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Wadhwa A, Moreno-Villanueva M, Crucian B, Wu H. Synergistic interplay between radiation and microgravity in spaceflight-related immunological health risks. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:50. [PMID: 39033285 PMCID: PMC11264846 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a myriad of environmental stressors to astronauts´ physiology including microgravity and radiation. The individual impacts of microgravity and radiation on the immune system have been extensively investigated, though a comprehensive review on their combined effects on immune system outcomes is missing. Therefore, this review aims at understanding the synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions between microgravity and radiation and their impact on immune function as observed during spaceflight-analog studies such as rodent hindlimb unloading and cell culture rotating wall vessel models. These mimic some, but not all, of the physiological changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight and provide valuable information that should be considered when planning future missions. We provide guidelines for the design of further spaceflight-analog studies, incorporating influential factors such as age and sex for rodent models and standardizing the longitudinal evaluation of specific immunological alterations for both rodent and cellular models of spaceflight exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wadhwa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA.
| | | | | | - Honglu Wu
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
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2
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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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3
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An R, Blackwell VK, Harandi B, Gibbons AC, Siu O, Irby I, Rees A, Cornejal N, Sattler KM, Sheng T, Syracuse NC, Loftus D, Santa Maria SR, Cekanaviciute E, Reinsch SS, Ray HE, Paul AM. Influence of the spaceflight environment on macrophage lineages. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:63. [PMID: 38862517 PMCID: PMC11166655 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00293-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and terrestrial spaceflight analogs can alter immune phenotypes. Macrophages are important immune cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in immunoregulatory processes of homeostasis. Furthermore, macrophages are critically involved in initiating immunity, defending against injury and infection, and are also involved in immune resolution and wound healing. Heterogeneous populations of macrophage-type cells reside in many tissues and cause a variety of tissue-specific effects through direct or indirect interactions with other physiological systems, including the nervous and endocrine systems. It is vital to understand how macrophages respond to the unique environment of space to safeguard crew members with appropriate countermeasures for future missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. This review highlights current literature on macrophage responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Cornell University, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Virginia Katherine Blackwell
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bijan Harandi
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Chemistry, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Alicia C Gibbons
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of California San Diego, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Olivia Siu
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Iris Irby
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Amy Rees
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Nadjet Cornejal
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Brooklyn College, Department of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Kristina M Sattler
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Ohio State University, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tao Sheng
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Computer Science, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Nicholas C Syracuse
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- North Carolina State University, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - David Loftus
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sigrid S Reinsch
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- ASRC Federal, Inc, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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4
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Kim J, Tierney BT, Overbey EG, Dantas E, Fuentealba M, Park J, Narayanan SA, Wu F, Najjar D, Chin CR, Meydan C, Loy C, Mathyk B, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Nguyen K, Ryon KA, Damle N, Houerbi N, Patras LI, Schanzer N, Hutchinson GA, Foox J, Bhattacharya C, Mackay M, Afshin EE, Hirschberg JW, Kleinman AS, Schmidt JC, Schmidt CM, Schmidt MA, Beheshti A, Matei I, Lyden D, Mullane S, Asadi A, Lenz JS, Mzava O, Yu M, Ganesan S, De Vlaminck I, Melnick AM, Barisic D, Winer DA, Zwart SR, Crucian BE, Smith SM, Mateus J, Furman D, Mason CE. Single-cell multi-ome and immune profiles of the Inspiration4 crew reveal conserved, cell-type, and sex-specific responses to spaceflight. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4954. [PMID: 38862516 PMCID: PMC11166952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49211-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight induces an immune response in astronauts. To better characterize this effect, we generated single-cell, multi-ome, cell-free RNA (cfRNA), biochemical, and hematology data for the SpaceX Inspiration4 (I4) mission crew. We found that 18 cytokines/chemokines related to inflammation, aging, and muscle homeostasis changed after spaceflight. In I4 single-cell multi-omics data, we identified a "spaceflight signature" of gene expression characterized by enrichment in oxidative phosphorylation, UV response, immune function, and TCF21 pathways. We confirmed the presence of this signature in independent datasets, including the NASA Twins Study, the I4 skin spatial transcriptomics, and 817 NASA GeneLab mouse transcriptomes. Finally, we observed that (1) T cells showed an up-regulation of FOXP3, (2) MHC class I genes exhibited long-term suppression, and (3) infection-related immune pathways were associated with microbiome shifts. In summary, this study reveals conserved and distinct immune disruptions occurring and details a roadmap for potential countermeasures to preserve astronaut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Braden T Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Eliah G Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Center for STEM, University of Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ezequiel Dantas
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Matias Fuentealba
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Jiwoon Park
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Fei Wu
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
| | - Christopher R Chin
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Tri-Institutional Biology and Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Conor Loy
- Cornell University, Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Begum Mathyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Khiem Nguyen
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Krista A Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
| | - Nadia Houerbi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Laura I Patras
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nathan Schanzer
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Gwyneth A Hutchinson
- NASA Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Chandrima Bhattacharya
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- Tri-Institutional Biology and Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Matthew Mackay
- Tri-Institutional Biology and Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Evan E Afshin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Ashley S Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Julian C Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Caleb M Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Michael A Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean Mullane
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Amran Asadi
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Joan S Lenz
- Cornell University, Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Omary Mzava
- Cornell University, Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saravanan Ganesan
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Cornell University, Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Ari M Melnick
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Darko Barisic
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Winer
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - David Furman
- Buck Artificial Intelligence Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
- Stanford 1000 Immunomes Project, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94306, USA.
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Argentina.
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 100221, USA.
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
- Tri-Institutional Biology and Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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5
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Park J, Overbey EG, Narayanan SA, Kim J, Tierney BT, Damle N, Najjar D, Ryon KA, Proszynski J, Kleinman A, Hirschberg JW, MacKay M, Afshin EE, Granstein R, Gurvitch J, Hudson BM, Rininger A, Mullane S, Church SE, Meydan C, Church G, Beheshti A, Mateus J, Mason CE. Spatial multi-omics of human skin reveals KRAS and inflammatory responses to spaceflight. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4773. [PMID: 38862494 PMCID: PMC11166909 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48625-2] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight can change metabolic, immunological, and biological homeostasis and cause skin rashes and irritation, yet the molecular basis remains unclear. To investigate the impact of short-duration spaceflight on the skin, we conducted skin biopsies on the Inspiration4 crew members before (L-44) and after (R + 1) flight. Leveraging multi-omics assays including GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler, single-cell RNA/ATAC-seq, and metagenomics/metatranscriptomics, we assessed spatial gene expressions and associated microbial and immune changes across 95 skin regions in four compartments: outer epidermis, inner epidermis, outer dermis, and vasculature. Post-flight samples showed significant up-regulation of genes related to inflammation and KRAS signaling across all skin regions. These spaceflight-associated changes mapped to specific cellular responses, including altered interferon responses, DNA damage, epithelial barrier disruptions, T-cell migration, and hindered regeneration were located primarily in outer tissue compartments. We also linked epithelial disruption to microbial shifts in skin swab and immune cell activity to PBMC single-cell data from the same crew and timepoints. Our findings present the inaugural collection and examination of astronaut skin, offering insights for future space missions and response countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwoon Park
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliah G Overbey
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braden T Tierney
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista A Ryon
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley Kleinman
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan E Afshin
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Granstein
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin Gurvitch
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | | | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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6
