1
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Cope H, Elsborg J, Demharter S, McDonald JT, Wernecke C, Parthasarathy H, Unadkat H, Chatrathi M, Claudio J, Reinsch S, Avci P, Zwart SR, Smith SM, Heer M, Muratani M, Meydan C, Overbey E, Kim J, Chin CR, Park J, Schisler JC, Mason CE, Szewczyk NJ, Willis CRG, Salam A, Beheshti A. Transcriptomics analysis reveals molecular alterations underpinning spaceflight dermatology. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:106. [PMID: 38862781 PMCID: PMC11166967 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00532-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spaceflight poses a unique set of challenges to humans and the hostile spaceflight environment can induce a wide range of increased health risks, including dermatological issues. The biology driving the frequency of skin issues in astronauts is currently not well understood. METHODS To address this issue, we used a systems biology approach utilizing NASA's Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) on space flown murine transcriptomic datasets focused on the skin, biochemical profiles of 50 NASA astronauts and human transcriptomic datasets generated from blood and hair samples of JAXA astronauts, as well as blood samples obtained from the NASA Twins Study, and skin and blood samples from the first civilian commercial mission, Inspiration4. RESULTS Key biological changes related to skin health, DNA damage & repair, and mitochondrial dysregulation are identified as potential drivers for skin health risks during spaceflight. Additionally, a machine learning model is utilized to determine gene pairings associated with spaceflight response in the skin. While we identified spaceflight-induced dysregulation, such as alterations in genes associated with skin barrier function and collagen formation, our results also highlight the remarkable ability for organisms to re-adapt back to Earth via post-flight re-tuning of gene expression. CONCLUSION Our findings can guide future research on developing countermeasures for mitigating spaceflight-associated skin damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Cope
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Jonas Elsborg
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Abzu, Copenhagen, 2150, Denmark
| | | | - J Tyson McDonald
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., WA, 20057, USA
| | - Chiara Wernecke
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hari Parthasarathy
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- College of Engineering and Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Hriday Unadkat
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Mira Chatrathi
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer Claudio
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett field, CA, USA
| | - Sigrid Reinsch
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett field, CA, USA
| | - Pinar Avci
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Martina Heer
- IU International University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliah Overbey
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jangkeun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher R Chin
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiwoon Park
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jonathan C Schisler
- McAllister Heart Institute and Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - 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
| | - Craig R G Willis
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Amr Salam
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett field, CA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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Egashira K, Ino Y, Nakai Y, Ohira T, Akiyama T, Moriyama K, Yamamoto Y, Kimura M, Ryo A, Saito T, Inaba Y, Hirano H, Kumagai K, Kimura Y. Identification of gravity-responsive proteins in the femur of spaceflight mice using a quantitative proteomic approach. J Proteomics 2023; 288:104976. [PMID: 37482271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Although the microgravity (μ-g) environment that astronauts encounter during spaceflight can cause severe acute bone loss, the molecular mechanism of this bone loss remains unclear. To investigate the gravity-response proteins involved in bone metabolism, it is important to comprehensively determine which proteins exhibit differential abundance associated with mechanical stimuli. However, comprehensive proteomic analysis using small bone samples is difficult because protein extraction in mineralized bone tissue is inefficient. Here, we established a high-sensitivity analysis system for mouse bone proteins using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. This system successfully detected 40 proteins in the femoral diaphysis showing differential abundance between mice raised in a μ-g environment, where the bone mass was reduced by gravity unloading, and mice raised in an artificial 1-gravity environment on the International Space Station. Additionally, 22 proteins, including noncollagenous bone matrix proteins, showed similar abundance between the two groups in the mandible, where bone mass was unaltered due to mastication stimuli, suggesting that these proteins are responsive to mechanical stimuli. One of these proteins, SPARCL1, is suggested to promote osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand. We expect these findings to lead to new insights into the mechanisms of bone metabolism induced by mechanical stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE: We aimed to investigate the gravity-response proteins involved in bone metabolism. To this end, we established a comprehensive analysis system for mouse bone proteins using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry, which is particularly useful in comprehensively analyzing the bone proteome using small sample volumes. In addition, a comprehensive proteomic analysis of the femoral diaphysis and mandible, which exhibit different degrees of bone loss in mice raised on the International Space Station, identified proteins that respond to mechanical stimuli. SPARCL1, a mechanical stimulus-responsive protein, was consequently suggested to be involved in osteoclast differentiation associated with bone remodeling. Our findings represent an important step toward elucidating the molecular mechanism of bone metabolism induced by mechanical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Egashira
