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Grigoryan EN. Impact of Microgravity and Other Spaceflight Factors on Retina of Vertebrates and Humans In Vivo and In Vitro. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37374046 DOI: 10.3390/life13061263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight (SF) increases the risk of developmental, regenerative, and physiological disorders in animals and humans. Astronauts, besides bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular and immune system alterations, undergo ocular disorders affecting posterior eye tissues, including the retina. Few studies revealed abnormalities in the development and changes in the regeneration of eye tissues in lower vertebrates after SF and simulated microgravity. Under microgravity conditions, mammals show disturbances in the retinal vascular system and increased risk of oxidative stress that can lead to cell death in the retina. Animal studies provided evidence of gene expression changes associated with cellular stress, inflammation, and aberrant signaling pathways. Experiments using retinal cells in microgravity-modeling systems in vitro additionally indicated micro-g-induced changes at the molecular level. Here, we provide an overview of the literature and the authors' own data to assess the predictive value of structural and functional alterations for developing countermeasures and mitigating the SF effects on the human retina. Further emphasis is given to the importance of animal studies on the retina and other eye tissues in vivo and retinal cells in vitro aboard spacecraft for understanding alterations in the vertebrate visual system in response to stress caused by gravity variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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Roggan MD, Kronenberg J, Wollert E, Hoffmann S, Nisar H, Konda B, Diegeler S, Liemersdorf C, Hellweg CE. Unraveling astrocyte behavior in the space brain: Radiation response of primary astrocytes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1063250. [PMID: 37089489 PMCID: PMC10116417 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1063250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionExposure to space conditions during crewed long-term exploration missions can cause several health risks for astronauts. Space radiation, isolation and microgravity are major limiting factors. The role of astrocytes in cognitive disturbances by space radiation is unknown. Astrocytes' response toward low linear energy transfer (LET) X-rays and high-LET carbon (12C) and iron (56Fe) ions was compared to reveal possible effects of space-relevant high-LET radiation. Since astronauts are exposed to ionizing radiation and microgravity during space missions, the effect of simulated microgravity on DNA damage induction and repair was investigated.MethodsPrimary murine cortical astrocytes were irradiated with different doses of X-rays, 12C and 56Fe ions at the heavy ion accelerator GSI. DNA damage and repair (γH2AX, 53BP1), cell proliferation (Ki-67), astrocytes' reactivity (GFAP) and NF-κB pathway activation (p65) were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle progression was investigated by flow cytometry of DNA content. Gene expression changes after exposure to X- rays were investigated by mRNA-sequencing. RT-qPCR for several genes of interest was performed with RNA from X-rays- and heavy-ion-irradiated astrocytes: Cdkn1a, Cdkn2a, Gfap, Tnf, Il1β, Il6, and Tgfβ1. Levels of the pro inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were determined using ELISA. DNA damage response was investigated after exposure to X-rays followed by incubation on a 2D clinostat to simulate the conditions of microgravity.ResultsAstrocytes showed distinct responses toward the three different radiation qualities. Induction of radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and the respective repair was dose-, LET- and time-dependent. Simulated microgravity had no significant influence on DNA DSB repair. Proliferation and cell cycle progression was not affected by radiation qualities examined in this study. Astrocytes expressed IL-6 and GFAP with constitutive NF-κB activity independent of radiation exposure. mRNA sequencing of X-irradiated astrocytes revealed downregulation of 66 genes involved in DNA damage response and repair, mitosis, proliferation and cell cycle regulation.DiscussionIn conclusion, primary murine astrocytes are DNA repair proficient irrespective of radiation quality. Only minor gene expression changes were observed after X-ray exposure and reactivity was not induced. Co-culture of astrocytes with microglial cells, brain organoids or organotypic brain slice culture experiments might reveal whether astrocytes show a more pronounced radiation response in more complex network architectures in the presence of other neuronal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Denise Roggan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Kronenberg
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Esther Wollert
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Hoffmann
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Hasan Nisar