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Garcia-Medina JS, Sienkiewicz K, Narayanan SA, Overbey EG, Grigorev K, Ryon KA, Burke M, Proszynski J, Tierney B, Schmidt CM, Mencia-Trinchant N, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Foox J, Chin C, Najjar D, Matei I, Chan I, Cruchaga C, Kleinman A, Kim J, Lucaci A, Loy C, Mzava O, De Vlaminck I, Singaraju A, Taylor LE, Schmidt JC, Schmidt MA, Blease K, Moreno J, Boddicker A, Zhao J, Lajoie B, Altomare A, Kruglyak S, Levy S, Yu M, Hassane DC, Bailey SM, Bolton K, Mateus J, Mason CE. Genome and clonal hematopoiesis stability contrasts with immune, cfDNA, mitochondrial, and telomere length changes during short duration spaceflight. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2024; 7:pbae007. [PMID: 38634106 PMCID: PMC11022651 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The Inspiration4 (I4) mission, the first all-civilian orbital flight mission, investigated the physiological effects of short-duration spaceflight through a multi-omic approach. Despite advances, there remains much to learn about human adaptation to spaceflight's unique challenges, including microgravity, immune system perturbations, and radiation exposure. Methods To provide a detailed genetics analysis of the mission, we collected dried blood spots pre-, during, and post-flight for DNA extraction. Telomere length was measured by quantitative PCR, while whole genome and cfDNA sequencing provided insight into genomic stability and immune adaptations. A robust bioinformatic pipeline was used for data analysis, including variant calling to assess mutational burden. Result Telomere elongation occurred during spaceflight and shortened after return to Earth. Cell-free DNA analysis revealed increased immune cell signatures post-flight. No significant clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) or whole-genome instability was observed. The long-term gene expression changes across immune cells suggested cellular adaptations to the space environment persisting months post-flight. Conclusion Our findings provide valuable insights into the physiological consequences of short-duration spaceflight, with telomere dynamics and immune cell gene expression adapting to spaceflight and persisting after return to Earth. CHIP sequencing data will serve as a reference point for studying the early development of CHIP in astronauts, an understudied phenomenon as previous studies have focused on career astronauts. This study will serve as a reference point for future commercial and non-commercial spaceflight, low Earth orbit (LEO) missions, and deep-space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sebastian Garcia-Medina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Karolina Sienkiewicz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Eliah G Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- BioAstra Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirill Grigorev
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Krista A Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Marissa Burke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Braden Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Caleb M Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Nuria Mencia-Trinchant
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Christopher Chin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- BioAstra Inc, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Irenaeus Chan
- Washington University St. Louis Oncology Division, St. Louis, MO 63100, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Washington University St. Louis Oncology Division, St. Louis, MO 63100, USA
| | - Ashley Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Alexander Lucaci
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Conor Loy
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Omary Mzava
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Anvita Singaraju
- Department of Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Julian C Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
| | - Michael A Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
| | | | - Juan Moreno
- Element Biosciences, San Diego, CA 10055, USA
| | | | - Junhua Zhao
- Element Biosciences, San Diego, CA 10055, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shawn Levy
- Element Biosciences, San Diego, CA 10055, USA
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Duane C Hassane
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Kelly Bolton
- Washington University St. Louis Oncology Division, St. Louis, MO 63100, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA 90250, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- BioAstra Inc, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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7
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Leuti A, Fava M, Pellegrini N, Forte G, Fanti F, Della Valle F, De Dominicis N, Sergi M, Maccarrone M. Simulated Microgravity Affects Pro-Resolving Properties of Primary Human Monocytes. Cells 2024; 13:100. [PMID: 38201304 PMCID: PMC10778078 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Space-related stressors such as microgravity are associated with cellular and molecular alterations of the immune and inflammatory homeostasis that have been linked to the disorders that astronauts suffer from during their missions. Most of the research of the past 30 years has consistently established that innate adaptive immune cells represent a target of microgravity, which leads to their defective or dysfunctional activation, as well as to an altered ability to produce soluble mediators-e.g., cytokines/chemokines and bioactive lipids-that altogether control tissue homeostasis. Bioactive lipids include a vast array of endogenous molecules of immune origin that control the induction, intensity and outcome of the inflammatory events. However, none of the papers published so far focus on a newly characterized class of lipid mediators called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which orchestrate the "resolution of inflammation"-i.e., the active control and confinement of the inflammatory torrent mostly driven by eicosanoids. SPMs are emerging as crucial players in those processes that avoid acute inflammation to degenerate into a chronic event. Given that SPMs, along with their metabolism and signaling, are being increasingly linked to many inflammatory disorders, their study seems of the outmost importance in the research of pathological processes involved in space-related diseases, also with the perspective of developing therapeutic countermeasures. Here, we show that microgravity, simulated in the rotary cell culture system (RCCS) developed by NASA, rearranges SPM receptors both at the gene and protein level, in human monocytes but not in lymphocytes. Moreover, RCCS treatment reduces the biosynthesis of a prominent SPM like resolvin (Rv) D1. These findings strongly suggest that not only microgravity can impair the functioning of immune cells at the level of bioactive lipids directly involved in proper inflammation, but it does so in a cell-specific manner, possibly perturbing immune homeostasis with monocytes being primary targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marina Fava
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Niccolò Pellegrini
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulia Forte
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Federico Fanti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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8
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Andrade MR, Azeez TA, Montgomery MM, Caldwell JT, Park H, Kwok AT, Borg AM, Narayanan SA, Willey JS, Delp MD, La Favor JD. Neurovascular dysfunction associated with erectile dysfunction persists after long-term recovery from simulations of weightlessness and deep space irradiation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23246. [PMID: 37990646 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300506rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing interest within the space industry for long-duration manned expeditions to the Moon and Mars. During deep space missions, astronauts are exposed to high levels of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and microgravity which are associated with increased risk of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are causative factors in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction, although the effects of spaceflight on erectile function have been unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of simulated spaceflight and long-term recovery on tissues critical for erectile function, the distal internal pudendal artery (dIPA), and the corpus cavernosum (CC). Eighty-six adult male Fisher-344 rats were randomized into six groups and exposed to 4-weeks of hindlimb unloading (HLU) or weight-bearing control, and sham (0Gy), 0.75 Gy, or 1.5 Gy of simulated GCR at the ground-based GCR simulator at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Following a 12-13-month recovery, ex vivo physiological analysis of the dIPA and CC tissue segments revealed differential impacts of HLU and GCR on endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation that was tissue type specific. GCR impaired non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxation in the dIPA and CC, while follow-up experiments of the CC showed restoration of NANC-mediated relaxation of GCR tissues following acute incubation with the antioxidants mito-TEMPO and TEMPOL, as well as inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and arginase. These findings indicate that simulated spaceflight exerts a long-term impairment of neurovascular erectile function, which exposes a new health risk to consider with deep space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuella R Andrade
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Tooyib A Azeez
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - McLane M Montgomery
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jacob T Caldwell
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Hyerim Park
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Andy T Kwok
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander M Borg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Justin D La Favor
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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9
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Fonte C, Jacob P, Vanet A, Ghislin S, Frippiat JP. Hindlimb unloading, a physiological model of microgravity, modifies the murine bone marrow IgM repertoire in a similar manner as aging but less strongly. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:64. [PMID: 37986079 PMCID: PMC10659048 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00393-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spaceflight environment is an extreme environment that affects the immune system of approximately 50% of astronauts. With planned long-duration missions, such as the deployment of the Lunar Gateway and possible interplanetary missions, it is mandatory to determine how all components of the immune system are affected, which will allow the establishment of countermeasures to preserve astronaut health. However, despite being an important component of the immune system, antibody-mediated humoral immunity has rarely been investigated in the context of the effects of the space environment. It has previously been demonstrated that 30 days aboard the BION-M1 satellite and 21 days of hindlimb unloading (HU), a model classically used to mimic the effects of microgravity, decrease murine B lymphopoiesis. Furthermore, modifications in B lymphopoiesis reported in young mice subjected to 21 days of HU were shown to be similar to those observed in aged mice (18-22 months). Since the primary antibody repertoire composed of IgM is created by V(D) J recombination during B lymphopoiesis, the objective of this study was to assess the degree of similarity between changes in the bone marrow IgM repertoire and in the V(D)J recombination process in 2.5-month-old mice subjected to 21 days of HU and aged (18 months) mice. RESULTS We found that in 21 days, HU induced changes in the IgM repertoire that were approximately 3-fold less than those in aged mice, which is a rapid effect. Bone remodeling and epigenetics likely mediate these changes. Indeed, we previously demonstrated a significant decrease in tibial morphometric parameters from day 6 of HU and a progressive reduction in these parameters until day 21 of HU, and it has been shown that age and microgravity induce epigenetic changes. CONCLUSION These data reveal novel immune changes that are akin to advanced aging and underline the importance of studying the effects of spaceflight on antibody-mediated humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Fonte
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-lès, Nancy, France
| | - Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-lès, Nancy, France
| | - Anne Vanet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Ghislin
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-lès, Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-lès, Nancy, France.