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; R&D Headquarters, LION Corporation, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Yoko Ino
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakai
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohira
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; Department of Physiology and Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Tomoko Akiyama
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kayano Moriyama
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yu Yamamoto
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; R&D Headquarters, LION Corporation, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kimura
- R&D Headquarters, LION Corporation, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Saito
- Yokohama Brain and Spine Center, Yokohama 235-0012, Japan
| | - Yutaka Inaba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hirano
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ken Kumagai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yayoi Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
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3
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Song C, Kang T, Gao K, Shi X, Zhang M, Zhao L, Zhou L, Guo J. Preparation for mice spaceflight: Indications for training C57BL/6J mice to adapt to microgravity effect with three-dimensional clinostat on the ground. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19355. [PMID: 37662714 PMCID: PMC10472007 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19355] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Like astronauts, animals need to undergo training and screening before entering space. At present, pre-launch training for mice mainly focuses on adaptation to habitat system. Training for the weightless environment of space in mice has not received much attention. Three-dimensional (3D) clinostat is a method to simulate the effects of microgravity on Earth. However, few studies have used a 3D clinostat apparatus to simulate the effects of microgravity on animal models. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the feasibility and effects of long-term treatment with three-dimensional clinostat in C57BL/6 J mice. Thirty 8-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to three groups: mice in individually ventilated cages (MC group, n = 6), mice in survival boxes (SB group, n = 12), and mice in survival boxes receiving 3D clinostat treatment (CS group, n = 12). The mice showed good tolerance after 12 weeks of alternate day training. To evaluate the biological effects of simulated microgravity, the changes in serum metabolites were monitored using untargeted metabolomics, whereas bone loss was assessed using microcomputed tomography of the left femur. Compared with the metabolome of the SB group, the metabolome of the CS group showed significant differences during the first three weeks and the last three weeks. The KEGG pathways in the late stages were mainly related to the nervous system, indicating the influence of long-term microgravity on the central nervous system. Besides, a marked reduction in the trabecular number (P < 0.05) and an increasing trend of trabecular spacing (P < 0.1) were observed to occur in a time-dependent manner in the CS group compared with the SB group. These results showed that mice tolerated well in a 3D clinostat and may provide a new strategy in pre-launch training for mice and conducting relevant ground-based modeling experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Song
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taisheng Kang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lianlian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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4
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Cope H, Elsborg J, Demharter S, Mcdonald JT, Wernecke C, Parthasarathy H, Unadkat H, Chatrathi M, Claudio J, Reinsch S, Zwart S, Smith S, Heer M, Muratani M, Meydan C, Overbey E, Kim J, Park J, Schisler J, Mason C, Szewczyk N, Willis C, Salam A, Beheshti A. More than a Feeling: Dermatological Changes Impacted by Spaceflight. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2367727. [PMID: 36798347 PMCID: PMC9934743 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2367727/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a unique set of challenges to humans and the hostile Spaceflight environment can induce a wide range of increased health risks, including dermatological issues. The biology driving the frequency of skin issues in astronauts is currently not well understood. To address this issue, we used a systems biology approach utilizing NASA's Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) on spaceflown murine transcriptomic datasets focused on the skin, biomedical profiles from fifty NASA astronauts, and confirmation via transcriptomic data from JAXA astronauts, the NASA Twins Study, and the first civilian commercial mission, Inspiration4. Key biological changes related to skin health, DNA damage & repair, and mitochondrial dysregulation were determined to be involved with skin health risks during Spaceflight. Additionally, a machine learning model was utilized to determine key genes driving Spaceflight response in the skin. These results can be used for determining potential countermeasures to mitigate Spaceflight damage to the skin.