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Bikash Konda
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Diegeler
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Christian Liemersdorf
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine E. Hellweg
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christine E. Hellweg
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Fernandez-Gonzalo R, Baatout S, Moreels M. Impact of Particle Irradiation on the Immune System: From the Clinic to Mars. Front Immunol 2017; 8:177. [PMID: 28275377 PMCID: PMC5319970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the generalized use of photon-based radiation (i.e., gamma rays and X-rays) to treat different cancer types, particle radiotherapy (i.e., protons and carbon ions) is becoming a popular, and more effective tool to treat specific tumors due to the improved physical properties and biological effectiveness. Current scientific evidence indicates that conventional radiation therapy affects the tumor immunological profile in a particular manner, which in turn, might induce beneficial effects both at local and systemic (i.e., abscopal effects) levels. The interaction between radiotherapy and the immune system is being explored to combine immune and radiation (including particles) treatments, which in many cases have a greater clinical effect than any of the therapies alone. Contrary to localized, clinical irradiation, astronauts are exposed to whole body, chronic cosmic radiation, where protons and heavy ions are an important component. The effects of this extreme environment during long periods of time, e.g., a potential mission to Mars, will have an impact on the immune system that could jeopardize the health of the astronauts, hence the success of the mission. To this background, the purpose of this mini review is to briefly present the current knowledge in local and systemic immune alterations triggered by particle irradiation and to propose new lines of future research. Immune effects induced by particle radiation relevant to clinical applications will be covered, together with examples of combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Then, the focus will move to outer space, where the immune system alterations induced by cosmic radiation during spaceflight will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalo
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK-CEN , Mol , Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK-CEN , Mol , Belgium
| | - Marjan Moreels
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK-CEN , Mol , Belgium
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Gao Y, Xu D, Zhao L, Sun Y. The DNA damage response of C. elegans affected by gravity sensing and radiosensitivity during the Shenzhou-8 spaceflight. Mutat Res 2017; 795:15-26. [PMID: 28088539 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Space radiation and microgravity are recognized as primary and inevitable risk factors for humans traveling in space, but the reports regarding their synergistic effects remain inconclusive and vary across studies due to differences in the environmental conditions and intrinsic biological sensitivity. Thus, we studied the synergistic effects on transcriptional changes in the global genome and DNA damage response (DDR) by using dys-1 mutant and ced-1 mutant of C. elegans, which respectively presented microgravity-insensitivity and radiosensitivity when exposure to spaceflight condition (SF) and space radiation (SR). The dys-1 mutation induced similar transcriptional changes under both conditions, including the transcriptional distribution and function of altered genes. The majority of alterations were related to metabolic shift under both conditions, including transmembrane transport, lipid metabolic processes and proteolysis. Under SF and SR conditions, 12/14 and 10/13 altered pathways, respectively, were both grouped in the metabolism category. Out of the 778 genes involved in DDR, except eya-1 and ceh-34, 28 altered genes in dys-1 mutant showed no predicted protein interactions, or anti-correlated miRNAs during spaceflight. The ced-1 mutation induced similar changes under SF and SR; however, these effects were stronger than those of the dys-1 mutant. The additional genes identified were related to phosphorous/phosphate metabolic processes and growth rather than, metabolism, especially for environmental information processing under SR. Although the DDR profiles were significantly changed under both conditions, the ced-1 mutation favored DNA repair under SF and apoptosis under SR. Notably, 37 miRNAs were predicted to be involved in the DDR. Our study indicates that, the dys-1 mutation reduced the transcriptional response to SF, and the ced-1 mutation increased the response to SR, when compared with the wild type C. elegans. Although some effects were due to radiosensitivity, microgravity, depending on the dystrophin, exerts predominant effects on transcription in C. elegans during short-duration spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shushanhu Road 350, Hefei 230031, China; Cancer Hospital, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shushanhu Road 350, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China.