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10
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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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11
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Gallardo-Dodd CJ, Oertlin C, Record J, Galvani RG, Sommerauer C, Kuznetsov NV, Doukoumopoulos E, Ali L, Oliveira MMS, Seitz C, Percipalle M, Nikić T, Sadova AA, Shulgina SM, Shmarov VA, Kutko OV, Vlasova DD, Orlova KD, Rykova MP, Andersson J, Percipalle P, Kutter C, Ponomarev SA, Westerberg LS. Exposure of volunteers to microgravity by dry immersion bed over 21 days results in gene expression changes and adaptation of T cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1610. [PMID: 37624890 PMCID: PMC10456848 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The next steps of deep space exploration are manned missions to Moon and Mars. For safe space missions for crew members, it is important to understand the impact of space flight on the immune system. We studied the effects of 21 days dry immersion (DI) exposure on the transcriptomes of T cells isolated from blood samples of eight healthy volunteers. Samples were collected 7 days before DI, at day 7, 14, and 21 during DI, and 7 days after DI. RNA sequencing of CD3+ T cells revealed transcriptional alterations across all time points, with most changes occurring 14 days after DI exposure. At day 21, T cells showed evidence of adaptation with a transcriptional profile resembling that of 7 days before DI. At 7 days after DI, T cells again changed their transcriptional profile. These data suggest that T cells adapt by rewiring their transcriptomes in response to simulated weightlessness and that remodeling cues persist when reexposed to normal gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J. Gallardo-Dodd
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Oertlin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julien Record
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rômulo G. Galvani
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Experimental and Translational Research, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Universidade Veiga de Almeida, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory for Thymus Research (LPT), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christian Sommerauer
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikolai V. Kuznetsov
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Liaqat Ali
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Core Technology Platform, NYUAD, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariana M. S. Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Seitz
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathias Percipalle
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tijana Nikić
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anastasia A. Sadova
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofia M. Shulgina
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vjacheslav A. Shmarov
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Kutko
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria D. Vlasova
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniya D. Orlova
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina P. Rykova
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - John Andersson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Piergiorgio Percipalle
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, NYUAD, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Kutter
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergey A. Ponomarev
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lisa S. Westerberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Jacob P, Oertlin C, Baselet B, Westerberg LS, Frippiat JP, Baatout S. Next generation of astronauts or ESA astronaut 2.0 concept and spotlight on immunity. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:51. [PMID: 37380641 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we have sent humans into space for more than 50 years, crucial questions regarding immune response in space conditions remain unanswered. There are many complex interactions between the immune system and other physiological systems in the human body. This makes it difficult to study the combined long-term effects of space stressors such as radiation and microgravity. In particular, exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation may produce changes in the performance of the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels and in the major physiological systems of the body. Consequently, abnormal immune responses induced in the space environment may have serious health consequences, especially in future long-term space missions. In particular, radiation-induced immune effects pose significant health challenges for long-duration space exploration missions with potential risks to reduce the organism's ability to respond to injuries, infections, and vaccines, and predispose astronauts to the onset of chronic diseases (e.g., immunosuppression, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, gut dysbiosis). Other deleterious effects encountered by radiation may include cancer and premature aging, induced by dysregulated redox and metabolic processes, microbiota, immune cell function, endotoxin, and pro-inflammatory signal production1,2. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the immune system and discuss knowledge gaps that future studies should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christian Oertlin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gent University, Gent, Belgium.
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13
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Patel OV, Partridge C, Plaut K. Space Environment Impacts Homeostasis: Exposure to Spaceflight Alters Mammary Gland Transportome Genes. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050872. [PMID: 37238741 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters and ion channels that play an indispensable role in metabolite trafficking have evolved to operate in Earth's gravity. Dysregulation of the transportome expression profile at normogravity not only affects homeostasis along with drug uptake and distribution but also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diverse localized to systemic diseases including cancer. The profound physiological and biochemical perturbations experienced by astronauts during space expeditions are well-documented. However, there is a paucity of information on the effect of the space environment on the transportome profile at an organ level. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyze the effect of spaceflight on ion channels and membrane substrate transporter genes in the periparturient rat mammary gland. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation (p < 0.01) of amino acid, Ca2+, K+, Na+, Zn2+, Cl-, PO43-, glucose, citrate, pyruvate, succinate, cholesterol, and water transporter genes in rats exposed to spaceflight. Genes associated with the trafficking of proton-coupled amino acids, Mg2+, Fe2+, voltage-gated K+-Na+, cation-coupled chloride, as well as Na+/Ca2+ and ATP-Mg/Pi exchangers were suppressed (p < 0.01) in these spaceflight-exposed rats. These findings suggest that an altered transportome profile contributes to the metabolic modulations observed in the rats exposed to the space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman V Patel
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA
| | - Charlyn Partridge
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Karen Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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14
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McDonagh F, Cormican M, Morris D, Burke L, Singh NK, Venkateswaran K, Miliotis G. Medical Astro-Microbiology: Current Role and Future Challenges. J Indian Inst Sci 2023; 103:1-26. [PMID: 37362850 PMCID: PMC10082442 DOI: 10.1007/s41745-023-00360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The second and third decades of the twenty-first century are marked by a flourishing of space technology which may soon realise human aspirations of a permanent multiplanetary presence. The prevention, control and management of infection with microbial pathogens is likely to play a key role in how successful human space aspirations will become. This review considers the emerging field of medical astro-microbiology. It examines the current evidence regarding the risk of infection during spaceflight via host susceptibility, alterations to the host's microbiome as well as exposure to other crew members and spacecraft's microbiomes. It also considers the relevance of the hygiene hypothesis in this regard. It then reviews the current evidence related to infection risk associated with microbial adaptability in spaceflight conditions. There is a particular focus on the International Space Station (ISS), as one of the only two crewed objects in low Earth orbit. It discusses the effects of spaceflight related stressors on viruses and the infection risks associated with latent viral reactivation and increased viral shedding during spaceflight. It then examines the effects of the same stressors on bacteria, particularly in relation to changes in virulence and drug resistance. It also considers our current understanding of fungal adaptability in spaceflight. The global public health and environmental risks associated with a possible re-introduction to Earth of invasive species are also briefly discussed. Finally, this review examines the largely unknown microbiology and infection implications of celestial body habitation with an emphasis placed on Mars. Overall, this review summarises much of our current understanding of medical astro-microbiology and identifies significant knowledge gaps. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca McDonagh
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin Cormican
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dearbháile Morris
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Liam Burke
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Georgios Miliotis
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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15
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Homo sapiens—A Species Not Designed for Space Flight: Health Risks in Low Earth Orbit and Beyond, Including Potential Risks When Traveling beyond the Geomagnetic Field of Earth. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030757. [PMID: 36983912 PMCID: PMC10051707 DOI: 10.3390/life13030757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Homo sapiens and their predecessors evolved in the context of the boundary conditions of Earth, including a 1 g gravity and a geomagnetic field (GMF). These variables, plus others, led to complex organisms that evolved under a defined set of conditions and define how humans will respond to space flight, a circumstance that could not have been anticipated by evolution. Over the past ~60 years, space flight and living in low Earth orbit (LEO) have revealed that astronauts are impacted to varying degrees by such new environments. In addition, it has been noted that astronauts are quite heterogeneous in their response patterns, indicating that such variation is either silent if one remained on Earth, or the heterogeneity unknowingly contributes to disease development during aging or in response to insults. With the planned mission to deep space, humans will now be exposed to further risks from radiation when traveling beyond the influence of the GMF, as well as other potential risks that are associated with the actual loss of the GMF on the astronauts, their microbiomes, and growing food sources. Experimental studies with model systems have revealed that hypogravity conditions can influence a variety biological and physiological systems, and thus the loss of the GMF may have unanticipated consequences to astronauts’ systems, such as those that are electrical in nature (i.e., the cardiovascular system and central neural systems). As astronauts have been shown to be heterogeneous in their responses to LEO, they may require personalized countermeasures, while others may not be good candidates for deep-space missions if effective countermeasures cannot be developed for long-duration missions. This review will discuss several of the physiological and neural systems that are affected and how the emerging variables may influence astronaut health and functioning.
