. In line with these results, a trend of protein and lipid oxidation increase and increased pCAMKII expression levels were observed after RPM exposure. The ultrastructural analysis via transmission electron microscopy revealed that RPM-exposed mitochondria appeared enlarged and, even if seldom, disrupted. Notably, even the expression of the main enzymes involved in the redox homeostasis appears modulated by RPM exposure in a compensatory way, with GPX1, NCF1, and CYBB being downregulated, whereas NOX4 and HMOX1 are upregulated. Interestingly, HMOX1 is involved in the heme catabolism of mitochondria cytochromes, and therefore the positive modulation of this marker can be associated with the observed mitochondria alteration. Altogether, these data demonstrate TCam-2 spheroid sensitivity to acute s-microgravity exposure and indicate the capability of these cells to trigger compensatory mechanisms that allow them to overcome the exposure to altered gravitational force.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marika Berardini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Caterina Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences-CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Katsiaryna Karpach
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Antonella Tinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Gender Prevention and Health Section, ISS Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucia Bertuccini
- Core Facilities, ISS Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Simone Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences-CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria A. Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences-CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang S, Wang J, Zeng X, Wang T, Yu Z, Wei Y, Cai M, Zhuoma D, Chu XY, Chen YZ, Zhao Y. Database of space life investigations and information on spaceflight plant biology. Planta 2023; 258:58. [PMID: 37528331 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04213-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Extensive spaceflight life investigations (SLIs) have revealed observable space effects on plants, particularly their growth, nutrition yield, and secondary metabolite production. Knowledge of these effects not only facilitates space agricultural and biopharmaceutical technology development but also provides unique perspectives to ground-based investigations. SLIs are specialized experimental protocols and notable biological phenomena. These require specialized databases, leading to the development of the NASA Science Data Archive, Erasmus Experiment Archive, and NASA GeneLab. The increasing interests of SLIs across diverse fields demand resources with comprehensive content, convenient search facilities, and friendly information presentation. A new database SpaceLID (Space Life Investigation Database http://bidd.group/spacelid/ ) was developed with detailed menu search tools and categorized contents about the phenomena, protocols, and outcomes of 459 SLIs (including 106 plant investigations) of 92 species, where 236 SLIs and 57 plant investigations are uncovered by the existing databases. The usefulness of SpaceLID as an SLI information source is illustrated by the literature-reported analysis of metabolite, nutrition, and symbiosis variations of spaceflight plants. In conclusion, this study extensively investigated the impact of the space environment on plant biology, utilizing SpaceLID as an information source and examining various plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa L., and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. The findings provide valuable insights into the effects of space conditions on plant physiology and metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Junyong Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines and Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Zijie Yu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yiqi Wei
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Mengna Cai
- Institute of Civil Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | | | - Xin-Yi Chu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Yu Zong Chen
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and The Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Stahn AC, Bucher D, Zu Eulenburg P, Denise P, Smith N, Pagnini F, White O. Paving the way to better understand the effects of prolonged spaceflight on operational performance and its neural bases. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:59. [PMID: 37524737 PMCID: PMC10390562 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00295-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Space exploration objectives will soon move from low Earth orbit to distant destinations like Moon and Mars. The present work provides an up-to-date roadmap that identifies critical research gaps related to human behavior and performance in altered gravity and space. The roadmap summarizes (1) key neurobehavioral challenges associated with spaceflight, (2) the need to consider sex as a biological variable, (3) the use of integrative omics technologies to elucidate mechanisms underlying changes in the brain and behavior, and (4) the importance of understanding the neural representation of gravity throughout the brain and its multisensory processing. We then highlight the need for a variety of target-specific countermeasures, and a personalized administration schedule as two critical strategies for mitigating potentially adverse effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system and performance. We conclude with a summary of key priorities for the roadmaps of current and future space programs and stress the importance of new collaborative strategies across agencies and researchers for fostering an integrative cross- and transdisciplinary approach from cells, molecules to neural circuits and cognitive performance. Finally, we highlight that space research in neurocognitive science goes beyond monitoring and mitigating risks in astronauts but could also have significant benefits for the population on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Stahn
