1
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Szydlowski LM, Bulbul AA, Simpson AC, Kaya DE, Singh NK, Sezerman UO, Łabaj PP, Kosciolek T, Venkateswaran K. Adaptation to space conditions of novel bacterial species isolated from the International Space Station revealed by functional gene annotations and comparative genome analysis. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:190. [PMID: 39363369 PMCID: PMC11451251 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extreme environment of the International Space Station (ISS) puts selective pressure on microorganisms unintentionally introduced during its 20+ years of service as a low-orbit science platform and human habitat. Such pressure leads to the development of new features not found in the Earth-bound relatives, which enable them to adapt to unfavorable conditions. RESULTS In this study, we generated the functional annotation of the genomes of five newly identified species of Gram-positive bacteria, four of which are non-spore-forming and one spore-forming, all isolated from the ISS. Using a deep-learning based tool-deepFRI-we were able to functionally annotate close to 100% of protein-coding genes in all studied species, overcoming other annotation tools. Our comparative genomic analysis highlights common characteristics across all five species and specific genetic traits that appear unique to these ISS microorganisms. Proteome analysis mirrored these genomic patterns, revealing similar traits. The collective annotations suggest adaptations to life in space, including the management of hypoosmotic stress related to microgravity via mechanosensitive channel proteins, increased DNA repair activity to counteract heightened radiation exposure, and the presence of mobile genetic elements enhancing metabolism. In addition, our findings suggest the evolution of certain genetic traits indicative of potential pathogenic capabilities, such as small molecule and peptide synthesis and ATP-dependent transporters. These traits, exclusive to the ISS microorganisms, further substantiate previous reports explaining why microbes exposed to space conditions demonstrate enhanced antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the microorganisms isolated from ISS we studied have adapted to life in space. Evidence such as mechanosensitive channel proteins, increased DNA repair activity, as well as metallopeptidases and novel S-layer oxidoreductases suggest a convergent adaptation among these diverse microorganisms, potentially complementing one another within the context of the microbiome. The common genes that facilitate adaptation to the ISS environment may enable bioproduction of essential biomolecules need during future space missions, or serve as potential drug targets, if these microorganisms pose health risks. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz M Szydlowski
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, Krakow, 30-387, Malopolska, Poland
- Sano Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine, Czarnowiejska 36, Krakow, 30-054, Malopolskie, Poland
| | - Alper A Bulbul
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, M. A. A. Acibadem University, İçerenköy, Kayıcdağı Cd.32, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey
| | - Anna C Simpson
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, CA, USA
| | - Deniz E Kaya
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, M. A. A. Acibadem University, İçerenköy, Kayıcdağı Cd.32, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, CA, USA
| | - Ugur O Sezerman
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, M. A. A. Acibadem University, İçerenköy, Kayıcdağı Cd.32, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey
| | - Paweł P Łabaj
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, Krakow, 30-387, Malopolska, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kosciolek
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, Krakow, 30-387, Malopolska, Poland.
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, Gliwice, 44-100, Slaskie, Poland.
- Sano Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine, Czarnowiejska 36, Krakow, 30-054, Malopolskie, Poland.
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, CA, USA.
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Nickerson CA, McLean RJC, Barrila J, Yang J, Thornhill SG, Banken LL, Porterfield DM, Poste G, Pellis NR, Ott CM. Microbiology of human spaceflight: microbial responses to mechanical forces that impact health and habitat sustainability. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0014423. [PMID: 39158275 PMCID: PMC11426028 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00144-23] [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] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYUnderstanding the dynamic adaptive plasticity of microorganisms has been advanced by studying their responses to extreme environments. Spaceflight research platforms provide a unique opportunity to study microbial characteristics in new extreme adaptational modes, including sustained exposure to reduced forces of gravity and associated low fluid shear force conditions. Under these conditions, unexpected microbial responses occur, including alterations in virulence, antibiotic and stress resistance, biofilm formation, metabolism, motility, and gene expression, which are not observed using conventional experimental approaches. Here, we review biological and physical mechanisms that regulate microbial responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analog environments from both the microbe and host-microbe perspective that are relevant to human health and habitat sustainability. We highlight instrumentation and technology used in spaceflight microbiology experiments, their limitations, and advances necessary to enable next-generation research. As spaceflight experiments are relatively rare, we discuss ground-based analogs that mimic aspects of microbial responses to reduced gravity in spaceflight, including those that reduce mechanical forces of fluid flow over cell surfaces which also simulate conditions encountered by microorganisms during their terrestrial lifecycles. As spaceflight mission durations increase with traditional astronauts and commercial space programs send civilian crews with underlying health conditions, microorganisms will continue to play increasingly critical roles in health and habitat sustainability, thus defining a new dimension of occupational health. The ability of microorganisms to adapt, survive, and evolve in the spaceflight environment is important for future human space endeavors and provides opportunities for innovative biological and technological advances to benefit life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A. Nickerson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Laura L. Banken
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - D. Marshall Porterfield
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - George Poste
- Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - C. Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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3
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Etlin S, Rose J, Bielski L, Walter C, Kleinman AS, Mason CE. The human microbiome in space: parallels between Earth-based dysbiosis, implications for long-duration spaceflight, and possible mitigation strategies. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0016322. [PMID: 39136453 PMCID: PMC11391694 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00163-22] [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] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe human microbiota encompasses the diverse communities of microorganisms that reside in, on, and around various parts of the human body, such as the skin, nasal passages, and gastrointestinal tract. Although research is ongoing, it is well established that the microbiota exert a substantial influence on the body through the production and modification of metabolites and small molecules. Disruptions in the composition of the microbiota-dysbiosis-have also been linked to various negative health outcomes. As humans embark upon longer-duration space missions, it is important to understand how the conditions of space travel impact the microbiota and, consequently, astronaut health. This article will first characterize the main taxa of the human gut microbiota and their associated metabolites, before discussing potential dysbiosis and negative health consequences. It will also detail the microbial changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight, focusing on gut microbiota composition and pathogenic virulence and survival. Analysis will then turn to how astronaut health may be protected from adverse microbial changes via diet, exercise, and antibiotics before concluding with a discussion of the microbiota of spacecraft and microbial culturing methods in space. The implications of this review are critical, particularly with NASA's ongoing implementation of the Moon to Mars Architecture, which will include weeks or months of living in space and new habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Etlin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Julianna Rose
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Luca Bielski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Claire Walter
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashley S Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Tri-Institutional Biology and Medicine program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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4
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Mermel L. Human Evolution, Microgravity, and Challenges Colonizing Mars. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2024; 95:720-721. [PMID: 39169488 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6475.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Human colonization of Mars has captured the imagination of many. However, the challenges posed are immense. In microgravity, changes in human physiology, immune dysregulation, alterations of our microbiome, and enhanced virulence of various microbes are some of the barriers that stand in the way of a successful endeavor. Countermeasures can be brought to bear, but it remains unclear if success of such a mission in the foreseeable future is realistic or fanciful.Mermel L. Human evolution, microgravity, and challenges colonizing Mars. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):720-721.