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5
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Impact of spaceflight and artificial gravity on sulfur metabolism in mouse liver: sulfur metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21786. [PMID: 34750416 PMCID: PMC8575787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight induces hepatic damage, partially owing to oxidative stress caused by the space environment such as microgravity and space radiation. We examined the roles of anti-oxidative sulfur-containing compounds on hepatic damage after spaceflight. We analyzed the livers of mice on board the International Space Station for 30 days. During spaceflight, half of the mice were exposed to artificial earth gravity (1 g) using centrifugation cages. Sulfur-metabolomics of the livers of mice after spaceflight revealed a decrease in sulfur antioxidants (ergothioneine, glutathione, cysteine, taurine, thiamine, etc.) and their intermediates (cysteine sulfonic acid, hercynine, N-acethylserine, serine, etc.) compared to the controls on the ground. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing showed upregulation of gene sets related to oxidative stress and sulfur metabolism, and downregulation of gene sets related to glutathione reducibility in the livers of mice after spaceflight, compared to controls on the ground. These changes were partially mitigated by exposure to 1 g centrifugation. For the first time, we observed a decrease in sulfur antioxidants based on a comprehensive analysis of the livers of mice after spaceflight. Our data suggest that a decrease in sulfur-containing compounds owing to both microgravity and other spaceflight environments (radiation and stressors) contributes to liver damage after spaceflight.
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6
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Ohira T, Ino Y, Kimura Y, Nakai Y, Kimura A, Kurata Y, Kagawa H, Kimura M, Egashira K, Matsuda C, Ohira Y, Furukawa S, Hirano H. Effects of microgravity exposure and fructo-oligosaccharide ingestion on the proteome of soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles in developing mice. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:34. [PMID: 34535681 PMCID: PMC8448765 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut bacterial fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates, e.g., fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), contribute to the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and oxidative metabolic capacity. We evaluated the effect of FOS ingestion on protein expression of soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus muscles in mice exposed to microgravity (μ-g). Twelve 9-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were raised individually on the International Space Station under μ-g or artificial 1-g and fed a diet with or without FOS (n = 3/group). Regardless of FOS ingestion, the absolute wet weights of both muscles tended to decrease, and the fiber phenotype in Sol muscles shifted toward fast-twitch type following μ-g exposure. However, FOS ingestion tended to mitigate the μ-g-exposure-related decrease in oxidative metabolism and enhance glutathione redox detoxification in Sol muscles. These results indicate that FOS ingestion mildly suppresses metabolic changes and oxidative stress in antigravity Sol muscles during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ohira
- Research Center for Space and Medical Sciences and Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan. .,Department of Physiology and Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan. .,Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan. .,Space Biomedical Research Group, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Yoko Ino
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yayoi Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakai
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ayuko Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoichi Kurata
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kagawa
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Egashira
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Chie Matsuda
- Space Biomedical Research Group, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Research Center for Space and Medical Sciences and Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Furukawa
- Space Biomedical Research Group, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hirano
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
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7
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Bychkov A, Reshetnikova P, Bychkova E, Podgorbunskikh E, Koptev V. The current state and future trends of space nutrition from a perspective of astronauts' physiology. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2021.100324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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8
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Yumoto A, Kokubo T, Izumi R, Shimomura M, Funatsu O, Tada MN, Ota-Murakami N, Iino K, Shirakawa M, Mizuno H, Kudo T, Takahashi S, Suzuki T, Uruno A, Yamamoto M, Shiba D. Novel method for evaluating the health condition of mice in space through a video downlink. Exp Anim 2021; 70:236-244. [PMID: 33487610 PMCID: PMC8150242 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.20-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clarification of the criteria for managing animal health is essential to increase the reliability of experiments and ensure transparency in animal welfare. For
experiments performed in space, there is no consensus on how to care for animals owing to technical issues, launch mass limitation, and human resources. Some
biological processes in mammals, such as musculoskeletal or immune processes, are altered in the space environment, and mice in space can be used to simulate
morbid states, such as senescence acceleration. Thus, there is a need to establish a novel evaluation method and evaluation criteria to monitor animal health.