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16
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Bharindwal S, Goswami N, Jha P, Pandey S, Jobby R. Prospective Use of Probiotics to Maintain Astronaut Health during Spaceflight. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030727. [PMID: 36983881 PMCID: PMC10058446 DOI: 10.3390/life13030727] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining an astronaut's health during space travel is crucial. Multiple studies have observed various changes in the gut microbiome and physiological health. Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) had changes in the microbial communities in their gut, nose, and skin. Additionally, immune system cell alterations have been observed in astronauts with changes in neutrophils, monocytes, and T-cells. Probiotics help tackle these health issues caused during spaceflight by inhibiting pathogen adherence, enhancing epithelial barrier function by reducing permeability, and producing an anti-inflammatory effect. When exposed to microgravity, probiotics demonstrated a shorter lag phase, faster growth, improved acid tolerance, and bile resistance. A freeze-dried Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota capsule was tested for its stability on ISS for a month and has been shown to enhance innate immunity and balance intestinal microbiota. The usage of freeze-dried spores of B. subtilis proves to be advantageous to long-term spaceflight because it qualifies for all the aspects tested for commercial probiotics under simulated conditions. These results demonstrate a need to further study the effect of probiotics in simulated microgravity and spaceflight conditions and to apply them to overcome the effects caused by gut microbiome dysbiosis and issues that might occur during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahaj Bharindwal
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nidhi Goswami
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pamela Jha
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS University Mumbai, Mumbai 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siddharth Pandey
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Renitta Jobby
- Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
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17
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Han Y, Shi S, Liu S, Gu X. Effects of spaceflight on the spleen and thymus of mice: Gene pathway analysis and immune infiltration analysis. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:8531-8545. [PMID: 37161210 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
During space flight, the immune system function of the body is disrupted due to continuous weightlessness, radiation and other factors, resulting in an increased incidence of infectious diseases in astronauts. However, the effect of space flight on the immune system at the molecular level is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify key genes and pathways of spatial environmental effects on the spleen and thymus using bioinformatics analysis of the GEO dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleen and thymus of mice preflight and postflight were screened by comprehensive analysis of gene expression profile data. Then, GO enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to determine the biological role of DEGs. A protein-protein interaction network was used to identify hub genes. In addition, transcription factors in DEGs were screened, and a TF-target regulatory network was constructed. Finally, immune infiltration analysis was performed on spleen and thymus samples from mice. The results showed that DEGs in the spleen and thymus are mainly involved in immune responses and in biological processes related to platelets. Six hub genes were identified in the spleen and 13 in the thymus, of which Ttr, Aldob, Gc and Fabp1 were common to both tissues. In addition, 5 transcription factors were present in the DEGs of the spleen, and 9 transcription factors were present in the DEGs of the thymus. The spatial environment can influence the degree of immune cell infiltration in the spleen and thymus. Our study bioinformatically analyzed the GEO dataset of spacefaring mice to identify the effects of the space environment on the immune system and the genes that play key roles, providing insights for the treatment of spaceflight-induced immune system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Han
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- China COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefeng Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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18
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Sakharkar A, Yang J. Designing a Novel Monitoring Approach for the Effects of Space Travel on Astronauts' Health. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020576. [PMID: 36836933 PMCID: PMC9964234 DOI: 10.3390/life13020576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Space exploration and extraterrestrial civilization have fascinated humankind since the earliest days of human history. It was only in the last century that humankind finally began taking significant steps towards these goals by sending astronauts into space, landing on the moon, and building the International Space Station. However, space voyage is very challenging and dangerous, and astronauts are under constant space radiation and microgravity. It has been shown that astronauts are at a high risk of developing a broad range of diseases/disorders. Thus, it is critical to develop a rapid and effective assay to monitor astronauts' health in space. In this study, gene expression and correlation patterns were analyzed for 10 astronauts (8 male and 2 female) using the publicly available microarray dataset E-GEOD-74708. We identified 218 differentially expressed genes between In-flight and Pre-flight and noticed that space travel decreased genome regulation and gene correlations across the entire genome, as well as individual signaling pathways. Furthermore, we systematically developed a shortlist of 32 genes that could be used to monitor astronauts' health during space travel. Further studies, including microgravity experiments, are warranted to optimize and validate the proposed assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Sakharkar
- College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 9 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A5, Canada
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
- Correspondence:
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19
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Veliz AL, Mamoun L, Hughes L, Vega R, Holmes B, Monteon A, Bray J, Pecaut MJ, Kearns-Jonker M. Transcriptomic Effects on the Mouse Heart Following 30 Days on the International Space Station. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020371. [PMID: 36830740 PMCID: PMC9953463 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to understand the impact of spaceflight on the human body stem from growing interest in long-term space travel. Multiple organ systems are affected by microgravity and radiation, including the cardiovascular system. Previous transcriptomic studies have sought to reveal the changes in gene expression after spaceflight. However, little is known about the impact of long-term spaceflight on the mouse heart in vivo. This study focuses on the transcriptomic changes in the hearts of female C57BL/6J mice flown on the International Space Station (ISS) for 30 days. RNA was isolated from the hearts of three flight and three comparable ground control mice and RNA sequencing was performed. Our analyses showed that 1147 transcripts were significantly regulated after spaceflight. The MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and GPCR signaling pathways were predicted to be activated. Transcripts related to cytoskeleton breakdown and organization were upregulated, but no significant change in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components or oxidative stress pathway-associated transcripts occurred. Our results indicate an absence of cellular senescence, and a significant upregulation of transcripts associated with the cell cycle. Transcripts related to cellular maintenance and survival were most affected by spaceflight, suggesting that cardiovascular transcriptome initiates an adaptive response to long-term spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia L. Veliz
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Lana Mamoun
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Lorelei Hughes
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Richard Vega
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Bailey Holmes
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Andrea Monteon
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Jillian Bray
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Michael J. Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Mary Kearns-Jonker
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Correspondence:
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20
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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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21
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The Effects of Combined Exposure to Simulated Microgravity, Ionizing Radiation, and Cortisol on the In Vitro Wound Healing Process. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020246. [PMID: 36672184 PMCID: PMC9857207 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spaceflight is associated with several health-related issues as a result of long-term exposure to microgravity, ionizing radiation, and higher levels of psychological stress. Frequent reported skin problems in space include rashes, itches, and a delayed wound healing. Access to space is restricted by financial and logistical issues; as a consequence, experimental sample sizes are often small, which limits the generalization of the results. Earth-based simulation models can be used to investigate cellular responses as a result of exposure to certain spaceflight stressors. Here, we describe the development of an in vitro model of the simulated spaceflight environment, which we used to investigate the combined effect of simulated microgravity using the random positioning machine (RPM), ionizing radiation, and stress hormones on the wound-healing capacity of human dermal fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were exposed to cortisol, after which they were irradiated with different radiation qualities (including X-rays, protons, carbon ions, and iron ions) followed by exposure to simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine (RPM). Data related to the inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling phase of wound healing has been collected. Results show that spaceflight stressors can interfere with the wound healing process at any phase. Moreover, several interactions between the different spaceflight stressors were found. This highlights the complexity that needs to be taken into account when studying the effect of spaceflight stressors on certain biological processes and for the aim of countermeasures development.
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22
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Overbey EG, Das S, Cope H, Madrigal P, Andrusivova Z, Frapard S, Klotz R, Bezdan D, Gupta A, Scott RT, Park J, Chirko D, Galazka JM, Costes SV, Mason CE, Herranz R, Szewczyk NJ, Borg J, Giacomello S. Challenges and considerations for single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics sample collection during spaceflight. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100325. [PMID: 36452864 PMCID: PMC9701605 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) have experienced rapid development in recent years. The findings of spaceflight-based scRNA-seq and SRT investigations are likely to improve our understanding of life in space and our comprehension of gene expression in various cell systems and tissue dynamics. However, compared to their Earth-based counterparts, gene expression experiments conducted in spaceflight have not experienced the same pace of development. Out of the hundreds of spaceflight gene expression datasets available, only a few used scRNA-seq and SRT. In this perspective piece, we explore the growing importance of scRNA-seq and SRT in space biology and discuss the challenges and considerations relevant to robust experimental design to enable growth of these methods in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah G. Overbey
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saswati Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Henry Cope
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Pedro Madrigal
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Zaneta Andrusivova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Solène Frapard
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Klotz
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen (NCCT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, German
- yuri GmbH, Meckenbeuren, Germany
| | | | - Ryan T. Scott
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan M. Galazka
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Stefania Giacomello
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Jacob P, Bonnefoy J, Ghislin S, Frippiat JP. Long-duration head-down tilt bed rest confirms the relevance of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and suggests coupling it with the platelet to lymphocyte ratio to monitor the immune health of astronauts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:952928. [PMID: 36311805 PMCID: PMC9606754 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.952928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of safe and easily-determined-inflight biomarkers to monitor the immune system of astronauts is mandatory to ensure their well-being and the success of the missions. In this report, we evaluated the relevance of two biomarkers whose determination could be easily implemented in a spacecraft in the near future by using bedridden volunteers as a ground-based model of the microgravity of spaceflight. Our data confirm the relevance of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and suggest platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) monitoring to assess long-lasting immune diseases. We recommend coupling these ratios to other biomarkers, such as the quantification of cytokines and viral load measurements, to efficiently detect immune dysfunction, determine when countermeasures should be applied to promote immune recovery, prevent the development of disease, and track responses to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Julie Bonnefoy
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Stéphanie Ghislin
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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24
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3D microenvironment attenuates simulated microgravity-mediated changes in T cell transcriptome. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:508. [PMID: 36063234 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Human space travel and exploration are of interest to both the industrial and scientific community. However, there are many adverse effects of spaceflight on human physiology. In particular, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which microgravity affects the immune system. T cells, key players of the adaptive immune system and long-term immunity, are present not only in blood circulation but also reside within the tissue. As of yet, studies investigating the effects of microgravity on T cells are limited to peripheral blood or traditional 2D cell culture that recapitulates circulating blood. To better mimic interstitial tissue, 3D cell culture has been well established for physiologically and pathologically relevant models. In this work, we utilize 2D cell culture and 3D collagen matrices to gain an understanding of how simulated microgravity, using a random positioning machine, affects both circulating and tissue-resident T cells. T cells were studied in both resting and activated stages. We found that 3D cell culture attenuates the effects of simulated microgravity on the T cells transcriptome and nuclear irregularities compared to 2D cell culture. Interestingly, simulated microgravity appears to have less effect on activated T cells compared to those in the resting stage. Overall, our work provides novel insights into the effects of simulated microgravity on circulating and tissue-resident T cells which could provide benefits for the health of space travellers.