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Zhao M, Aintablian H, Satcher RL, Daneshjou R, Rosenbach M. Dermatologic Considerations for Spaceflight and Space Exploration. JID INNOVATIONS 2024; 4:100293. [PMID: 39104566 PMCID: PMC11298918 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2024.100293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Haig Aintablian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert L. Satcher
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Roxana Daneshjou
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Misha Rosenbach
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Pachiyappan JK, Patel M, Roychowdhury P, Nizam I, Seenivasan R, Sudhakar S, Jeyaprakash MR, Karri VVSR, Venkatesan J, Mehta P, Kothandan S, Thirugnanasambandham I, Kuppusamy G. A review of the physiological effects of microgravity and innovative formulation for space travelers. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2024:10.1007/s10928-024-09938-3. [PMID: 39162918 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-024-09938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
During the space travel mission, astronauts' physiological and psychological behavior will alter, and they will start consuming terrestrial drug products. However, factors such as microgravity, radiation exposure, temperature, humidity, strong vibrations, space debris, and other issues encountered, the drug product undergo instability This instability combined with physiological changes will affect the shelf life and diminish the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of the drug product. Consequently, the physicochemical changes will produce a toxic degradation product and a lesser potency dosage form which may result in reduced or no therapeutic action, so the astronaut consumes an additional dose to remain healthy. On long-duration missions like Mars, the drug product cannot be replaced, and the astronaut may relay on the available medications. Sometimes, radiation-induced impurities in the drug product will cause severe problems for the astronaut. So, this review article highlights the current state of various space-related factors affecting the drug product and provides a comprehensive summary of the physiological changes which primarly focus on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Along with that, we insist some of the strategies like novel formulations, space medicine manufacturing from plants, and 3D printed medicine for astronauts in longer-duration missions. Such developments are anticipated to significantly contribute to new developments with applications in both human space exploration and on terrestrial healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jey Kumar Pachiyappan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manali Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
| | - Parikshit Roychowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Imrankhan Nizam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raagul Seenivasan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Swathi Sudhakar
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - M R Jeyaprakash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Jayakumar Venkatesan
- CEO, Harpy Aerospace International Private Limited, Chennai, 600056, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priti Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India.
| | - Sudhakar Kothandan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Indhumathi Thirugnanasambandham
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gowthamarajan Kuppusamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, 643001, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Pacelli C, Ferranti F, Del Bianco M. Special Issue: 'Advances in Space Biology'. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:931. [PMID: 39202673 PMCID: PMC11355448 DOI: 10.3390/life14080931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
As we enter a new era of space exploration, space biology is at the forefront of both robotic and human space programs [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico s.n.c., 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre for Space Life Sciences, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico s.n.c., 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre for Space Life Sciences, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Del Bianco
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico s.n.c., 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre for Space Life Sciences, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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8
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The human microbiome and immune response shift during spaceflight. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1640-1641. [PMID: 38862605 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01660-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
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9
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Overbey EG, Ryon K, Kim J, Tierney BT, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Mullane S, Schmidt JC, MacKay M, Damle N, Najjar D, Matei I, Patras L, Garcia Medina JS, Kleinman AS, Wain Hirschberg J, Proszynski J, Narayanan SA, Schmidt CM, Afshin EE, Innes L, Saldarriaga MM, Schmidt MA, Granstein RD, Shirah B, Yu M, Lyden D, Mateus J, Mason CE. Collection of biospecimens from the inspiration4 mission establishes the standards for the space omics and medical atlas (SOMA). Nat Commun 2024; 15:4964. [PMID: 38862509 PMCID: PMC11166662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from four crew members longitudinally before (Launch: L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (Flight Day: FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (Return: R + 1, R + 45, R + 82, R + 194 days) spaceflight, spanning a total of 289 days across 2021-2022. The collection process included venous whole blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies. Venous whole blood was further processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles and particles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In total, 2,911 sample aliquots were shipped to our central lab at Weill Cornell Medicine for downstream assays and biobanking. This paper provides an overview of the extensive biospecimen collection and highlights their processing procedures and long-term biobanking techniques, facilitating future molecular tests and evaluations.As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can aid future human spaceflight and space biology experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah G Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
- Center for STEM, University of Austin, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Krista Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braden T Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean Mullane
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Julian C Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Laura Patras
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, 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
| | - J Sebastian Garcia Medina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley S Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Florida State University, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Caleb M Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan E Afshin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucinda Innes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Michael A Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Bader Shirah
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA.
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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10
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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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11
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Seylani A, Galsinh AS, Tasoula A, I AR, Camera A, Calleja-Agius J, Borg J, Goel C, Kim J, Clark KB, Das S, Arif S, Boerrigter M, Coffey C, Szewczyk N, Mason CE, Manoli M, Karouia F, Schwertz H, Beheshti A, Tulodziecki D. Ethical considerations for the age of non-governmental space exploration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4774. [PMID: 38862473 PMCID: PMC11166968 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting ambitions and capabilities for public and private, non-government sector crewed space exploration bring with them an increasingly diverse set of space travelers, raising new and nontrivial ethical, legal, and medical policy and practice concerns which are still relatively underexplored. In this piece, we lay out several pressing issues related to ethical considerations for selecting space travelers and conducting human subject research on them, especially in the context of non-governmental and commercial/private space operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Seylani
- School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside. 92521 Botanical Garden Dr, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA
| | - Aman Singh Galsinh
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Alexia Tasoula
- Department of Life Science Engineering, FH Technikum, Vienna, Austria
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Anu R I
- Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, India
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, India
| | - Andrea Camera
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Chirag Goel
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin B Clark
- Cures Within Reach, Chicago, IL, 60602, USA
- Peace Innovation Institute, The Hague 2511, Netherlands & Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
- Biometrics and Nanotechnology Councils, Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, NY, 10016-5997, USA
| | - Saswati Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shehbeel Arif
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Caroline Coffey
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Manoli
- School of Law, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UB, UK
| | - Fathi Karouia
- Blue Marble Space Institute for Science, Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Space Research Within Reach, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hansjörg Schwertz
- Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Division of Occupational Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Occupational Medicine at Billings Clinic Bozeman, Bozeman, MT, 59715, 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, US.