Here, we report a novel method to evaluate the health of mice in space through a video downlink in a series of space experiments using the Multiple
Artificial-gravity Research System (MARS). This method was found to be more useful in evaluating animal health in space than observations and body weight
changes of the same live mice following their return to Earth. We also developed criteria to evaluate health status via a video downlink. These criteria, with
“Fur condition” and “Respiratory” as key items, provided information on the daily changes in the health status of mice and helped to identify malfunctions at an
early stage. Our method and criteria led to the success of our missions, and they will help establish appropriate rules for space experiments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Yumoto
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Kokubo
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,Laboratory Animal and Genome Sciences Section, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Izumi
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Nihon University, 12-5 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8251, Japan
| | - Michihiko Shimomura
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Osamu Funatsu
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Motoki N Tada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, 2-1-6 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
| | - Naoko Ota-Murakami
- Advanced Engineering Service, Tsukuba Mitsui Bldg., 1-6-1 Takezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0032, Japan
| | - Kayoko Iino
- I-NET Corp., 13F, Nissay Aroma Square, 5-37-1 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-8721, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Mizuno
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Uruno
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
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9
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Rutter L, Barker R, Bezdan D, Cope H, Costes SV, Degoricija L, Fisch KM, Gabitto MI, Gebre S, Giacomello S, Gilroy S, Green SJ, Mason CE, Reinsch SS, Szewczyk NJ, Taylor DM, Galazka JM, Herranz R, Muratani M. A New Era for Space Life Science: International Standards for Space Omics Processing. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 1:100148. [PMID: 33336201 PMCID: PMC7733874 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2020.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Space agencies have announced plans for human missions to the Moon to prepare for Mars. However, the space environment presents stressors that include radiation, microgravity, and isolation. Understanding how these factors affect biology is crucial for safe and effective crewed space exploration. There is a need to develop countermeasures, to adapt plants and microbes for nutrient sources and bioregenerative life support, and to limit pathogen infection. Scientists across the world are conducting space omics experiments on model organisms and, more recently, on humans. Optimal extraction of actionable scientific discoveries from these precious datasets will only occur at the collective level with improved standardization. To address this shortcoming, we established ISSOP (International Standards for Space Omics Processing), an international consortium of scientists who aim to enhance standard guidelines between space biologists at a global level. Here we introduce our consortium and share past lessons learned and future challenges related to spaceflight omics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Rutter
- Transborder Medical Research Center and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Richard Barker
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Institute of Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Henry Cope
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mariano I. Gabitto
- Flatiron Institute, Center for Computational Biology, Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Samrawit Gebre
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Genome Research Core, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sigrid S. Reinsch
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Deanne M. Taylor
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Galazka
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas “Margarita Salas” (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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Fujita SI, Rutter L, Ong Q, Muratani M. Integrated RNA-seq Analysis Indicates Asynchrony in Clock Genes between Tissues under Spaceflight. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E196. [PMID: 32933026 PMCID: PMC7555136 DOI: 10.3390/life10090196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models have been widely used as analogs for estimating spaceflight-relevant molecular mechanisms in human tissues. NASA GeneLab provides access to numerous spaceflight omics datasets that can potentially generate novel insights and hypotheses about fundamental space biology when analyzed in new and integrated fashions. Here, we performed a pilot study to elucidate space biological mechanisms across tissues by reanalyzing mouse RNA-sequencing spaceflight data archived on NASA GeneLab. Our results showed that clock gene expressions in spaceflight mice were altered compared with those in ground control mice. Furthermore, the results suggested that spaceflight promotes asynchrony of clock gene expressions between peripheral tissues. Abnormal circadian rhythms are associated not only with jet lag and sleep disorders but also with cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and mental disorders. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of elucidating the causes of circadian rhythm disruptions using the unique approach of space biology research to one day potentially develop countermeasures that benefit humans on Earth and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichiro Fujita
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Lindsay Rutter
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Quang Ong
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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11
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Nrf2 contributes to the weight gain of mice during space travel. Commun Biol 2020; 3:496. [PMID: 32901092 PMCID: PMC7479603 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Space flight produces an extreme environment with unique stressors, but little is known about how our body responds to these stresses. While there are many intractable limitations for in-flight space research, some can be overcome by utilizing gene knockout-disease model mice. Here, we report how deletion of Nrf2, a master regulator of stress defense pathways, affects the health of mice transported for a stay in the International Space Station (ISS). After 31 days in the ISS, all flight mice returned safely to Earth. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the stresses of space travel evoked ageing-like changes of plasma metabolites and activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Especially, Nrf2 was found to be important for maintaining homeostasis of white adipose tissues. This study opens approaches for future space research utilizing murine gene knockout-disease models, and provides insights into mitigating space-induced stresses that limit the further exploration of space by humans. Using Nrf2 knockout mice, Suzuki, Uruno, Yumoto et al. show that space travel activates Nrf2 signaling, which contributes to the weight gain of mice by regulating fat metabolism of white adipose tissues. This study provides insights into potential interventions to mitigate stresses that accompany space travels.