- Unit of Experimental Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Physiology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - D Bucher
- IZN-Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology & German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - P Denise
- Normandie Univ. UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, Caen, France
| | - N Smith
- Protective Security and Resilience Centre, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - F Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - O White
- Université de Bourgogne INSERM-U1093 Cognition, Action, and Sensorimotor Plasticity, Dijon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zarubin M, Azorskaya T, Kuldoshina O, Alekseev S, Mitrofanov S, Kravchenko E. The tardigrade Dsup protein enhances radioresistance in Drosophila melanogaster and acts as an unspecific repressor of transcription. iScience 2023; 26:106998. [PMID: 37534176 PMCID: PMC10391675 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tardigrade-unique damage suppressor protein (Dsup) can protect DNA from ionizing radiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we generated Dsup-expressing lines of Drosophila melanogaster and demonstrated that Dsup increased the survival rate after γ-ray irradiation and hydrogen peroxide treatment in flies too, but reduced the level of their locomotor activity. The transcriptome analyses of Dsup-expressing lines revealed a significant number of DEGs, >99% of which were down-regulated. Moreover, Dsup could bind RNA. These findings suggest that Dsup can act not only as a DNA protector but also as a non-specific transcriptional repressor and RNA-binding protein, that may lead to disturbance of a number of biological processes in D. melanogaster. The obtained data demonstrate features of the Dsup protein action in non-tardigrade organisms and can be used to understand the impact of other unspecific DNA/RNA-binding proteins on ROS and radiation resistance, gene expression, and epigenetic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zarubin
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Talyana Azorskaya
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Olga Kuldoshina
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Sergey Alekseev
- Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Semen Mitrofanov
- Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Elena Kravchenko
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zheng M, Charvat J, Zwart SR, Mehta SK, Crucian BE, Smith SM, He J, Piermarocchi C, Mias GI. Time-resolved molecular measurements reveal changes in astronauts during spaceflight. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1219221. [PMID: 37520819 PMCID: PMC10376710 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1219221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
From the early days of spaceflight to current missions, astronauts continue to be exposed to multiple hazards that affect human health, including low gravity, high radiation, isolation during long-duration missions, a closed environment and distance from Earth. Their effects can lead to adverse physiological changes and necessitate countermeasure development and/or longitudinal monitoring. A time-resolved analysis of biological signals can detect and better characterize potential adverse events during spaceflight, ideally preventing them and maintaining astronauts' wellness. Here we provide a time-resolved assessment of the impact of spaceflight on multiple astronauts (n = 27) by studying multiple biochemical and immune measurements before, during, and after long-duration orbital spaceflight. We reveal space-associated changes of astronauts' physiology on both the individual level and across astronauts, including associations with bone resorption and kidney function, as well as immune-system dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minzhang Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Sara R. Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | | | | | | | - Jin He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Carlo Piermarocchi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - George I. Mias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu M, Lan Y, Qin Y, Gao Y, Deng Y, Li N, Zhang C, Ma H. Interaction between astrocytes and neurons in simulated space radiation-induced CNS injury. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:1830-1840. [PMID: 37436484 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2232004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Astronauts exhibit neurological dysfunction during long-duration spaceflight, and the specific mechanisms may be closely related to the cumulative effects of these neurological injuries in the space radiation environment. Here, we investigated the interaction between astrocytes and neuronal cells exposed to simulated space radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS we selected human astrocytes (U87 MG) and neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y) to establish an experimental model to explore the interaction between astrocytes and neuronal cells in the CNS under simulated space radiation environment and the role of exosomes in the interactions. RESULTS We found that γ-ray caused oxidative and inflammatory damage in human U87 MG and SH-SY5Y. The results of the conditioned medium transfer experiments showed that astrocytes exhibited a protective effect on neuronal cells, and neuronal cells influenced the activation of astrocytes in oxidative and inflammatory injury of CNS. We demonstrated that the number and size distribution of exosomes derived from U87 MG and SH-SY5Y cells were changed in response to H2O2, TNF-α or γ-ray treatment. Furthermore, we found that exosome derived from treated nerve cells influenced the cell viability and gene expression of untreated nerve cells, and the effect of exosomes was partly consistent with that of the conditioned medium. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that astrocytes showed a protective effect on neuronal cells, and neuronal cells influenced the activation of astrocytes in oxidative and inflammatory damage of CNS induced by simulated space radiation. Exosomes played an essential role in the interaction between astrocytes and neuronal cells exposed to simulated space radiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjin Liu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Lan