| | - Dana Tulodziecki
- Department of Philosophy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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12
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Wu W, Ren J, Han M, Huang B. Influence of gut microbiome on metabolic diseases: a new perspective based on microgravity. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2024; 23:353-364. [PMID: 38932858 PMCID: PMC11196560 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-024-01394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Microgravity, characterized by gravity levels of 10-3-10-6g, has been found to significantly impair various physiological systems in astronauts, including cardiovascular function, bone density, and metabolism. With the recent surge in human spaceflight, understanding the impact of microgravity on biological health has become paramount. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify relevant publications pertaining to the interplay between gut microbiome, microgravity, space environment, and metabolic diseases. Results This comprehensive review primarily focuses on the progress made in investigating the gut microbiome and its association with metabolic diseases under microgravity conditions. Microgravity induces notable alterations in the composition, diversity, and functionality of the gut microbiome. These changes hold direct implications for metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), bone metabolism disorders, energy metabolism dysregulation, liver dysfunction, and complications during pregnancy. Conclusion This novel perspective is crucial for preparing for deep space exploration and interstellar migration, where understanding the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolic health becomes indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxin Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Junjie Ren
- Department of Medical Psychology, School of Mental Health and Psychological Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Maozhen Han
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Binbin Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui China
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13
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Irby I, Broddrick JT. Microbial adaptation to spaceflight is correlated with bacteriophage-encoded functions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3474. [PMID: 38750067 PMCID: PMC11096397 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42104-w] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence from the International Space Station suggests microbial populations are rapidly adapting to the spacecraft environment; however, the mechanism of this adaptation is not understood. Bacteriophages are prolific mediators of bacterial adaptation on Earth. Here we survey 245 genomes sequenced from bacterial strains isolated on the International Space Station for dormant (lysogenic) bacteriophages. Our analysis indicates phage-associated genes are significantly different between spaceflight strains and their terrestrial counterparts. In addition, we identify 283 complete prophages, those that could initiate bacterial lysis and infect additional hosts, of which 21% are novel. These prophage regions encode functions that correlate with increased persistence in extreme environments, such as spaceflight, to include antimicrobial resistance and virulence, DNA damage repair, and dormancy. Our results correlate microbial adaptation in spaceflight to bacteriophage-encoded functions that may impact human health in spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Irby
- Space Biosciences Research Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jared T Broddrick
- Space Biosciences Research Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA.
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14
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Rithidech KN, Peanlikhit T, Honikel L, Li J, Liu J, Karakach T, Zimmerman T, Welsh J. Consumption of Apigenin Prevents Radiation-induced Gut Dysbiosis in Male C57BL/6J Mice Exposed to Silicon Ions. Radiat Res 2024; 201:317-329. [PMID: 38373016 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00110.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The search for medical treatments to prevent radiation-induced damage to gastrointestinal tissue is crucial as such injuries can be fatal. This study aimed to investigate the effects of apigenin (AP) on the gut microbiome of irradiated mice, as it is a promising radiation countermeasure. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups, with six mice in each group. Two groups were given food with apigenin (20 mg/kg body weight or AP 20) before and after exposure to 0 or 50 cGy of silicon (28Si) ions, while another two groups of mice received regular diet without apigenin (0 mg/kg body weight or AP 0) before and after irradiation. The duodenum, the primary site for oral AP absorption, was collected from each mouse seven days after radiation exposure. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we found significant differences in microbial diversity among groups. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the major phyla for all groups, while actinobacterial and proteobacterial sequences represented only a small percentage. Mice not given dietary apigenin had a higher Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and an imbalanced duodenal microbiota after exposure to radiation, while irradiated mice given apigenin had maintained homeostasis of the microbiota. Additionally, irradiated mice not given apigenin had decreased probiotic bacteria abundance and increased inflammation, while apigenin-supplemented mice had reduced inflammation and restored normal histological structure. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential of dietary apigenin as a countermeasure against radiation-induced gut injuries due to its anti-inflammatory activity, reduction of gut microbiota dysbiosis, and increase in probiotic bacteria (e.g., Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanat Peanlikhit
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8691
| | - Louise Honikel
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8691
| | - Jinyu Li
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8691
| | - Jingxuan Liu
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8691
| | - Tobias Karakach
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Thomas Zimmerman
- Pathology Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8691
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8611
| | - James Welsh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Illinois 60153
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15
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Sarma MS, Shelhamer M. The human biology of spaceflight. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24048. [PMID: 38337152 PMCID: PMC10940193 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To expand the human exploration footprint and reach Mars in the 2030s, we must explore how humans survive and thrive in demanding, unusual, and novel ecologies (i.e., extreme environments). In the extreme conditions encountered during human spaceflight, there is a need to understand human functioning and response in a more rigorous theoretically informed way. Current models of human performance in space-relevant environments and human space science are often operationally focused, with emphasis on acute physiological or behavioral outcomes. However, integrating current perspectives in human biology allows for a more holistic and complete understanding of how humans function over a range of time in an extreme environment. Here, we show how the use of evolution-informed frameworks (i.e., models of life history theory to organize the adaptive pressures of spaceflight and biocultural perspectives) coupled with the use of mixed-methodological toolkits can shape models that better encompass the scope of biobehavioral human adjustment to long-duration space travel and extra-terrestrial habitation. Further, we discuss how we can marry human biology perspectives with the rigorous programmatic structures developed for spaceflight to model other unknown and nascent extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallika S. Sarma
- Human Spaceflight Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215
| | - Mark Shelhamer
- Human Spaceflight Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215
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16
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Campisi M, Cannella L, Pavanello S. Cosmic chronometers: Is spaceflight a catalyst for biological ageing? Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102227. [PMID: 38346506 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Astronauts returning from space missions often exhibit health issues mirroring age-related conditions, suggesting spaceflight as a potential driver of biological ageing and age-related diseases. To unravel the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, this comprehensive review explores the impact of the space "exposome" on the twelve hallmarks of ageing. Through a meticulous analysis encompassing both space environments and terrestrial analogs, we aim to decipher how different conditions influence ageing hallmarks. Utilizing PubMed, we identified 189 studies and 60 meet screening criteria. Research on biological ageing in space has focused on genomic instability, chronic inflammation, and deregulated nutrient sensing. Spaceflight consistently induces genomic instability, linked to prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, triggers pro-inflammatory and immune alterations, resembling conditions in isolated simulations. Nutrient sensing pathways reveal increased systemic insulin-like growth-factor-1. Microbiome studies indicate imbalances favoring opportunistic species during spaceflight. Telomere dynamics present intriguing patterns, with lengthening during missions and rapid shortening upon return. Despite a pro-ageing trend, some protective mechanisms emerge. Countermeasures, encompassing dietary adjustments, prebiotics, postbiotics, symbiotics, tailored exercises, meditation, and anti-inflammatory supplements, exhibit potential. Spaceflight's impact on ageing is intricate, with diverse findings challenging established beliefs. Multidisciplinary studies provide guidance for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Campisi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luana Cannella
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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17