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25
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Tran QD, Tran V, Toh LS, Williams PM, Tran NN, Hessel V. Space Medicines for Space Health. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1231-1247. [PMID: 35978686 PMCID: PMC9377000 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists from around the world are studying the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation via the "off-Earth" International Space Station (ISS) laboratory platform. The ISS has helped scientists make discoveries that go beyond the basic understanding of Earth. Over 300 medical experiments have been performed to date, with the goal of extending the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity. This paper gives an overview of these numerous space medical findings, critically identifies challenges and gaps, and puts the achievements into perspective toward long-term space traveling and also adding benefits to our home planet. The medical contents are trifold structured, starting with the well-being of space travelers (astronaut health studies), followed by medical formulation research under space conditions, and then concluding with a blueprint for space pharmaceutical manufacturing. The review covers essential elements of our Earth-based pharmaceutical research such as drug discovery, drug and formulation stability, drug-organ interaction, drug disintegration/bioavailability/pharmacokinetics, pathogen virulence, genome mutation, and body's resistance. The information compiles clinical, medicinal, biological, and chemical research as well as fundamentals and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy Don Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Vienna Tran
- Adelaide
Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Li Shean Toh
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M. Williams
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
| | - Volker Hessel
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- School of
Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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26
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Mian A, Aamir Mian M. Space Medicine: Inspiring a new generation of physicians. Postgrad Med J 2022:7150864. [PMID: 37137531 DOI: 10.1136/pmj-2022-141875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Space medicine is critical in enabling safe human exploration of space. The discipline focuses on supporting human survival, health, and performance in the austere environment of space. It is set to grow ever more important as significant transitions in the standard of space operations in the suborbital, low earth orbit (LEO) and beyond LEO domains will take place in the coming years. NASA along with their international and commercial partners have committed to returning to the Moon through the Artemis missions in this decade with the aim of achieving a permanent sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. Additionally, the development of reusable rockets is set to increase the number and frequency of humans going to space by making space travel more accessible. Commercial spaceflight and missions beyond LEO present many new challenges which space medicine physicians and researchers will need to address. Space medicine operates at the frontier of exploration, engineering, science and medicine. Aviation and Space Medicine (ASM) is the latest specialty to be recognised by the Royal College of Physicians and the General Medical Council in the UK. In this paper, we provide an introduction to space medicine, review the effects of spaceflight on human physiology and health along with countermeasures, medical and surgical issues in space, the varied roles of the ASM physician, challenges to UK space medicine practice and related research, and finally we explore the current representation of space medicine within the undergraduate curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeb Mian
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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27
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Acharya A, Nemade H, Papadopoulos S, Hescheler J, Neumaier F, Schneider T, Rajendra Prasad K, Khan K, Hemmersbach R, Gusmao EG, Mizi A, Papantonis A, Sachinidis A. Microgravity-induced stress mechanisms in human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. iScience 2022; 25:104577. [PMID: 35789849 PMCID: PMC9249673 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to outer space microgravity poses a risk for the development of various pathologies including cardiovascular disease. To study this, we derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells and exposed them to simulated microgravity (SMG). We combined different “omics” and chromosome conformation capture technologies with live-cell imaging of various transgenic lines to discover that SMG impacts on the contractile velocity and function of CMs via the induction of senescence processes. This is linked to SMG-induced changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and energy metabolism by mitochondria. Taken together, we uncover a microgravity-controlled axis causing contractile dysfunctions to CMs. Our findings can contribute to the design of preventive and therapeutic strategies against senescence-associated disease. Simulated microgravity (SMG) causes ROS production in human cardiomyocytes (CMs) SMG inhibits mitochondria function and energy metabolism and induces senescence of CMs SMG attenuates contractile velocity, beating frequency and Ca2+ influx in CMs SMG induces chromosomal changes and modifies the chromosomal architecture in CMs
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28
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Silvani G, Bradbury P, Basirun C, Mehner C, Zalli D, Poole K, Chou J. Testing 3D printed biological platform for advancing simulated microgravity and space mechanobiology research. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:19. [PMID: 35662260 PMCID: PMC9166742 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The advancement of microgravity simulators is helping many researchers better understanding the impact of the mechanically unloaded space environment on cellular function and disfunction. However, performing microgravity experiments on Earth, using simulators such as the Random Positioning Machine, introduces some unique practical challenges, including air bubble formation and leakage of growth medium from tissue culture flask and plates, all of which limit research progress. Here, we developed an easy-to-use hybrid biological platform designed with the precision of 3D printing technologies combined with PDMS microfluidic fabrication processes to facilitate reliable and reproducible microgravity cellular experiments. The system has been characterized for applications in the contest of brain cancer research by exposing glioblastoma and endothelial cells to 24 h of simulated microgravity condition to investigate the triggered mechanosensing pathways involved in cellular adaptation to the new environment. The platform demonstrated compatibility with different biological assays, i.e., proliferation, viability, morphology, protein expression and imaging of molecular structures, showing advantages over the conventional usage of culture flask. Our results indicated that both cell types are susceptible when the gravitational vector is disrupted, confirming the impact that microgravity has on both cancer and healthy cells functionality. In particular, we observed deactivation of Yap-1 molecule in glioblastoma cells and the remodeling of VE-Cadherin junctional protein in endothelial cells. The study provides support for the application of the proposed biological platform for advancing space mechanobiology research, also highlighting perspectives and strategies for developing next generation of brain cancer molecular therapies, including targeted drug delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Silvani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Peta Bradbury
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumoral Development Group, Paris, France
| | - Carin Basirun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Mehner
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Detina Zalli
- Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Camridge, UK
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua Chou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
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29
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Fais G, Manca A, Bolognesi F, Borselli M, Concas A, Busutti M, Broggi G, Sanna P, Castillo-Aleman YM, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Altea M, Pantaleo A, Gabrielli G, Biglioli F, Cao G, Giannaccare G. Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050299. [PMID: 35621951 PMCID: PMC9143897 DOI: 10.3390/md20050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Federico Bolognesi
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Busutti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Broggi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, University of Milan, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Columbus Clinic Center, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 48, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Pierdanilo Sanna
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yandy Marx Castillo-Aleman
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - René Antonio Rivero-Jiménez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yendry Ventura-Carmenate
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Michela Altea
- TOLO Green, Via San Damiano 2, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Federico Biglioli
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3317186201
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30
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The Fight against Cancer by Microgravity: The Multicellular Spheroid as a Metastasis Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063073. [PMID: 35328492 PMCID: PMC8953941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease exhibiting uncontrollable cell growth and spreading to other parts of the organism. It is a heavy, worldwide burden for mankind with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, groundbreaking research and innovations are necessary. Research in space under microgravity (µg) conditions is a novel approach with the potential to fight cancer and develop future cancer therapies. Space travel is accompanied by adverse effects on our health, and there is a need to counteract these health problems. On the cellular level, studies have shown that real (r-) and simulated (s-) µg impact survival, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and adhesion as well as the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, focal adhesion, and growth factors in cancer cells. Moreover, the µg-environment induces in vitro 3D tumor models (multicellular spheroids and organoids) with a high potential for preclinical drug targeting, cancer drug development, and studying the processes of cancer progression and metastasis on a molecular level. This review focuses on the effects of r- and s-µg on different types of cells deriving from thyroid, breast, lung, skin, and prostate cancer, as well as tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge of the impact of µg on cancerous stem cells. The information demonstrates that µg has become an important new technology for increasing current knowledge of cancer biology.
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31
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Radstake WE, Baselet B, Baatout S, Verslegers M. Spaceflight Stressors and Skin Health. Biomedicines 2022; 10:364. [PMID: 35203572 PMCID: PMC8962330 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020364] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traveling to space puts astronauts at risk of developing serious health problems. Of particular interest is the skin, which is vitally important in protecting the body from harmful environmental factors. Although data obtained from long-duration spaceflight studies are inconsistent, there have been indications of increased skin sensitivity and signs of dermal atrophy in astronauts. To better understand the effects of spaceflight stressors including microgravity, ionizing radiation and psychological stress on the skin, researchers have turned to in vitro and in vivo simulation models mimicking certain aspects of the spaceflight environment. In this review, we provide an overview of these simulation models and highlight studies that have improved our understanding on the effect of simulation spaceflight stressors on skin function. Data show that all aforementioned spaceflight stressors can affect skin health. Nevertheless, there remains a knowledge gap regarding how different spaceflight stressors in combination may interact and affect skin health. In future, efforts should be made to better simulate the spaceflight environment and reduce uncertainties related to long-duration spaceflight health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilhelmina E. Radstake
- Radiobiology Unit, SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (W.E.R.); (S.B.); (M.V.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (W.E.R.); (S.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (W.E.R.); (S.B.); (M.V.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mieke Verslegers
- Radiobiology Unit, SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (W.E.R.); (S.B.); (M.V.)