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Qin
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Nuomin Li
- School of Medical Technology, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Ma
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Miranda S, Marchal S, Cumps L, Dierckx J, Krüger M, Grimm D, Baatout S, Tabury K, Baselet B. A Dusty Road for Astronauts. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1921. [PMID: 37509559 PMCID: PMC10377461 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The lunar dust problem was first formulated in 1969 with NASA's first successful mission to land a human being on the surface of the Moon. Subsequent Apollo missions failed to keep the dust at bay, so exposure to the dust was unavoidable. In 1972, Harrison Schmitt suffered a brief sneezing attack, red eyes, an itchy throat, and congested sinuses in response to lunar dust. Some additional Apollo astronauts also reported allergy-like symptoms after tracking dust into the lunar module. Immediately following the Apollo missions, research into the toxic effects of lunar dust on the respiratory system gained a lot of interest. Moreover, researchers believed other organ systems might be at risk, including the skin and cornea. Secondary effects could translocate to the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and the brain. With current intentions to return humans to the moon and establish a semi-permanent presence on or near the moon's surface, integrated, end-to-end dust mitigation strategies are needed to enable sustainable lunar presence and architecture. The characteristics and formation of Martian dust are different from lunar dust, but advances in the research of lunar dust toxicity, mitigation, and protection strategies can prove strategic for future operations on Mars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Miranda
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Shannon Marchal
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lina Cumps
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jenne Dierckx
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group "Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen" (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- 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
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pantalone D. Surgery in the Next Space Missions. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1477. [PMID: 37511852 PMCID: PMC10381631 DOI: 10.3390/life13071477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the coming years, missions to the Moon and Mars shall be the new goals of space flight. The complexity of these missions due to the great distance from Earth and the unforeseen obstacles to settle on another planet have given rise to great concerns for crew health and survival. The need for advanced crew autonomy and a different approach to surgical emergency require new protocols and devices to help future crew medical officers and other crew members in a task of unprecedented difficulty. Hence, the increasing variety of schedules, devices, and protocols being developed. A serious health problem, such as an emerging surgical disease or severe trauma, can jeopardize the mission and survival of the entire crew. Many other difficulties are present in deep-space missions or settlements on other planets, such as communication and supply, also medical, delays, and shortage, and the presence of radiation. Progress in advanced technologies as well as the evolution of robotic surgery and the use of artificial intelligence are other topics of this review. In this particular area of research, even if we are still very far from an "intelligent robot", this evolution must be evaluated in the light of legislative and ethical considerations. This topic was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Surgeons-Italy Chapter in 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Pantalone
- American College of Surgeons, FACS, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Emergency Surgery Unit-Trauma Team, Trauma Center, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Stratis D, Trudel G, Rocheleau L, Pelchat M, Laneuville O. The transcriptome response of astronaut leukocytes to long missions aboard the International Space Station reveals immune modulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1171103. [PMID: 37426644 PMCID: PMC10324659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1171103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spaceflight leads to the deconditioning of multiple body systems including the immune system. We sought to characterize the molecular response involved by capturing changes in leukocyte transcriptomes from astronauts transitioning to and from long-duration spaceflight. Methods Fourteen male and female astronauts with ~6-month- long missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) had 10 blood samples collected throughout the three phases of the study: one pre-flight (PF), four in-flight (IF) while onboard the ISS, and five upon return to Earth (R). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes and applied generalized linear modeling to assess differential expression across all 10 time points followed by the analysis of selected time points and functional enrichment of changing genes to identify shifts in biological processes. Results Our temporal analysis identified 276 differentially expressed transcripts grouped into two clusters (C) showing opposite profiles of expression with transitions to and from spaceflight: (C1) decrease-then-increase and (C2) increase-then-decrease. Both clusters converged toward average expression between ~2 and ~6 months in space. Further analysis of spaceflight transitions identified the decrease-then-increase pattern with most changes: 112 downregulated genes between PF and early spaceflight and 135 upregulated genes between late IF and R. Interestingly, 100 genes were both downregulated when reaching space and upregulated when landing on Earth. Functional enrichment at the transition to space related to immune suppression increased cell housekeeping functions and reduced cell proliferation. In contrast, egress to Earth is related to immune reactivation. Conclusion The leukocytes' transcriptome changes describe rapid adaptations in response to entering space followed by opposite changes upon returning to Earth. These results shed light on immune modulation in space and highlight the major adaptive changes in cellular activity engaged to adapt to extreme environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stratis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Guy Trudel
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Physiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lynda Rocheleau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Pelchat
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Odette Laneuville
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pusil S, Zegarra-Valdivia J, Cuesta P, Laohathai C, Cebolla AM, Haueisen J, Fiedler P, Funke M, Maestú F, Cheron G. Effects of spaceflight on the EEG alpha power and functional connectivity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9489. [PMID: 37303002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34744-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) can detect changes in cerebral activity during spaceflight. This study evaluates the effect of spaceflight on brain networks through analysis of the Default Mode Network (DMN)'s alpha frequency band power and functional connectivity (FC), and the persistence of these changes. Five astronauts' resting state EEGs under three conditions were analyzed (pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight). DMN's alpha band power and FC were computed using eLORETA and phase-locking value. Eyes-opened (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions were differentiated. We found a DMN alpha band power reduction during in-flight (EC: p < 0.001; EO: p < 0.05) and post-flight (EC: p < 0.001; EO: p < 0.01) when compared to pre-flight condition. FC strength decreased during in-flight (EC: p < 0.01; EO: p < 0.01) and post-flight (EC: ns; EO: p < 0.01) compared to pre-flight condition. The DMN alpha band power and FC strength reduction persisted until 20 days after landing. Spaceflight caused electrocerebral alterations that persisted after return to earth. Periodic assessment by EEG-derived DMN analysis has the potential to become a neurophysiologic marker of cerebral functional integrity during exploration missions to space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pusil
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jonathan Zegarra-Valdivia
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
- Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru
| | - Pablo Cuesta
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation, and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Maria Cebolla
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jens Haueisen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Patrique Fiedler
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Michael Funke
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fernando Maestú
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitario, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guy Cheron
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bedree JK, Kerns K, Chen T, Lima BP, Liu G, Ha P, Shi J, Pan HC, Kim JK, Tran L, Minot SS, Hendrickson EL, Lamont EI, Schulte F, Hardt M, Stephens D, Patel M, Kokaras A, Stodieck L, Shirazi-Fard Y, Wu B, Kwak JH, Ting K, Soo C, McLean JS, He X, Shi W. Specific host metabolite and gut microbiome alterations are associated with bone loss during spaceflight. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112299. [PMID: 37080202 PMCID: PMC10344367 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the axis of the human microbiome and physiological homeostasis is an essential task in managing deep-space-travel-associated health risks. The NASA-led Rodent Research 5 mission enabled an ancillary investigation of the gut microbiome, varying exposure to microgravity (flight) relative to ground controls in the context of previously shown bone mineral density (BMD) loss that was observed in these flight groups. We demonstrate elevated abundance of Lactobacillus murinus and Dorea sp. during microgravity exposure relative to ground control through whole-genome sequencing and 16S rRNA analyses. Specific functionally assigned gene clusters of L. murinus and Dorea sp. capable of producing metabolites, lactic acid, leucine/isoleucine, and glutathione are enriched. These metabolites are elevated in the microgravity-exposed host serum as shown by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomic analysis. Along with BMD loss, ELISA reveals increases in osteocalcin and reductions in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b signifying additional loss of bone homeostasis in flight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Bedree
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Kristopher Kerns
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tsute Chen
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bruno P Lima
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Guo Liu