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Spry JA, Siegel B, Bakermans C, Beaty DW, Bell MS, Benardini JN, Bonaccorsi R, Castro-Wallace SL, Coil DA, Coustenis A, Doran PT, Fenton L, Fidler DP, Glass B, Hoffman SJ, Karouia F, Levine JS, Lupisella ML, Martin-Torres J, Mogul R, Olsson-Francis K, Ortega-Ugalde S, Patel MR, Pearce DA, Race MS, Regberg AB, Rettberg P, Rummel JD, Sato KY, Schuerger AC, Sefton-Nash E, Sharkey M, Singh NK, Sinibaldi S, Stabekis P, Stoker CR, Venkateswaran KJ, Zimmerman RR, Zorzano-Mier MP. Planetary Protection Knowledge Gap Closure Enabling Crewed Missions to Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:230-274. [PMID: 38507695 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
As focus for exploration of Mars transitions from current robotic explorers to development of crewed missions, it remains important to protect the integrity of scientific investigations at Mars, as well as protect the Earth's biosphere from any potential harmful effects from returned martian material. This is the discipline of planetary protection, and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) maintains the consensus international policy and guidelines on how this is implemented. Based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) studies that began in 2001, COSPAR adopted principles and guidelines for human missions to Mars in 2008. At that point, it was clear that to move from those qualitative provisions, a great deal of work and interaction with spacecraft designers would be necessary to generate meaningful quantitative recommendations that could embody the intent of the Outer Space Treaty (Article IX) in the design of such missions. Beginning in 2016, COSPAR then sponsored a multiyear interdisciplinary meeting series to address planetary protection "knowledge gaps" (KGs) with the intent of adapting and extending the current robotic mission-focused Planetary Protection Policy to support the design and implementation of crewed and hybrid exploration missions. This article describes the outcome of the interdisciplinary COSPAR meeting series, to describe and address these KGs, as well as identify potential paths to gap closure. It includes the background scientific basis for each topic area and knowledge updates since the meeting series ended. In particular, credible solutions for KG closure are described for the three topic areas of (1) microbial monitoring of spacecraft and crew health; (2) natural transport (and survival) of terrestrial microbial contamination at Mars, and (3) the technology and operation of spacecraft systems for contamination control. The article includes a KG data table on these topic areas, which is intended to be a point of departure for making future progress in developing an end-to-end planetary protection requirements implementation solution for a crewed mission to Mars. Overall, the workshop series has provided evidence of the feasibility of planetary protection implementation for a crewed Mars mission, given (1) the establishment of needed zoning, emission, transport, and survival parameters for terrestrial biological contamination and (2) the creation of an accepted risk-based compliance approach for adoption by spacefaring actors including national space agencies and commercial/nongovernment organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Corien Bakermans
- Department of Biology, Penn. State University (Altoona), Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David W Beaty
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | | | - Rosalba Bonaccorsi
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - David A Coil
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Peter T Doran
- Department of Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lori Fenton
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - David P Fidler
- Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Brian Glass
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - Fathi Karouia
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Joel S Levine
- College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Javier Martin-Torres
- School of Geoscience, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), Armilla, Spain
| | - Rakesh Mogul
- California Polytechnic (Pomona), Pomona, California, USA
| | - Karen Olsson-Francis
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | | | - Manish R Patel
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - David A Pearce
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - John D Rummel
- Friday Harbor Associates LLC, Friday Harbor, Washington, USA
| | | | - Andrew C Schuerger
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| | | | - Matthew Sharkey
- US Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | | | - Carol R Stoker
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
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18
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Tomsia M, Cieśla J, Śmieszek J, Florek S, Macionga A, Michalczyk K, Stygar D. Long-term space missions' effects on the human organism: what we do know and what requires further research. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1284644. [PMID: 38415007 PMCID: PMC10896920 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1284644] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Space has always fascinated people. Many years have passed since the first spaceflight, and in addition to the enormous technological progress, the level of understanding of human physiology in space is also increasing. The presented paper aims to summarize the recent research findings on the influence of the space environment (microgravity, pressure differences, cosmic radiation, etc.) on the human body systems during short-term and long-term space missions. The review also presents the biggest challenges and problems that must be solved in order to extend safely the time of human stay in space. In the era of increasing engineering capabilities, plans to colonize other planets, and the growing interest in commercial space flights, the most topical issues of modern medicine seems to be understanding the effects of long-term stay in space, and finding solutions to minimize the harmful effects of the space environment on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Cieśla
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Śmieszek
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Florek
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Macionga
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Michalczyk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominika Stygar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- SLU University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Mortazavi SMJ, Said-Salman I, Mortazavi AR, El Khatib S, Sihver L. How the adaptation of the human microbiome to harsh space environment can determine the chances of success for a space mission to Mars and beyond. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1237564. [PMID: 38390219 PMCID: PMC10881706 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1237564] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of human cells to adapt to space radiation is essential for the well-being of astronauts during long-distance space expeditions, such as voyages to Mars or other deep space destinations. However, the adaptation of the microbiomes should not be overlooked. Microorganisms inside an astronaut's body, or inside the space station or other spacecraft, will also be exposed to radiation, which may induce resistance to antibiotics, UV, heat, desiccation, and other life-threatening factors. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential effects of radiation not only on humans but also on their microbiomes to develop effective risk reduction strategies for space missions. Studying the human microbiome in space missions can have several potential benefits, including but not limited to a better understanding of the major effects space travel has on human health, developing new technologies for monitoring health and developing new radiation therapies and treatments. While radioadaptive response in astronauts' cells can lead to resistance against high levels of space radiation, radioadaptive response in their microbiome can lead to resistance against UV, heat, desiccation, antibiotics, and radiation. As astronauts and their microbiomes compete to adapt to the space environment. The microorganisms may emerge as the winners, leading to life-threatening situations due to lethal infections. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of the adaptation of microorganisms before launching a space mission is crucial to be able to develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with radiation exposure. Ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts during long-duration space missions and minimizing the risks linked with radiation exposure can be achieved by adopting this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation protection research center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ilham Said-Salman
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Lebanese International University, Saida, Lebanon
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB) at Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Lembit Sihver
- Department of Radiation Dosimetry, Nuclear Physics Institute (NPI) of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prague, Czechia
- Department of Radiation Physics, Technische Universität Wien Atominstitut, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Siddiqui R, Qaisar R, Al-Dahash K, Altelly AH, Elmoselhi AB, Khan NA. Cardiovascular changes under the microgravity environment and the gut microbiome. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:89-96. [PMID: 38245353 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
In view of the critical role the gut microbiome plays in human health, it has become clear that astronauts' gut microbiota composition changes after spending time in space. Astronauts are exposed to several risks in space, including a protracted period of microgravity, radiation, and mechanical unloading of the body. Several deleterious effects of such an environment are reported, including orthostatic intolerance, cardiovascular endothelial dysfunction, cellular and molecular changes, and changes in the composition of the gut microbiome. Herein, the correlation between the gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease in a microgravity environment is evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between orthostatic hypotension, cardiac shrinkage and arrhythmias during spaceflight, and cellular alterations during spaceflight is reviewed. Given its impact on human health in general, modifying the gut microbiota may significantly promote astronaut health and performance. This is merited, given the prospect of augmented human activities in future space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey; College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rizwan Qaisar
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khulood Al-Dahash
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Hashem Altelly
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adel B Elmoselhi
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey.