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32
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Pavletić B, Runzheimer K, Siems K, Koch S, Cortesão M, Ramos-Nascimento A, Moeller R. Spaceflight Virology: What Do We Know about Viral Threats in the Spaceflight Environment? ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:210-224. [PMID: 34981957 PMCID: PMC8861927 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Viruses constitute a significant part of the human microbiome, so wherever humans go, viruses are brought with them, even on space missions. In this mini review, we focus on the International Space Station (ISS) as the only current human habitat in space that has a diverse range of viral genera that infect microorganisms from bacteria to eukaryotes. Thus, we have reviewed the literature on the physical conditions of space habitats that have an impact on both virus transmissibility and interaction with their host, which include UV radiation, ionizing radiation, humidity, and microgravity. Also, we briefly comment on the practices used on space missions that reduce virus spread, that is, use of antimicrobial surfaces, spacecraft sterilization practices, and air filtration. Finally, we turn our attention to the health threats that viruses pose to space travel. Overall, even though efforts are taken to ensure safe conditions during human space travel, for example, preflight quarantines of astronauts, we reflect on the potential risks humans might be exposed to and how those risks might be aggravated in extraterrestrial habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pavletić
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Katharina Runzheimer
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Katharina Siems
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Stella Koch
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Ana Ramos-Nascimento
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
- Address correspondence to: Ralf Moeller, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, Linder Hoehe, Building 24, Room 104, D-51147 Köln, Germany
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33
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Cortés-Sánchez JL, Callant J, Krüger M, Sahana J, Kraus A, Baselet B, Infanger M, Baatout S, Grimm D. Cancer Studies under Space Conditions: Finding Answers Abroad. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010025. [PMID: 35052703 PMCID: PMC8773191 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we discuss the current state of knowledge in cancer research under real and simulated microgravity conditions and point out further research directions in this field. Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with radiation, microgravity, and vacuum posing significant hazards. Although the risk for cancer in astronauts is not clear, microgravity plays a thought-provoking role in the carcinogenesis of normal and cancer cells, causing such effects as multicellular spheroid formation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, alteration of gene expression and protein synthesis, and apoptosis. Furthermore, deleterious effects of radiation on cells seem to be accentuated under microgravity. Ground-based facilities have been used to study microgravity effects in addition to laborious experiments during parabolic flights or on space stations. Some potential 'gravisensors' have already been detected, and further identification of these mechanisms of mechanosensitivity could open up ways for therapeutic influence on cancer growth and apoptosis. These novel findings may help to find new effective cancer treatments and to provide health protection for humans on future long-term spaceflights and exploration of outer space.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Cortés-Sánchez
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Jonas Callant
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Armin Kraus
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
- Department Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-21379702
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Cucinotta FA, Schimmerling W, Blakely EA, Hei TK. A proposed change to astronaut exposures limits is a giant leap backwards for radiation protection. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 31:59-70. [PMID: 34689951 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Addressing the uncertainties in assessing health risks from cosmic ray heavy ions is a major scientific challenge recognized by many previous reports by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) advising the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These reports suggested a series of steps to pursue the scientific basis for space radiation protection, including the implementation of age and sex dependent risk assessments and exposure limits appropriate for a small population of radiation workers, the evaluation of uncertainties in risk projections, and developing a vigorous research program in heavy ion radiobiology to reduce uncertainties and discover effective countermeasures. The assessment of uncertainties in assessing risk provides protection against changing assessments of risk, reveals limitations in information used in space mission operations, and provides the impetus to reduce uncertainties and discover the true level of risk and possible effectiveness of countermeasures through research. However, recommendations of a recent NAS report, in an effort to minimize differences in age and sex on flight opportunities, suggest a 600 mSv career effective dose limit based on a median estimate to reach 3% cancer fatality for 35-year old females. The NAS report does not call out examples where females would be excluded from space missions planned in the current decade using the current radiation limits at NASA. In addition, there are minimal considerations of the level of risk to be encountered at this exposure level with respect to the uncertainties of heavy ion radiobiology, and risks of cancer, as well as cognitive detriments and circulatory diseases. Furthermore, their recommendation to limit Sieverts and not risk in conjunction with a waiver process is essentially a recommendation to remove radiation limits for astronauts. We discuss issues with several of the NAS recommendations with the conclusion that the recommendations could have negative impacts on crew health and safety, and violate the three principles of radiation protection (to prevent clinically significant deterministic effects, limit stochastic effects, and practice ALARA), which would be a giant leap backwards for radiation protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis A Cucinotta
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | | | | | - Tom K Hei
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Beheshti A, McDonald JT, Hada M, Takahashi A, Mason CE, Mognato M. Genomic Changes Driven by Radiation-Induced DNA Damage and Microgravity in Human Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910507. [PMID: 34638848 PMCID: PMC8508777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The space environment consists of a complex mixture of different types of ionizing radiation and altered gravity that represents a threat to humans during space missions. In particular, individual radiation sensitivity is strictly related to the risk of space radiation carcinogenesis. Therefore, in view of future missions to the Moon and Mars, there is an urgent need to estimate as accurately as possible the individual risk from space exposure to improve the safety of space exploration. In this review, we survey the combined effects from the two main physical components of the space environment, ionizing radiation and microgravity, to alter the genetics and epigenetics of human cells, considering both real and simulated space conditions. Data collected from studies on human cells are discussed for their potential use to estimate individual radiation carcinogenesis risk from space exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: or (A.B.); (M.M.)
| | - J. Tyson McDonald
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA;
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- The World Quant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maddalena Mognato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: or (A.B.); (M.M.)
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Gómez X, Sanon S, Zambrano K, Asquel S, Bassantes M, Morales JE, Otáñez G, Pomaquero C, Villarroel S, Zurita A, Calvache C, Celi K, Contreras T, Corrales D, Naciph MB, Peña J, Caicedo A. Key points for the development of antioxidant cocktails to prevent cellular stress and damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during manned space missions. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:35. [PMID: 34556658 PMCID: PMC8460669 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation during spaceflight missions causes excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that contributes to cellular stress and damage in astronauts. Average spaceflight mission time is expected to lengthen as humanity aims to visit other planets. However, longer missions or spaceflights will undoubtedly lead to an increment in microgravity, ionizing radiation and ROS production. Strategies to minimize ROS damage are necessary to maintain the health of astronauts, future space colonists, and tourists during and after spaceflight missions. An antioxidant cocktail formulated to prevent or mitigate ROS damage during space exploration could help maintain the health of space explorers. We propose key points to consider when developing an antioxidant cocktail. We discuss how ROS damages our body and organs, the genetic predisposition of astronauts to its damage, characteristics and evidence of the effectiveness of antioxidants to combat excess ROS, differences in drug metabolism when on Earth and in space that could modify antioxidant effects, and the characteristics and efficacy of common antioxidants. Based on this information we propose a workflow for assessing astronaut resistance to ROS damage, infight monitoring of ROS production, and an antioxidant cocktail. Developing an antioxidant cocktail represents a big challenge to translate current medical practices from an Earth setting to space. The key points presented in this review could promote the development of different antioxidant formulations to maintain space explorers' health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Gómez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador
- Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Serena Sanon
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador
- Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kevin Zambrano
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador
- Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Samira Asquel
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mariuxi Bassantes
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Julián E Morales
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Otáñez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Core Pomaquero
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Villarroel
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alejandro Zurita
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Calvache
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kathlyn Celi
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Terry Contreras
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Dylan Corrales
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Belén Naciph
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - José Peña
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés Caicedo
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador.
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador.
- Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador.
- Sistemas Médicos SIME, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador.