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12
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Turroni S, Magnani M, Kc P, Lesnik P, Vidal H, Heer M. Gut Microbiome and Space Travelers' Health: State of the Art and Possible Pro/Prebiotic Strategies for Long-Term Space Missions. Front Physiol 2020; 11:553929. [PMID: 33013480 PMCID: PMC7505921 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.553929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The upcoming exploration missions will imply a much longer duration than any of the missions flown so far. In these missions, physiological adaptation to the new environment leads to changes in different body systems, such as the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, metabolic and neurobehavioral health and immune function. To keep space travelers healthy on their trip to Moon, Mars and beyond and their return to Earth, a variety of countermeasures need to be provided to maintain body functionality. From research on the International Space Station (ISS) we know today, that for instance prescribing an adequate training regime for each individual with the devices available in the respective spacecraft is still a challenge. Nutrient supply is not yet optimal and must be optimized in exploration missions. Food intake is intrinsically linked to changes in the gut microbiome composition. Most of the microbes that inhabit our body supply ecosystem benefit to the host-microbe system, including production of important resources, bioconversion of nutrients, and protection against pathogenic microbes. The gut microbiome has also the ability to signal the host, regulating the processes of energy storage and appetite perception, and influencing immune and neurobehavioral function. The composition and functionality of the microbiome most likely changes during spaceflight. Supporting a healthy microbiome by respective measures in space travelers might maintain their health during the mission but also support rehabilitation when being back on Earth. In this review we are summarizing the changes in the gut microbiome observed in spaceflight and analog models, focusing particularly on the effects on metabolism, the musculoskeletal and immune systems and neurobehavioral disorders. Since space travelers are healthy volunteers, we focus on the potential of countermeasures based on pre- and probiotics supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbial Ecology of Health, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marciane Magnani
- Laboratory of Microbial Processes in Foods, Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Pukar Kc
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR_S 1166), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Lesnik
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR_S 1166), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Hubert Vidal
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Martina Heer
- International University of Applied Sciences, Bad Reichenhall, Germany.,Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Abstract
The impact of spaceflight on the immune system has been investigated extensively during spaceflight missions and in model experiments conducted on Earth. Data suggest that the spaceflight environment may affect the development of acquired immunity, and immune responses. Herein we summarize and discuss the influence of the spaceflight environment on acquired immunity. Bone marrow and the thymus, two major primary lymphoid organs, are evidently affected by gravitational change during spaceflight. Changes in the microenvironments of these organs impair lymphopoiesis, and thereby may indirectly impinge on acquired immunity. Acquired immune responses may also be disturbed by gravitational fluctuation, stressors, and space radiation both directly and in a stress hormone-dependent manner. These changes may affect acquired immune responses to pathogens, allergens, and tumors.
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14
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Horie K, Kato T, Kudo T, Sasanuma H, Miyauchi M, Akiyama N, Miyao T, Seki T, Ishikawa T, Takakura Y, Shirakawa M, Shiba D, Hamada M, Jeon H, Yoshida N, Inoue JI, Muratani M, Takahashi S, Ohno H, Akiyama T. Impact of spaceflight on the murine thymus and mitigation by exposure to artificial gravity during spaceflight. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19866. [PMID: 31882694 PMCID: PMC6934594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment experienced during spaceflight may impact the immune system and the thymus appears to undergo atrophy during spaceflight. However, molecular aspects of this thymic atrophy remain to be elucidated. In this study, we analysed the thymi of mice on board the international space station (ISS) for approximately 1 month. Thymic size was significantly reduced after spaceflight. Notably, exposure of mice to 1 × g using centrifugation cages in the ISS significantly mitigated the reduction in thymic size. Although spaceflight caused thymic atrophy, the global thymic structure was not largely changed. However, RNA sequencing analysis of the thymus showed significantly reduced expression of cell cycle-regulating genes in two independent spaceflight samples. These reductions were partially countered by 1 × g exposure during the space flights. Thus, our data suggest that spaceflight leads to reduced proliferation of thymic cells, thereby reducing the size of the thymus, and exposure to 1 × g might alleviate the impairment of thymus homeostasis induced by spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Horie
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sasanuma
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takao Seki
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuki Takakura
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Michito Hamada
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hyojung Jeon
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.,Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Inoue
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.,Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan. .,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.
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