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21
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Berliner AJ, Zezulka S, Hutchinson GA, Bertoldo S, Cockell CS, Arkin AP. Domains of life sciences in spacefaring: what, where, and how to get involved. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:12. [PMID: 38287000 PMCID: PMC10825151 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00354-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Berliner
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Program in Aerospace Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Spencer Zezulka
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Information, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gwyneth A Hutchinson
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Bertoldo
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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Kang L, Li Q, Jing Y, Ren F, Li E, Zeng X, Xu Y, Wang D, Wang Q, Sun G, Wei L, Diao Y. Auricularia auricula Anionic Polysaccharide Nanoparticles for Gastrointestinal Delivery of Pinus koraiensis Polyphenol Used in Bone Protection under Weightlessness. Molecules 2024; 29:245. [PMID: 38202827 PMCID: PMC10780251 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010245] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Auricularia auricula polysaccharides used in Pinus koraiensis polyphenol encapsulation and delivery under weightlessness are rarely reported. In this study, an anionic polysaccharide fragment named AAP Iα with a molecular weight of 133.304 kDa was isolated and purified to construct a polyphenol encapsulation system. Nanoparticles named NPs-PP loaded with a rough surface for Pinus koraiensis polyphenol (PP) delivery were fabricated by AAP Iα and ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL). SEM and the DLS tracking method were used to observe continuous changes in AAP Iα, ε-PL and PP on the nanoparticles' rough surface assembly, as well as the dispersion and stability. Hydrophilic, monodisperse and highly negative charged nanoparticles can be formed at AAP Iα 0.8 mg/mL, ε-PL 20 μg/mL and PP 80 μg/mL. FT-IR was used to determine their electrostatic interactions. Release kinetic studies showed that nanoparticles had an ideal gastrointestinal delivery effect. NPs-PP loaded were assembled through electrostatic interactions between polyelectrolytes after hydrogen bonding formation in PP-AAP Iα and PP-ε-PL, respectively. Colon adhesion properties and PP delivery in vivo of nanoparticles showed that NPs-PP loaded had high adhesion efficiency to the colonic mucosa under simulated microgravity and could enhance PP bioavailability. These results suggest that AAP Iα can be used in PP encapsulation and delivery under microgravity in astronaut food additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Kang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Qiao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Yonghui Jing
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Feiyan Ren
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Erzhuo Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Xiangyin Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Yier Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Dongwei Wang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Qiang Wang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Guicai Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Lijun Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Yan Diao
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
- Collaboration Innovation Center for Tissue Repair Material Engineering Technology, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
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23
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Dakkumadugula A, Pankaj L, Alqahtani AS, Ullah R, Ercisli S, Murugan R. Space nutrition and the biochemical changes caused in Astronauts Health due to space flight: A review. Food Chem X 2023; 20:100875. [PMID: 38144801 PMCID: PMC10740090 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts required food that is healthy, nutritious, and tasted good, while also meeting their dietary needs. To ensure the astronauts' nutritional needs are met, a Nutritional Status Assessment Supplemental Medical Objective (Nutrition SMO) is conducted. This involves collecting blood and urine samples from the astronauts, which are then tested and analysed. The assessment looks for indications of bone health, muscle loss, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal functions, cardiovascular health, iron metabolism, ophthalmic changes, and immune changes that occur during space flight under conditions of microgravity or weightlessness. It was discovered that iron levels in astronauts tend to increase due to the decrease in body volume during space flight. It requires skilful optimization considering nutrient delivery, shelf life, and packaging of space food, while minimizing resource usage and ensuring reliability, safety, and addressing the physiological and psychological effects on the crew members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Dakkumadugula
- Food Science and Technology, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
| | - Lakshaa Pankaj
- Food Science and Technology, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
| | - Ali S. Alqahtani
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sezai Ercisli
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey
- HGF Agro, Ata Teknokent, TR-25240, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - Rajadurai Murugan
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
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24
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Waldbaum JD, Xhumari J, Akinsuyi OS, Arjmandi B, Anton S, Roesch LFW. Association between Dysbiosis in the Gut Microbiota of Primary Osteoporosis Patients and Bone Loss. Aging Dis 2023; 14:2081-2095. [PMID: 37199579 PMCID: PMC10676803 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, gut microbiome research has experienced significant growth, driven by technological advances that enable quantifying bacterial taxa with greater precision. Age, diet, and living environment have emerged as three key factors influencing gut microbes. Dysbiosis, resulting from alterations in these factors, may lead to changes in bacterial metabolites that regulate pro- and anti-inflammatory processes and consequently impact bone health. Restoration of a healthy microbiome signature could mitigate inflammation and potentially reduce bone loss associated with osteoporosis or experienced by astronauts during spaceflight. However, current research is hindered by contradictory findings, insufficient sample sizes, and inconsistency in experimental conditions and controls. Despite progress in sequencing technology, defining a healthy gut microbiome across global populations remains elusive. Challenges persist in identifying accurate gut bacterial metabolics, specific taxa, and their effects on host physiology. We suggest greater attention be directed towards this issue in Western countries as the cost of treating osteoporosis in the United States reaches billions of dollars annually, with expenses projected to continue rising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien D.H. Waldbaum
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Florida, USA.
| | - Jessica Xhumari
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Florida, USA.
| | - Oluwamayowa S. Akinsuyi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Florida, USA.
| | - Bahram Arjmandi
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Florida, USA.
| | - Stephen Anton
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Florida, USA.
| | - Luiz Fernando Wurdig Roesch
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Florida, USA.
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25
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Kovalski E, Salazar L, Levin D, Kamine TH. A 3D-Printed Portable Sterilizer to Be Used During Surgical Procedures in Spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2023; 94:857-860. [PMID: 37853595 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6294.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: During spaceflight, it is important to consider the mechanisms by which surgeries and medical procedures can be safely and efficiently conducted. Instruments used to carry out these processes need to be sterilized. Thus, we have designed and tested a three-dimensional-printed (3D-printed) portable sterilizer that implements far ultraviolet-C (Far UV-C) light radiation to disinfect bacteria and microorganisms from surgical instruments.METHODS: The sterilizer was 3D-printed with polylactic acid filament. Effectiveness was assessed through three trials at differing times of sterilization and compared against a control group of no sterilization and against Clorox wipes. Cultures were incubated on agar dishes and counted with ImageJ.RESULTS: Increasing time under Far UV-C light radiation increased the percentage of sterilization up to 100% at 10 min. The 3D-printed sterilizer was significantly better than Clorox wipes and control.DISCUSSION: As sterilization will be necessary for surgical procedures in microgravity and upmass is a significant concern, we have successfully demonstrated a 3D-printable portable sterilizer for surgical instruments that achieves 100% success in using Far UV-C light to disinfect its surface of bacteria with a 10-min sterilizing time. Further research is necessary to test this design in microgravity and with differently sized and shaped instruments.Kovalski E, Salazar L, Levin D, Kamine TH. A 3D-printed portable sterilizer to be used during surgical procedures in spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(11):857-860.