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ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Ibrahim IH, Al-Sayegh M, Chen W, Garcia-Sabaté A, Teo JCM. May the Force Be with You (Or Not): The Immune System under Microgravity. Cells 2021; 10:1941. [PMID: 34440709 PMCID: PMC8391211 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All terrestrial organisms have evolved and adapted to thrive under Earth's gravitational force. Due to the increase of crewed space flights in recent years, it is vital to understand how the lack of gravitational forces affects organisms. It is known that astronauts who have been exposed to microgravity suffer from an array of pathological conditions including an impaired immune system, which is one of the most negatively affected by microgravity. However, at the cellular level a gap in knowledge exists, limiting our ability to understand immune impairment in space. This review highlights the most significant work done over the past 10 years detailing the effects of microgravity on cellular aspects of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Ibrahim Hamed Ibrahim
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Mohamed Al-Sayegh
- Biology Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Anna Garcia-Sabaté
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Jeremy C. M. Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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Riwaldt S, Corydon TJ, Pantalone D, Sahana J, Wise P, Wehland M, Krüger M, Melnik D, Kopp S, Infanger M, Grimm D. Role of Apoptosis in Wound Healing and Apoptosis Alterations in Microgravity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:679650. [PMID: 34222218 PMCID: PMC8248797 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.679650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Functioning as the outermost self-renewing protective layer of the human organism, skin protects against a multitude of harmful biological and physical stimuli. Consisting of ectodermal, mesenchymal, and neural crest-derived cell lineages, tissue homeostasis, and signal transduction are finely tuned through the interplay of various pathways. A health problem of astronauts in space is skin deterioration. Until today, wound healing has not been considered as a severe health concern for crew members. This can change with deep space exploration missions and commercial spaceflights together with space tourism. Albeit the molecular process of wound healing is not fully elucidated yet, there have been established significant conceptual gains and new scientific methods. Apoptosis, e.g., programmed cell death, enables orchestrated development and cell removal in wounded or infected tissue. Experimental designs utilizing microgravity allow new insights into the role of apoptosis in wound healing. Furthermore, impaired wound healing in unloading conditions would depict a significant challenge in human-crewed exploration space missions. In this review, we provide an overview of alterations in the behavior of cutaneous cell lineages under microgravity in regard to the impact of apoptosis in wound healing. We discuss the current knowledge about wound healing in space and simulated microgravity with respect to apoptosis and available therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Riwaldt
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Desiré Pantalone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Petra Wise
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Melnik
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Simões MF, Antunes A. Microbial Pathogenicity in Space. Pathogens 2021; 10:450. [PMID: 33918768 PMCID: PMC8069885 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
After a less dynamic period, space exploration is now booming. There has been a sharp increase in the number of current missions and also of those being planned for the near future. Microorganisms will be an inevitable component of these missions, mostly because they hitchhike, either attached to space technology, like spaceships or spacesuits, to organic matter and even to us (human microbiome), or to other life forms we carry on our missions. Basically, we never travel alone. Therefore, we need to have a clear understanding of how dangerous our "travel buddies" can be; given that, during space missions, our access to medical assistance and medical drugs will be very limited. Do we explore space together with pathogenic microorganisms? Do our hitchhikers adapt to the space conditions, as well as we do? Do they become pathogenic during that adaptation process? The current review intends to better clarify these questions in order to facilitate future activities in space. More technological advances are needed to guarantee the success of all missions and assure the reduction of any possible health and environmental risks for the astronauts and for the locations being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Filipa Simões
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences (SKLPlanets), Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China;
- China National Space Administration (CNSA), Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, China
| | - André Antunes
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences (SKLPlanets), Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China;
- China National Space Administration (CNSA), Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, China
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40
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Gravitational Experimental Platform for Animal Models, a New Platform at ESA's Terrestrial Facilities to Study the Effects of Micro- and Hypergravity on Aquatic and Rodent Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062961. [PMID: 33803957 PMCID: PMC7998548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Using rotors to expose animals to different levels of hypergravity is an efficient means of understanding how altered gravity affects physiological functions, interactions between physiological systems and animal development. Furthermore, rotors can be used to prepare space experiments, e.g., conducting hypergravity experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of a study before its implementation and to complement inflight experiments by comparing the effects of micro- and hypergravity. In this paper, we present a new platform called the Gravitational Experimental Platform for Animal Models (GEPAM), which has been part of European Space Agency (ESA)’s portfolio of ground-based facilities since 2020, to study the effects of altered gravity on aquatic animal models (amphibian embryos/tadpoles) and mice. This platform comprises rotors for hypergravity exposure (three aquatic rotors and one rodent rotor) and models to simulate microgravity (cages for mouse hindlimb unloading and a random positioning machine (RPM)). Four species of amphibians can be used at present. All murine strains can be used and are maintained in a specific pathogen-free area. This platform is surrounded by numerous facilities for sample preparation and analysis using state-of-the-art techniques. Finally, we illustrate how GEPAM can contribute to the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms and the identification of countermeasures.
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The Emerging Role of Macrophages in Immune System Dysfunction under Real and Simulated Microgravity Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052333. [PMID: 33652750 PMCID: PMC7956436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the process of exploring space, the astronaut's body undergoes a series of physiological changes. At the level of cellular behavior, microgravity causes significant alterations, including bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular deconditioning. At the level of gene expression, microgravity changes the expression of cytokines in many physiological processes, such as cell immunity, proliferation, and differentiation. At the level of signaling pathways, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway participates in microgravity-induced immune malfunction. However, the mechanisms of these changes have not been fully elucidated. Recent studies suggest that the malfunction of macrophages is an important breakthrough for immune disorders in microgravity. As the first line of immune defense, macrophages play an essential role in maintaining homeostasis. They activate specific immune responses and participate in large numbers of physiological activities by presenting antigen and secreting cytokines. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances on the dysfunction of macrophages arisen from microgravity and to discuss the mechanisms of these abnormal responses. Hopefully, our work will contribute not only to the future exploration on the immune system in space, but also to the development of preventive and therapeutic drugs against the physiological consequences of spaceflight.
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Acres JM, Youngapelian MJ, Nadeau J. The influence of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on bacterial motility and chemotaxis. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:7. [PMID: 33619250 PMCID: PMC7900230 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
As interest in space exploration rises, there is a growing need to quantify the impact of microgravity on the growth, survival, and adaptation of microorganisms, including those responsible for astronaut illness. Motility is a key microbial behavior that plays important roles in nutrient assimilation, tissue localization and invasion, pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and ultimately survival. Very few studies have specifically looked at the effects of microgravity on the phenotypes of microbial motility. However, genomic and transcriptomic studies give a broad general picture of overall gene expression that can be used to predict motility phenotypes based upon selected genes, such as those responsible for flagellar synthesis and function and/or taxis. In this review, we focus on specific strains of Gram-negative bacteria that have been the most studied in this context. We begin with a discussion of Earth-based microgravity simulation systems and how they may affect the genes and phenotypes of interest. We then summarize results from both Earth- and space-based systems showing effects of microgravity on motility-related genes and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jay Nadeau
- grid.262075.40000 0001 1087 1481Portland State University, Portland, OR USA
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Green MJ, Aylott JW, Williams P, Ghaemmaghami AM, Williams PM. Immunity in Space: Prokaryote Adaptations and Immune Response in Microgravity. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020112. [PMID: 33540536 PMCID: PMC7912908 DOI: 10.3390/life11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction has long been reported by medical professionals regarding astronauts suffering from opportunistic infections both during their time in space and a short period afterwards once back on Earth. Various species of prokaryotes onboard these space missions or cultured in a microgravity analogue exhibit increased virulence, enhanced formation of biofilms, and in some cases develop specific resistance for specific antibiotics. This poses a substantial health hazard to the astronauts confined in constant proximity to any present bacterial pathogens on long space missions with a finite number of resources including antibiotics. Furthermore, some bacteria cultured in microgravity develop phenotypes not seen in Earth gravity conditions, providing novel insights into bacterial evolution and avenues for research. Immune dysfunction caused by exposure to microgravity may increase the chance of bacterial infection. Immune cell stimulation, toll-like receptors and pathogen-associated molecular patterns can all be altered in microgravity and affect immunological crosstalk and response. Production of interleukins and other cytokines can also be altered leading to immune dysfunction when responding to bacterial infection. Stem cell differentiation and immune cell activation and proliferation can also be impaired and altered by the microgravity environment once more adding to immune dysfunction in microgravity. This review elaborates on and contextualises these findings relating to how bacteria can adapt to microgravity and how the immune system subsequently responds to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macauley J. Green
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.J.G.); (J.W.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.W.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Jonathan W. Aylott
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.J.G.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.W.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Amir M. Ghaemmaghami
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.W.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Philip M. Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.J.G.); (J.W.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Hibernation as a Tool for Radiation Protection in Space Exploration. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010054. [PMID: 33466717 PMCID: PMC7828799 DOI: 10.3390/life11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With new and advanced technology, human exploration has reached outside of the Earth's boundaries. There are plans for reaching Mars and the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and even to build a permanent base on the Moon. However, human beings have evolved on Earth with levels of gravity and radiation that are very different from those that we have to face in space. These issues seem to pose a significant limitation on exploration. Although there are plausible solutions for problems related to the lack of gravity, it is still unclear how to address the radiation problem. Several solutions have been proposed, such as passive or active shielding or the use of specific drugs that could reduce the effects of radiation. Recently, a method that reproduces a mechanism similar to hibernation or torpor, known as synthetic torpor, has started to become possible. Several studies show that hibernators are resistant to acute high-dose-rate radiation exposure. However, the underlying mechanism of how this occurs remains unclear, and further investigation is needed. Whether synthetic hibernation will also protect from the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure is currently unknown. Hibernators can modulate their neuronal firing, adjust their cardiovascular function, regulate their body temperature, preserve their muscles during prolonged inactivity, regulate their immune system, and most importantly, increase their radioresistance during the inactive period. According to recent studies, synthetic hibernation, just like natural hibernation, could mitigate radiation-induced toxicity. In this review, we see what artificial hibernation is and how it could help the next generation of astronauts in future interplanetary missions.