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Zhao L, Gao Y, Mi D, Sun Y. Mining potential biomarkers associated with space flight in Caenorhabditis elegans experienced Shenzhou-8 mission with multiple feature selection techniques. Mutat Res 2016; 791-792:27-34. [PMID: 27573923 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To identify the potential biomarkers associated with space flight, a combined algorithm, which integrates the feature selection techniques, was used to deal with the microarray datasets of Caenorhabditis elegans obtained in the Shenzhou-8 mission. Compared with the ground control treatment, a total of 86 differentially expressed (DE) genes in responses to space synthetic environment or space radiation environment were identified by two filter methods. And then the top 30 ranking genes were selected by the random forest algorithm. Gene Ontology annotation and functional enrichment analyses showed that these genes were mainly associated with metabolism process. Furthermore, clustering analysis showed that 17 genes among these are positive, including 9 for space synthetic environment and 8 for space radiation environment only. These genes could be used as the biomarkers to reflect the space environment stresses. In addition, we also found that microgravity is the main stress factor to change the expression patterns of biomarkers for the short-duration spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Gao
- Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shushanhu Road 350, Hefei 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Mi
- Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, People's Republic of China.
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Hellweg CE, Dilruba S, Adrian A, Feles S, Schmitz C, Berger T, Przybyla B, Briganti L, Franz M, Segerer J, Spitta LF, Henschenmacher B, Konda B, Diegeler S, Baumstark-Khan C, Panitz C, Reitz G. Space experiment "Cellular Responses to Radiation in Space (CellRad)": Hardware and biological system tests. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2015; 7:73-89. [PMID: 26553641 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
One factor contributing to the high uncertainty in radiation risk assessment for long-term space missions is the insufficient knowledge about possible interactions of radiation with other spaceflight environmental factors. Such factors, e.g. microgravity, have to be considered as possibly additive or even synergistic factors in cancerogenesis. Regarding the effects of microgravity on signal transduction, it cannot be excluded that microgravity alters the cellular response to cosmic radiation, which comprises a complex network of signaling pathways. The purpose of the experiment "Cellular Responses to Radiation in Space" (CellRad, formerly CERASP) is to study the effects of combined exposure to microgravity, radiation and general space flight conditions on mammalian cells, in particular Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells that are stably transfected with different plasmids allowing monitoring of proliferation and the Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) pathway by means of fluorescent proteins. The cells will be seeded on ground in multiwell plate units (MPUs), transported to the ISS, and irradiated by an artificial radiation source after an adaptation period at 0 × g and 1 × g. After different incubation periods, the cells will be fixed by pumping a formaldehyde solution into the MPUs. Ground control samples will be treated in the same way. For implementation of CellRad in the Biolab on the International Space Station (ISS), tests of the hardware and the biological systems were performed. The sequence of different steps in MPU fabrication (cutting, drilling, cleaning, growth surface coating, and sterilization) was optimized in order to reach full biocompatibility. Different coatings of the foil used as growth surface revealed that coating with 0.1 mg/ml poly-D-lysine supports cell attachment better than collagen type I. The tests of prototype hardware (Science Model) proved its full functionality for automated medium change, irradiation and fixation of cells. Exposure of HEK cells to the β-rays emitted by the radiation source dose-dependently decreased cell growth and increased NF-κB activation. The signal of the fluorescent proteins after formaldehyde fixation was stable for at least six months after fixation, allowing storage of the MPUs after fixation for several months before the transport back to Earth and evaluation of the fluorescence intensity. In conclusion, these tests show the feasibility of CellRad on the ISS with the currently available transport mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Hellweg
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany.