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Cialdai F, Brown AM, Baumann CW, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Calvaruso M, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Choukér A, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Hahn C, Hatton J, Herranz R, Hellweg CE, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon J, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, van Ombergen A, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Puhl C, Rettberg P, Risaliti C, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Santucci D, Sperl M, Strollo F, Tabury K, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Szewczyk NJ, Monici M. How do gravity alterations affect animal and human systems at a cellular/tissue level? NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37865644 PMCID: PMC10590411 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present white paper concerns the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community to make progress in filling the gaps of knowledge that prevent us from answering the question: "How Do Gravity Alterations Affect Animal and Human Systems at a Cellular/Tissue Level?" This is one of the five major scientific issues of the ESA roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments". Despite the many studies conducted so far on spaceflight adaptation mechanisms and related pathophysiological alterations observed in astronauts, we are not yet able to elaborate a synthetic integrated model of the many changes occurring at different system and functional levels. Consequently, it is difficult to develop credible models for predicting long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment, as well as to implement medical support plans for long-term missions and a strategy for preventing the possible health risks due to prolonged exposure to spaceflight beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). The research activities suggested by the scientific community have the aim to overcome these problems by striving to connect biological and physiological aspects in a more holistic view of space adaptation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Austin M Brown
- Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Cory W Baumann
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Inst. of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Inst. for Cell and Neurobiol, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Inst. Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Sistems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Dept Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, IIT, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Dept. Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, F-42000, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | | | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine E Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Dept., Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jack van Loon
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, ACTA/VU, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Dept. Orthopaedics, Univ. Med. Center Utrecht & Dept. Clinical Sciences, Utrecht Univ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Dept, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Inst. Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Inst. for Traumatology, Res. Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Christopher Puhl
- Space Applications NV/SA for European Space Agency, Houston, USA
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Inst of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Dept of Engineering Mathematics, and Dept of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Dept. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Ist. Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Felice Strollo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Dobney W, Mols L, Mistry D, Tabury K, Baselet B, Baatout S. Evaluation of deep space exploration risks and mitigations against radiation and microgravity. FRONTIERS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:1225034. [PMID: 39355042 PMCID: PMC11440958 DOI: 10.3389/fnume.2023.1225034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation and microgravity are two considerable health risks encountered during deep space exploration. Both have deleterious effects on the human body. On one hand, weightlessness is known to induce a weakening of the immune system, delayed wound healing and musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and sensorimotor deconditioning. On the other hand, radiation exposure can lead to long-term health effects such as cancer and cataracts as well as have an adverse effect on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Ionizing radiation originates from three main sources in space: galactic cosmic radiation, solar particle events and solar winds. Furthermore, inside the spacecraft and inside certain space habitats on Lunar and Martian surfaces, the crew is exposed to intravehicular radiation, which arises from nuclear reactions between space radiation and matter. Besides the approaches already in use, such as radiation shielding materials (such as aluminium, water or polyethylene), alternative shielding materials (including boron nanotubes, complex hybrids, composite hybrid materials, and regolith) and active shielding (using fields to deflect radiation particles) are being investigated for their abilities to mitigate the effects of ionizing radiation. From a biological point of view, it can be predicted that exposure to ionizing radiation during missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will affect the human body in undesirable ways, e.g., increasing the risks of cataracts, cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases, carcinogenesis, as well as accelerated ageing. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the risks related to deep space exploration and to develop mitigation strategies to reduce these risks to a tolerable level. By using biomarkers for radiation sensitivity, space agencies are developing extensive personalised medical examination programmes to determine an astronaut's vulnerability to radiation. Moreover, researchers are developing pharmacological solutions (e.g., radioprotectors and radiomitigators) to proactively or reactively protect astronauts during deep space exploration. Finally, research is necessary to develop more effective countermeasures for use in future human space missions, which can also lead to improvements to medical care on Earth. This review will discuss the risks space travel beyond LEO poses to astronauts, methods to monitor astronauts' health, and possible approaches to mitigate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Dobney
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Mols
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dhruti Mistry
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, UGhent, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure & Repair, UGhent, Gent, Belgium
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Alwood JS, Mulavara AP, Iyer J, Mhatre SD, Rosi S, Shelhamer M, Davis C, Jones CW, Mao XW, Desai RI, Whitmire AM, Williams TJ. Circuits and Biomarkers of the Central Nervous System Relating to Astronaut Performance: Summary Report for a NASA-Sponsored Technical Interchange Meeting. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1852. [PMID: 37763256 PMCID: PMC10532466 DOI: 10.3390/life13091852] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers, ranging from molecules to behavior, can be used to identify thresholds beyond which performance of mission tasks may be compromised and could potentially trigger the activation of countermeasures. Identification of homologous brain regions and/or neural circuits related to operational performance may allow for translational studies between species. Three discussion groups were directed to use operationally relevant performance tasks as a driver when identifying biomarkers and brain regions or circuits for selected constructs. Here we summarize small-group discussions in tables of circuits and biomarkers categorized by (a) sensorimotor, (b) behavioral medicine and (c) integrated approaches (e.g., physiological responses). In total, hundreds of biomarkers have been identified and are summarized herein by the respective group leads. We hope the meeting proceedings become a rich resource for NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) and the community of researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janani Iyer
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Susanna Rosi
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Mark Shelhamer
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Catherine Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Christopher W. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Rajeev I. Desai
- Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
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Cinti S, Singh S, Covone G, Tonietti L, Ricciardelli A, Cordone A, Iacono R, Mazzoli A, Moracci M, Rotundi A, Giovannelli D. Reviewing the state of biosensors and lab-on-a- chip technologies: opportunities for extreme environments and space exploration. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1215529. [PMID: 37664111 PMCID: PMC10470837 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1215529] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The space race is entering a new era of exploration, in which the number of robotic and human missions to various places in our solar system is rapidly increasing. Despite the recent advances in propulsion and life support technologies, there is a growing need to perform analytical measurements and laboratory experiments across diverse domains of science, while keeping low payload requirements. In this context, lab-on-a-chip nanobiosensors appear to be an emerging technology capable of revolutionizing space exploration, given their low footprint, high accuracy, and low payload requirements. To date, only some approaches for monitoring astronaut health in spacecraft environments have been reported. Although non-invasive molecular diagnostics, like lab-on-a-chip technology, are expected to improve the quality of long-term space missions, their application to monitor microbiological and environmental variables is rarely reported, even for analogous extreme environments on Earth. The possibility of evaluating the occurrence of unknown or unexpected species, identifying redox gradients relevant to microbial metabolism, or testing for specific possible biosignatures, will play a key role in the future of space microbiology. In this review, we will examine the current and potential roles of lab-on-a-chip technology in space exploration and in extreme environment investigation, reporting what has been tested so far, and clarifying the direction toward which the newly developed technologies of portable lab-on-a-chip sensors are heading for exploration in extreme environments and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Cinti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force at University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sima Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Covone
- Department of Physics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Tonietti
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Angelina Cordone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Iacono