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pin Ha
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth & Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jiayu Shi
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hsin Chuan Pan
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luan Tran
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Samuel S Minot
- Microbiome Research Initiative, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Erik L Hendrickson
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Eleanor I Lamont
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Fabian Schulte
- Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Markus Hardt
- Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Danielle Stephens
- Multiplex Core, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michele Patel
- Multiplex Core, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alexis Kokaras
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Louis Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Bone and Signaling Laboratory, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Benjamin Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jin Hee Kwak
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth & Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kang Ting
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth & Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey S McLean
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xuesong He
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wenyuan Shi
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Patel OV, Partridge C, Plaut K. Space Environment Impacts Homeostasis: Exposure to Spaceflight Alters Mammary Gland Transportome Genes. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050872. [PMID: 37238741 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters and ion channels that play an indispensable role in metabolite trafficking have evolved to operate in Earth's gravity. Dysregulation of the transportome expression profile at normogravity not only affects homeostasis along with drug uptake and distribution but also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diverse localized to systemic diseases including cancer. The profound physiological and biochemical perturbations experienced by astronauts during space expeditions are well-documented. However, there is a paucity of information on the effect of the space environment on the transportome profile at an organ level. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyze the effect of spaceflight on ion channels and membrane substrate transporter genes in the periparturient rat mammary gland. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation (p < 0.01) of amino acid, Ca2+, K+, Na+, Zn2+, Cl-, PO43-, glucose, citrate, pyruvate, succinate, cholesterol, and water transporter genes in rats exposed to spaceflight. Genes associated with the trafficking of proton-coupled amino acids, Mg2+, Fe2+, voltage-gated K+-Na+, cation-coupled chloride, as well as Na+/Ca2+ and ATP-Mg/Pi exchangers were suppressed (p < 0.01) in these spaceflight-exposed rats. These findings suggest that an altered transportome profile contributes to the metabolic modulations observed in the rats exposed to the space environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osman V Patel
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA
| | - Charlyn Partridge
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Karen Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Popova OV, Rusanov VB. Is space flight arrhythmogenic? Front Physiol 2023; 14:1162355. [PMID: 37250132 PMCID: PMC10213435 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1162355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
|
50
|
Overbey EG, Ryon K, Kim J, Tierney B, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Mullane S, Schmidt JC, MacKay M, Damle N, Najjar D, Matei I, Patras L, Medina JSG, Kleinman A, Hirschberg JW, Proszynski J, Narayanan SA, Schmidt CM, Afshin EE, Innes L, Saldarriaga MM, Schmidt MA, Granstein RD, Shirah B, Yu M, Lyden D, Mateus J, Mason CE. Collection of Biospecimens from the Inspiration4 Mission Establishes the Standards for the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA). bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.02.539108. [PMID: 37205403 PMCID: PMC10187258 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.02.539108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from the crew at different stages of the mission, including before (L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (R+1, R+45, R+82, R+194 days) spaceflight, creating a longitudinal sample set. The collection process included samples such as venous blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies, which were processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All samples were then processed in clinical and research laboratories for optimal isolation and testing of DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and other biomolecules. This paper describes the complete set of collected biospecimens, their processing steps, and long-term biobanking methods, which enable future molecular assays and testing. As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can also aid future experiments in human spaceflight and space biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliah G. Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braden Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean Mullane
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Julian C. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Laura Patras
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Ashley Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Caleb M. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan E. Afshin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucinda Innes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Bader Shirah
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|