| | - Shahana Dilruba
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Astrid Adrian
- Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, TSPOE 3 / Payloads - Life Science, 88039 Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Feles
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmitz
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Bartos Przybyla
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Luca Briganti
- Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, TSPOE 3 / Payloads - Life Science, 88039 Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Markus Franz
- Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, TSPOE 3 / Payloads - Life Science, 88039 Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Segerer
- Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, TSPOE 3 / Payloads - Life Science, 88039 Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Luis F Spitta
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Bernd Henschenmacher
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Bikash Konda
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Sebastian Diegeler
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Christa Baumstark-Khan
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - Corinna Panitz
- Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Günther Reitz
- Division of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
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Gao Y, Li S, Xu D, Wang J, Sun Y. Changes in apoptotic microRNA and mRNA expression profiling in Caenorhabditis elegans during the Shenzhou-8 mission. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2015; 56:872-82. [PMID: 26286471 PMCID: PMC4628221 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiation and microgravity exposure have been proven to induce abnormal apoptosis in microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression, but whether space conditions, including radiation and microgravity, activate miRNAs to regulate the apoptosis is undetermined. For that purpose, we investigated miRNome and mRNA expression in the ced-1 Caenorhabditis elegans mutant vs the wild-type, both of which underwent spaceflight, spaceflight 1g-centrifuge control and ground control conditions during the Shenzhou-8 mission. Results showed that no morphological changes in the worms were detected, but differential miRNA expression increased from 43 (ground control condition) to 57 and 91 in spaceflight and spaceflight control conditions, respectively. Microgravity altered miRNA expression profiling by decreasing the number and significance of differentially expressed miRNA compared with 1 g incubation during spaceflight. Alterations in the miRNAs were involved in alterations in apoptosis, neurogenesis larval development, ATP metabolism and GTPase-mediated signal transduction. Among these, 17 altered miRNAs potentially involved in apoptosis were screened and showed obviously different expression signatures between space conditions. By integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA, miR-797 and miR-81 may be involved in apoptosis by targeting the genes ced-10 and both drp-1 and hsp-1, respectively. Compared with ground condition, space conditions regulated apoptosis though a different manner on transcription, by altering expression of seven core apoptotic genes in spaceflight condition, and eight in spaceflight control condition. Results indicate that, miRNA of Caenorhabditis elegans probably regulates apoptotic gene expression in response to space environmental stress, and shows different behavior under microgravity condition compared with 1 g condition in the presence of space radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian 116026, China
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Gao Y, Xu D, Zhao L, Zhang M, Sun Y. Effects of microgravity on DNA damage response in Caenorhabditis elegans during Shenzhou-8 spaceflight. Int J Radiat Biol 2015; 91:531-9. [PMID: 25965668 DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2015.1043754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Space radiations and microgravity both could cause DNA damage in cells, but the effects of microgravity on DNA damage response to space radiations are still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mRNA microarray and microRNA micro- array in dauer larvae of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that endured spaceflight environment and space radiations environment during 16.5-day Shenzhou-8 space mission was performed. RESULTS Twice as many transcripts significantly altered in the spaceflight environment than space radiations alone. The majority of alterations were related to protein amino acid dephosphorylation and histidine metabolic and catabolic processes. From about 900 genes related to DNA damage response, 38 differentially expressed genes were extracted; most of them differentially expressed under spaceflight environment but not space radiations, although the identical directions of alteration were observed in both cases. cel-miR-81, cel- miR-82, cel-miR-124 and cel-miR-795 were predicted to regulate DNA damage response through four different anti-correlated genes. CONCLUSIONS Evidence was provided that, in the presence of space radiations, microgravity probably enhanced the DNA damage response in C. elegans by integrating the transcriptome and microRNome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University , Dalian, Liaoning , P. R. China
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Xu D, Gao Y, Huang L, Sun Y. Changes in miRNA expression profile of space-flown Caenorhabditis elegans during Shenzhou-8 mission. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2014; 1:44-52. [PMID: 26432588 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of molecular biology have demonstrated that small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have a broad effect on gene expression networks and play a key role in biological responses to environmental stressors. However, little is known about how space radiation exposure and altered gravity affect miRNA expression. The "International Space Biological Experiments" project was carried out in November 2011 by an international collaboration between China and Germany during the Shenzhou-8 (SZ-8) mission. To study the effects of spaceflight on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we explored the expression profile miRNA changes in space-flown C. elegans. Dauer C. elegans larvae were taken by SZ-8 spacecraft and experienced the 16.5-day shuttle spaceflight. We performed miRNA microarray analysis, and the results showed that 23 miRNAs were altered in a complex space environment and different expression patterns were observed in the space synthetic and radiation environments. Most putative target genes of the altered miRNAs in the space synthetic environment were predicted to be involved in developmental processes instead of in the regulation of transcription, and the enrichment of these genes was due to space radiation. Furthermore, integration analysis of the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles confirmed that twelve genes were differently regulated by seven miRNAs. These genes may be involved in embryonic development, reproduction, transcription factor activity, oviposition in a space synthetic environment, positive regulation of growth and body morphogenesis in a space radiation environment. Specifically, we found that cel-miR-52, -55, and -56 of the miR-51 family were sensitive to space environmental stressors and could regulate biological behavioural responses and neprilysin activity through the different isoforms of T01C4.1 and F18A12.8. These findings suggest that C. elegans responded to spaceflight by altering the expression of miRNAs and some target genes that function in diverse regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China.
| | - Ying Gao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China.
| | - Lei Huang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China.