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Arianna Mazzoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Moracci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rotundi
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
- INAF-IAPS, Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologie Spaziali, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- National Research Council–Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies–CNR-IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Altaie S, Alrawi A, Xuexin D. A novel model of gravity challenge device. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2023.104911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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31
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Trubl G, Stedman KM, Bywaters KF, Matula EE, Sommers P, Roux S, Merino N, Yin J, Kaelber JT, Avila-Herrera A, Johnson PA, Johnson JC, Borges S, Weber PK, Pett-Ridge J, Boston PJ. Astrovirology: how viruses enhance our understanding of life in the Universe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 22:247-271. [PMID: 38046673 PMCID: PMC10691837 DOI: 10.1017/s1473550423000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are the most numerically abundant biological entities on Earth. As ubiquitous replicators of molecular information and agents of community change, viruses have potent effects on the life on Earth, and may play a critical role in human spaceflight, for life-detection missions to other planetary bodies and planetary protection. However, major knowledge gaps constrain our understanding of the Earth's virosphere: (1) the role viruses play in biogeochemical cycles, (2) the origin(s) of viruses and (3) the involvement of viruses in the evolution, distribution and persistence of life. As viruses are the only replicators that span all known types of nucleic acids, an expanded experimental and theoretical toolbox built for Earth's viruses will be pivotal for detecting and understanding life on Earth and beyond. Only by filling in these knowledge and technical gaps we will obtain an inclusive assessment of how to distinguish and detect life on other planetary surfaces. Meanwhile, space exploration requires life-support systems for the needs of humans, plants and their microbial inhabitants. Viral effects on microbes and plants are essential for Earth's biosphere and human health, but virus-host interactions in spaceflight are poorly understood. Viral relationships with their hosts respond to environmental changes in complex ways which are difficult to predict by extrapolating from Earth-based proxies. These relationships should be studied in space to fully understand how spaceflight will modulate viral impacts on human health and life-support systems, including microbiomes. In this review, we address key questions that must be examined to incorporate viruses into Earth system models, life-support systems and life detection. Tackling these questions will benefit our efforts to develop planetary protection protocols and further our understanding of viruses in astrobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Trubl
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth M. Stedman
- Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Simon Roux
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nancy Merino
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - John Yin
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jason T. Kaelber
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Aram Avila-Herrera
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Peter Anto Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Peter K. Weber
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Pett-Ridge
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
- Life & Environmental Sciences Department, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
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Klos B, Steinbach C, Ketel J, Lambert C, Penders J, Doré J, Enck P, Mack I. Effects of isolation and confinement on gastrointestinal microbiota-a systematic review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1214016. [PMID: 37492598 PMCID: PMC10364611 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1214016] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem whose composition and function are influenced by many internal and external factors. Overall, the individual GI microbiota composition appears to be rather stable but can be influenced by extreme shifts in environmental exposures. To date, there is no systematic literature review that examines the effects of extreme environmental conditions, such as strict isolation and confinement, on the GI microbiota. Methods We conducted a systematic review to examine the effects of isolated and confined environments on the human GI microbiota. The literature search was conducted according to PRISMA criteria using PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Relevant studies were identified based on exposure to isolated and confined environments, generally being also antigen-limited, for a minimum of 28 days and classified according to the microbiota analysis method (cultivation- or molecular based approaches) and the isolation habitat (space, space- or microgravity simulation such as MARS-500 or natural isolation such as Antarctica). Microbial shifts in abundance, alpha diversity and community structure in response to isolation were assessed. Results Regardless of the study habitat, inconsistent shifts in abundance of 40 different genera, mainly in the phylum Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) were reported. Overall, the heterogeneity of studies was high. Reducing heterogeneity was neither possible by differentiating the microbiota analysis methods nor by subgrouping according to the isolation habitat. Alpha diversity evolved non-specifically, whereas the microbial community structure remained dissimilar despite partial convergence. The GI ecosystem returned to baseline levels following exposure, showing resilience irrespective of the experiment length. Conclusion An isolated and confined environment has a considerable impact on the GI microbiota composition in terms of diversity and relative abundances of dominant taxa. However, due to a limited number of studies with rather small sample sizes, it is important to approach an in-depth conclusion with caution, and results should be considered as a preliminary trend. The risk of dysbiosis and associated diseases should be considered when planning future projects in extreme environments. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022357589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bea Klos
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christina Steinbach
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Ketel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claude Lambert
- CIRI–Immunology Lab University Hospital, Saint-Étienne, France
- LCOMS/ENOSIS Université de Lorraine, Metz, France
| | - John Penders
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Center, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Center, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joël Doré
- UMR Micalis Institut, INRA, Paris-Saclay University, Jouy-En-Josas, France
| | - Paul Enck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Isabelle Mack
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Koehle AP, Brumwell SL, Seto EP, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Microbial applications for sustainable space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37344487 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to "normal" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Koehle
- Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brumwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA.
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Bedree JK, Kerns K, Chen T, Lima BP, Liu G, Ha P, Shi J, Pan HC, Kim JK, Tran L, Minot SS, Hendrickson EL, Lamont EI, Schulte F, Hardt M, Stephens D, Patel M, Kokaras A, Stodieck L, Shirazi-Fard Y, Wu B, Kwak JH, Ting K, Soo C, McLean JS, He X, Shi W. Specific host metabolite and gut microbiome alterations are associated with bone loss during spaceflight. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112299. [PMID: 37080202 PMCID: PMC10344367 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the axis of the human microbiome and physiological homeostasis is an essential task in managing deep-space-travel-associated health risks. The NASA-led Rodent Research 5 mission enabled an ancillary investigation of the gut microbiome, varying exposure to microgravity (flight) relative to ground controls in the context of previously shown bone mineral density (BMD) loss that was observed in these flight groups. We demonstrate elevated abundance of Lactobacillus murinus and Dorea sp. during microgravity exposure relative to ground control through whole-genome sequencing and 16S rRNA analyses. Specific functionally assigned gene clusters of L. murinus and Dorea sp. capable of producing metabolites, lactic acid, leucine/isoleucine, and glutathione are enriched. These metabolites are elevated in the microgravity-exposed host serum as shown by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomic analysis. Along with BMD loss, ELISA reveals increases in osteocalcin and reductions in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b signifying additional loss of bone homeostasis in flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Bedree
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Kristopher Kerns
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tsute Chen
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bruno P Lima
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Guo Liu
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pin Ha
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth & Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jiayu Shi
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hsin Chuan Pan
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luan Tran
- Section of Oral Biology, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Samuel S Minot
- Microbiome Research Initiative, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Erik L Hendrickson
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Eleanor I Lamont
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Fabian Schulte
- Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Markus Hardt
- Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Danielle Stephens
- Multiplex Core, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michele Patel
- Multiplex Core, Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alexis Kokaras
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Louis Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Bone and Signaling Laboratory, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Benjamin Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jin Hee Kwak
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth & Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kang Ting
- Section of Orthodontics, Division of Growth & Development, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey S McLean
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xuesong He
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wenyuan Shi
