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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] [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.
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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.)
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Schmidt S, Nguyen AT, Vu HQ, Tran NN, Sareela M, Fisk I, Hessel V. Microfluidic Spontaneous Emulsification for Generation of O/W Nanoemulsions-Opportunity for In-Space Manufacturing. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203363. [PMID: 37039561 PMCID: PMC11468665 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of microfluidics for oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsification via spontaneous self-assembly is demonstrated. As this is known to be a longish process, both single- and multicontact microfluidic reactors are tested, the latter providing a longsome, constant microfluidic treatment to maintain advanced phase and interfacial mass transfer. Microfluidic devices provide strong advantages above conventional systems for spontaneous emulsification, with droplet sizes of 62 nm at desired surfactant-to-oil ratios (SOR) and a decrease of 90% in process time. Multicontact microfluidics have better performance than their single-contact counterparts, while critical aspects, e.g., process robustness, are also discussed. Ternary phase diagram analysis of the three components (oil, water, surfactant) allow to decide for the right mixing ratio and sequence of mixing steps for the nanoemulsions. Microfluidic spontaneous emulsification meets objective functions of the intended application to provide fortified beverages to astronauts in space exploration. In that viewpoint, an advantage is to achieve stable nanoemulsions at a level of concentrations much higher as compared to application (human intake), allowing a dilution factor to the final product of up to 100. This decreases notably the process time and allows for process flexibility, e.g., to dilute or tailor Earth-prepared nanoemulsion concentrate payloads in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Schmidt
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of AdelaideAdelaide5005Australia
- Andy Thomas Centre for Space ResourcesAdelaide5005Australia
- International Flavour Research CentreDivision of FoodNutrition and DieteticsUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
| | - Anh The Nguyen
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of AdelaideAdelaide5005Australia
| | - Huy Quang Vu
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of AdelaideAdelaide5005Australia
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of AdelaideAdelaide5005Australia
- Andy Thomas Centre for Space ResourcesAdelaide5005Australia
| | - Maria Sareela
- South Australian Research and Development InstituteSARDIAdelaide5064Australia
| | - Ian Fisk
- International Flavour Research CentreDivision of FoodNutrition and DieteticsUniversity of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughboroughLE12 5RDUK
- International Flavour Research Centre (Adelaide)School of AgricultureFood and Wine and Waite Research InstituteThe University of AdelaidePMB 1Glen OsmondSouth Australia5064Australia
| | - Volker Hessel
- School of Chemical EngineeringThe University of AdelaideAdelaide5005Australia
- Andy Thomas Centre for Space ResourcesAdelaide5005Australia
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Seoane-Viaño I, Ong JJ, Basit AW, Goyanes A. To infinity and beyond: Strategies for fabricating medicines in outer space. Int J Pharm X 2022; 4:100121. [PMID: 35782363 PMCID: PMC9240807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2022.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in next generation spacecrafts have reignited public excitement over life beyond Earth. However, to safeguard the health and safety of humans in the hostile environment of space, innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery deserves urgent attention. In this review/commentary, the current state of medicines provision in space is explored, accompanied by a forward look on the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in outer space. The hazards associated with spaceflight, and their corresponding medical problems, are first briefly discussed. Subsequently, the infeasibility of present-day medicines provision systems for supporting deep space exploration is examined. The existing knowledge gaps on the altered clinical effects of medicines in space are evaluated, and suggestions are provided on how clinical trials in space might be conducted. An envisioned model of on-site production and delivery of medicines in space is proposed, referencing emerging technologies (e.g. Chemputing, synthetic biology, and 3D printing) being developed on Earth that may be adapted for extra-terrestrial use. This review concludes with a critical analysis on the regulatory considerations necessary to facilitate the adoption of these technologies and proposes a framework by which these may be enforced. In doing so, this commentary aims to instigate discussions on the pharmaceutical needs of deep space exploration, and strategies on how these may be met. Space is a hostile environment that threatens human health and drug stability. Data on the behaviour of medicines in space is critical but lacking. Novel drug manufacturing and delivery strategies are needed to safeguard crewmembers’ safety. Chemputing, synthetic biology, and 3D printing are examples of such emerging technologies. A regulatory framework for space medicines must be implemented to assure quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Seoane-Viaño
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Paraquasil Group (GI-2109), Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jun Jie Ong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Abdul W. Basit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- FabRx Ltd., 3 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0RW, UK
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Alvaro Goyanes
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- FabRx Ltd., 3 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0RW, UK
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, The Institute of Materials (iMATUS) and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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Cope H, Willis CR, MacKay MJ, Rutter LA, Toh LS, Williams PM, Herranz R, Borg J, Bezdan D, Giacomello S, Muratani M, Mason CE, Etheridge T, Szewczyk NJ. Routine omics collection is a golden opportunity for European human research in space and analog environments. PATTERNS 2022; 3:100550. [PMID: 36277820 PMCID: PMC9583032 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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