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China.
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Dang B, Yang Y, Zhang E, Li W, Mi X, Meng Y, Yan S, Wang Z, Wei W, Shao C, Xing R, Lin C. Simulated microgravity increases heavy ion radiation-induced apoptosis in human B lymphoblasts. Life Sci 2013; 97:123-8. [PMID: 24361401 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Microgravity and radiation, common in space, are the main factors influencing astronauts' health in space flight, but their combined effects on immune cells are extremely limited. Therefore, the effect of simulated microgravity on heavy ion radiation-induced apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive apoptosis signaling were investigated in human B lymphoblast HMy2.CIR cells. MAIN METHODS Simulated microgravity was achieved using a Rotating Wall Vessel Bioreactor at 37°C for 30 min. Heavy carbon-ion irradiation was carried out at 300 MeV/u, with a linear energy transfer (LET) value of 30 keV/μm and a dose rate of 1Gy/min. Cell survival was evaluated using the Trypan blue exclusion assay. Apoptosis was indicated by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. ROS production was assessed by cytometry with a fluorescent probe dichlorofluorescein. Malondialdehyde was detected using a kit. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and caspase-3 activation were measured by immunoblotting. KEY FINDINGS Simulated microgravity decreased heavy ion radiation-induced cell survival and increased apoptosis in HMy2.CIR cells. It also amplified heavy ion radiation-elicited intracellular ROS generation, which induced ROS-sensitive ERK/MKP-1/caspase-3 activation in HMy2.CIR cells. The above phenomena could be reversed by the antioxidants N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and quercetin. SIGNIFICANCE These results illustrated that simulated microgravity increased heavy ion radiation-induced cell apoptosis, mediated by a ROS-sensitive signal pathway in human B lymphoblasts. Further, the antioxidants NAC and quercetin, especially NAC, might be good candidate drugs for protecting astronauts' and space travelers' health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingrong Dang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuping Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Erdong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenjian Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiangquan Mi
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yue Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Siqi Yan
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhuanzi Wang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chunlin Shao
- Institute of Radiology Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Rui Xing
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Changjun Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Mastroleo F, Van Houdt R, Atkinson S, Mergeay M, Hendrickx L, Wattiez R, Leys N. Modelled microgravity cultivation modulates N-acylhomoserine lactone production in Rhodospirillum rubrum S1H independently of cell density. Microbiology (Reading) 2013; 159:2456-2466. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.066415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Felice Mastroleo
- Unit for Microbiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Unit for Microbiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Steve Atkinson
- School of Molecular Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Max Mergeay
- Unit for Microbiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Larissa Hendrickx
- Unit for Microbiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Research Institute of Biosciences, Proteomic and Microbiology Laboratory, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- Unit for Microbiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium
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Abstract
Experiments conducted in the microgravity environment of space are not typically at the forefront of the mind of a cancer biologist. However, space provides physical conditions that are not achievable on Earth, as well as conditions that can be exploited to study mechanisms and pathways that control cell growth and function. Over the past four decades, studies have shown how exposure to microgravity alters biological processes that may be relevant to cancer. In this Review, we explore the influence of microgravity on cell biology, focusing on tumour cells grown in space together with work carried out using models in ground-based investigations.