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Fitzgerald AA, Li E, Weiner LM. 3D Culture Systems for Exploring Cancer Immunology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010056. [PMID: 33379189 PMCID: PMC7795162 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To study any disease, researchers need convenient and relevant disease models. In cancer, the most commonly used models are two-dimensional (2D) culture models, which grow cells on hard, rigid, plastic surfaces, and mouse models. Cancer immunology is especially difficult to model because the immune system is exceedingly complex; it contains multiple types of cells, and each cell type has several subtypes and a spectrum of activation states. These many immune cell types interact with cancer cells and other components of the tumor, ultimately influencing disease outcomes. 2D culture methods fail to recapitulate these complex cellular interactions. Mouse models also suffer because the murine and human immune systems vary significantly. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems therefore provide an alternative method to study cancer immunology and can fill the current gaps in available models. This review will describe common 3D culture models and how those models have been used to advance our understanding of cancer immunology. Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, spurring extensive investigation into cancer immunology and how to exploit this biology for therapeutic benefit. Current methods to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions and develop novel drug therapies rely on either two-dimensional (2D) culture systems or murine models. However, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems provide a potentially superior alternative model to both 2D and murine approaches. As opposed to 2D models, 3D models are more physiologically relevant and better replicate tumor complexities. Compared to murine models, 3D models are cheaper, faster, and can study the human immune system. In this review, we discuss the most common 3D culture systems—spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic chips—and detail how these systems have advanced our understanding of cancer immunology.
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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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Yamanouchi S, Rhone J, Mao JH, Fujiwara K, Saganti PB, Takahashi A, Hada M. Simultaneous Exposure of Cultured Human Lymphoblastic Cells to Simulated Microgravity and Radiation Increases Chromosome Aberrations. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E187. [PMID: 32927618 PMCID: PMC7555395 DOI: 10.3390/life10090187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During space travel, humans are continuously exposed to two major environmental stresses, microgravity (μG) and space radiation. One of the fundamental questions is whether the two stressors are interactive. For over half a century, many studies were carried out in space, as well as using devices that simulated μG on the ground to investigate gravity effects on cells and organisms, and we have gained insights into how living organisms respond to μG. However, our knowledge on how to assess and manage human health risks in long-term mission to the Moon or Mars is drastically limited. For example, little information is available on how cells respond to simultaneous exposure to space radiation and μG. In this study, we analyzed the frequencies of chromosome aberrations (CA) in cultured human lymphoblastic TK6 cells exposed to X-ray or carbon ion under the simulated μG conditions. A higher frequency of both simple and complex types of CA were observed in cells exposed to radiation and μG simultaneously compared to CA frequency in cells exposed to radiation only. Our study shows that the dose response data on space radiation obtained at the 1G condition could lead to the underestimation of astronauts' potential risk for health deterioration, including cancer. This study also emphasizes the importance of obtaining data on the molecular and cellular responses to irradiation under μG conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakuya Yamanouchi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Jordan Rhone
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Keigi Fujiwara
- Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Premkumar B. Saganti
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
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Turroni S, Magnani M, Kc P, Lesnik P, Vidal H, Heer M. Gut Microbiome and Space Travelers' Health: State of the Art and Possible Pro/Prebiotic Strategies for Long-Term Space Missions. Front Physiol 2020; 11:553929. [PMID: 33013480 PMCID: PMC7505921 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.553929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The upcoming exploration missions will imply a much longer duration than any of the missions flown so far. In these missions, physiological adaptation to the new environment leads to changes in different body systems, such as the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, metabolic and neurobehavioral health and immune function. To keep space travelers healthy on their trip to Moon, Mars and beyond and their return to Earth, a variety of countermeasures need to be provided to maintain body functionality. From research on the International Space Station (ISS) we know today, that for instance prescribing an adequate training regime for each individual with the devices available in the respective spacecraft is still a challenge. Nutrient supply is not yet optimal and must be optimized in exploration missions. Food intake is intrinsically linked to changes in the gut microbiome composition. Most of the microbes that inhabit our body supply ecosystem benefit to the host-microbe system, including production of important resources, bioconversion of nutrients, and protection against pathogenic microbes. The gut microbiome has also the ability to signal the host, regulating the processes of energy storage and appetite perception, and influencing immune and neurobehavioral function. The composition and functionality of the microbiome most likely changes during spaceflight. Supporting a healthy microbiome by respective measures in space travelers might maintain their health during the mission but also support rehabilitation when being back on Earth. In this review we are summarizing the changes in the gut microbiome observed in spaceflight and analog models, focusing particularly on the effects on metabolism, the musculoskeletal and immune systems and neurobehavioral disorders. Since space travelers are healthy volunteers, we focus on the potential of countermeasures based on pre- and probiotics supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbial Ecology of Health, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marciane Magnani
- Laboratory of Microbial Processes in Foods, Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Pukar Kc
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR_S 1166), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Lesnik
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR_S 1166), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Hubert Vidal
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Martina Heer
- International University of Applied Sciences, Bad Reichenhall, Germany.,Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Schaefer K, Dambuza IM, Dall’Angelo S, Yuecel R, Jaspars M, Trembleau L, Zanda M, Brown GD, Netea MG, Gow NAR. A Weakened Immune Response to Synthetic Exo-Peptides Predicts a Potential Biosecurity Risk in the Retrieval of Exo-Microorganisms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8071066. [PMID: 32708909 PMCID: PMC7409182 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8071066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We tested the immune response of T cells of the mammalian immune system towards protein antigens that includes the unusual amino acids isovaline and α-aminoisobutyric. Those amino acids have been found in high abundance on carbonaceous meteorites but are extremely rare in proteomes of earth organisms. We hypothesised that proteins of non-terrestrial alien life forms might contain such amino acids and tested whether chemically synthesised “exopeptides” that contain these amino acids could be detected by the immune system. Our assays, based on the responses of CD8+ T cells to these exopeptides, indicated that antigen cleavage, processing, and subsequent T cell activation still occurred, but were less efficient than the response to control peptides that lacked these amino acids. We therefore speculate that the encounter of putative exo-microorganisms of an unusual antigenic repertoire might pose an immunological risk for space missions aiming to retrieve potentially biotic samples from exoplanets and moons. Abstract The discovery of liquid water at several locations in the solar system raises the possibility that microbial life may have evolved outside Earth and as such could be accidently introduced into the Earth’s ecosystem. Unusual sugars or amino acids, like non-proteinogenic isovaline and α-aminoisobutyric acid that are vanishingly rare or absent from life forms on Earth, have been found in high abundance on non-terrestrial carbonaceous meteorites. It is therefore conceivable that exo-microorganisms might contain proteins that include these rare amino acids. We therefore asked whether the mammalian immune system would be able to recognize and induce appropriate immune responses to putative proteinaceous antigens that include these rare amino acids. To address this, we synthesised peptide antigens based on a backbone of ovalbumin and introduced isovaline and α-aminoisobutyric acid residues and demonstrated that these peptides can promote naïve OT-I cell activation and proliferation, but did so less efficiently than the canonical peptides. This is relevant to the biosecurity of missions that may retrieve samples from exoplanets and moons that have conditions that may be permissive for life, suggesting that accidental contamination and exposure to exo-microorganisms with such distinct proteomes might pose an immunological challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schaefer
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivy M. Dambuza
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sergio Dall’Angelo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (S.D.); (M.Z.)
| | - Raif Yuecel
- Iain Fraser Cytometry Centre (IFCC), University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
- Centre for Cytomics, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Marcel Jaspars
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; (M.J.); (L.T.)
| | - Laurent Trembleau
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; (M.J.); (L.T.)
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (S.D.); (M.Z.)
- Sir David Davies Building, Centre for Imaging Science, School of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (I.M.D.); (G.D.B.); (N.A.R.G.)
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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