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Beck M, Tabury K, Moreels M, Jacquet P, Van Oostveldt P, De Vos WH, Baatout S. Simulated microgravity decreases apoptosis in fetal fibroblasts. Int J Mol Med 2012; 30:309-13. [PMID: 22614095 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel is a major challenge for human beings. Especially, the mechanisms through which space conditions might alter animal development have been questioned for a long time. The two major physical stress factors that are of relevance in this context are space radiation and weightlessness. While it has been extensively shown that high doses of ionizing radiation induce deleterious effects on embryonic development, so far, little is known about the potential harmful effects of radiation in combination with microgravity on the developing organism. In the present study, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity on irradiated STO mouse fetal fibroblast cells using a random positioning machine (RPM). Radiation-induced cell cycle changes were not affected when cells were subjected to simulated microgravity for 24 h. Moreover, no morphological differences were observed in irradiated samples exposed to simulated microgravity compared to cells that were exclusively irradiated. However, microgravity simulation significantly decreased the level of apoptosis at all doses as measured by caspase-3 activity and it prevented cells from undergoing radiation-induced size increase up to 1 Gy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Beck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
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Girardi C, De Pittà C, Casara S, Sales G, Lanfranchi G, Celotti L, Mognato M. Analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles highlights alterations in ionizing radiation response of human lymphocytes under modeled microgravity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31293. [PMID: 22347458 PMCID: PMC3276573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ionizing radiation (IR) can be extremely harmful for human cells since an improper DNA-damage response (DDR) to IR can contribute to carcinogenesis initiation. Perturbations in DDR pathway can originate from alteration in the functionality of the microRNA-mediated gene regulation, being microRNAs (miRNAs) small noncoding RNA that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. In this study we gained insight into the role of miRNAs in the regulation of DDR to IR under microgravity, a condition of weightlessness experienced by astronauts during space missions, which could have a synergistic action on cells, increasing the risk of radiation exposure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We analyzed miRNA expression profile of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) incubated for 4 and 24 h in normal gravity (1 g) and in modeled microgravity (MMG) during the repair time after irradiation with 0.2 and 2Gy of γ-rays. Our results show that MMG alters miRNA expression signature of irradiated PBL by decreasing the number of radio-responsive miRNAs. Moreover, let-7i*, miR-7, miR-7-1*, miR-27a, miR-144, miR-200a, miR-598, miR-650 are deregulated by the combined action of radiation and MMG. Integrated analyses of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles, carried out on PBL of the same donors, identified significant miRNA-mRNA anti-correlations of DDR pathway. Gene Ontology analysis reports that the biological category of "Response to DNA damage" is enriched when PBL are incubated in 1 g but not in MMG. Moreover, some anti-correlated genes of p53-pathway show a different expression level between 1 g and MMG. Functional validation assays using luciferase reporter constructs confirmed miRNA-mRNA interactions derived from target prediction analyses. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE On the whole, by integrating the transcriptome and microRNome, we provide evidence that modeled microgravity can affects the DNA-damage response to IR in human PBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Girardi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristiano De Pittà
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Casara
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sales
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Celotti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
- Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, INFN, Padova, Italy
| | - Maddalena Mognato
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Martinelli L, Russomano T, dos Santos M, Falcao F, Bauer M, Machado A, Sundaresan A. Effect of microgravity on immune cell viability and proliferation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 28:85-90. [DOI: 10.1109/memb.2009.933572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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16
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Rizzo AM, Montorfano G, Negroni M, Corsetto P, Berselli P, Marciani P, Zava S, Berra B. Simulated microgravity induce glutathione antioxidant pathway in Xenopus laevis embryos. Cell Biol Int 2009; 33:893-8. [PMID: 19426823 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2009.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Revised: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Space flights cause a number of patho-physiological changes. Oxidative damage has been demonstrated in astronauts after space flights. Oxidative stress is due to an imbalance between production of oxidant and antioxidative defence. In embryos of Xenopus laevis, the glutathione system is an inducible antioxidant defence. For this reason, we investigated the effect of gravity deprivation on endogenous antioxidant enzymes in X. laevis embryos developed for 6 days in a Random Positioning Machine. The results show that glutathione content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes increase in RPM embryos, suggesting the presence of a protective mechanism. An induction of antioxidant defence might play an important role for animals to adapt to micro-gravitational stress, possibly during actual space flights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Rizzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari Applicate ai Biosistemi, DISMAB, Via D. Trentacoste 2, I-20134 Milano, Italy.
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