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Lombini M, Schreiber L, Albertini R, Alessi EM, Attinà P, Bianco A, Cascone E, Colucci ME, Cortecchia F, De Caprio V, Diolaiti E, Fiorini M, Lessio L, Macchi A, Malaguti G, Mongelluzzo G, Pareschi G, Pelizzo MG, Pasquarella C. Solar ultraviolet light collector for germicidal irradiation on the moon. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8326. [PMID: 37221252 PMCID: PMC10204019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35438-4] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged human-crewed missions on the Moon are foreseen as a gateway for Mars and asteroid colonisation in the next decades. Health risks related to long-time permanence in space have been partially investigated. Hazards due to airborne biological contaminants represent a relevant problem in space missions. A possible way to perform pathogens' inactivation is by employing the shortest wavelength range of Solar ultraviolet radiation, the so-called germicidal range. On Earth, it is totally absorbed by the atmosphere and does not reach the surface. In space, such Ultraviolet solar component is present and effective germicidal irradiation for airborne pathogens' inactivation can be achieved inside habitable outposts through a combination of highly reflective internal coating and optimised geometry of the air ducts. The Solar Ultraviolet Light Collector for Germicidal Irradiation on the Moon is a project whose aim is to collect Ultraviolet solar radiation and use it as a source to disinfect the re-circulating air of the human outposts. The most favourable positions where to place these collectors are over the peaks at the Moon's poles, which have the peculiarity of being exposed to solar radiation most of the time. On August 2022, NASA communicated to have identified 13 candidate landing regions near the lunar South Pole for Artemis missions. Another advantage of the Moon is its low inclination to the ecliptic, which maintains the Sun's apparent altitude inside a reduced angular range. For this reason, Ultraviolet solar radiation can be collected through a simplified Sun's tracking collector or even a static collector and used to disinfect the recycled air. Fluid-dynamic and optical simulations have been performed to support the proposed idea. The expected inactivation rates for some airborne pathogens, either common or found on the International Space Station, are reported and compared with the proposed device efficiency. The results show that it is possible to use Ultraviolet solar radiation directly for air disinfection inside the lunar outposts and deliver a healthy living environment to the astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lombini
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Schreiber
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Albertini
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisa Maria Alessi
- Istituto di Matematica Applicata e Tecnologie Informatiche "E. Magenes" - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Primo Attinà
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Merate, LC, Italy
| | - Andrea Bianco
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Merate, LC, Italy
| | - Enrico Cascone
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fausto Cortecchia
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Caprio
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
| | - Emiliano Diolaiti
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mauro Fiorini
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Istituto di Astrofisica Spaziale e Fisica Cosmica di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Lessio
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Macchi
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Merate, LC, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Malaguti
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mongelluzzo
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pareschi
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Merate, LC, Italy
| | - Maria G Pelizzo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
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36
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Overbey EG, Ryon K, Kim J, Tierney B, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Mullane S, Schmidt JC, MacKay M, Damle N, Najjar D, Matei I, Patras L, Medina JSG, Kleinman A, Hirschberg JW, Proszynski J, Narayanan SA, Schmidt CM, Afshin EE, Innes L, Saldarriaga MM, Schmidt MA, Granstein RD, Shirah B, Yu M, Lyden D, Mateus J, Mason CE. Collection of Biospecimens from the Inspiration4 Mission Establishes the Standards for the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.02.539108. [PMID: 37205403 PMCID: PMC10187258 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.02.539108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from the crew at different stages of the mission, including before (L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (R+1, R+45, R+82, R+194 days) spaceflight, creating a longitudinal sample set. The collection process included samples such as venous blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies, which were processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All samples were then processed in clinical and research laboratories for optimal isolation and testing of DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and other biomolecules. This paper describes the complete set of collected biospecimens, their processing steps, and long-term biobanking methods, which enable future molecular assays and testing. As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can also aid future experiments in human spaceflight and space biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah G. Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braden Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean Mullane
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Julian C. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Laura Patras
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Ashley Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Caleb M. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan E. Afshin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucinda Innes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Bader Shirah
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Yu Q, Wang Q, Zhang L, Deng W, Cao X, Wang Z, Sun X, Yu J, Xu X. The applications of 3D printing in wound healing: the external delivery of stem cells and antibiosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114823. [PMID: 37068658 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
As the global number of chronic wound patients rises, the financial burden and social pressure on patients increase daily. Stem cells have emerged as promising tissue engineering seed cells due to their enriched sources, multidirectional differentiation ability, and high proliferation rate. However, delivering them in vitro for the treatment of skin injury is still challenging. In addition, bacteria from the wound site and the environment can significantly impact wound healing. In the last decade, 3D bioprinting has dramatically enriched cell delivery systems. The produced scaffolds by this technique can be precisely localized within cells and perform antibacterial actions. In this review, we summarized the 3D bioprinting-based external delivery of stem cells and their antibiosis to improve wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingtong Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Qilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Linzhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Wenwen Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Xia Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Xuan Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Ximing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China.
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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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Feng W, Yang Z, Liu Y, Chen R, Song Z, Pan G, Zhang Y, Guo Z, Ding X, Chen L, Wang Y. Gut microbiota: A new target of traditional Chinese medicine for insomnia. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114344. [PMID: 36738504 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
All species have a physiological need for sleep, and sleep is crucial for the preservation and restoration of many physiological processes in the body. Recent research on the effects of gut microbiota on brain function has produced essential data on the relationship between them. It has been discovered that dysregulation of the gut-brain axis is related to insomnia. Certain metabolites of gut microbiota have been linked to insomnia, and disturbances in gut microbiota can worsen insomnia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages for the treatment of insomnia. Taking the gut microbiota as the target and determining the scientific relevance of TCM to the prevention and treatment of insomnia may lead to new concepts for the treatment of sleep disorders and improve the therapeutic effect of sleep. Taking the gut microbiota as an entry point, this paper reviews the relationship between gut microbiota and TCM, the relationship between gut microbiota and insomnia, the mechanism by which gut microbiota regulate sleep, and the mechanism by which TCM regulates gut microbiota for insomnia prevention and treatment. This review provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of insomnia through TCM and new ideas for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Zhihua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yangxi Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China.
| | - Rui Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Zhihui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Guiyun Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Zehui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Xinya Ding
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China.
| | - Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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40
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Ruxton CHS, Kajita C, Rocca P, Pot B. Microbiota and probiotics: chances and challenges - a symposium report. GUT MICROBIOME (CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND) 2023; 4:e6. [PMID: 39295904 PMCID: PMC11406417 DOI: 10.1017/gmb.2023.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
The 10th International Yakult Symposium was held in Milan, Italy, on 13-14 October 2022. Two keynote lectures covered the crewed journey to space and its implications for the human microbiome, and how current regulatory systems can be adapted and updated to ensure the safety of microorganisms used as probiotics or food processing ingredients. The remaining lectures were split into sections entitled "Chances" and "Challenges." The "Chances" section explored opportunities for the science of probiotics and fermented foods to contribute to diverse areas of health such as irritable bowel syndrome, major depression, Parkinson's disease, immune dysfunction, infant colic, intensive care, respiratory infections, and promoting healthy longevity. The "Challenges" section included selecting appropriate clinical trial participants and methodologies to minimise heterogeneity in responses, how to view probiotics in the context of One Health, adapting regulatory frameworks, and understanding how substances of bacterial origin can cross the blood-brain barrier. The symposium provided evidence from cutting-edge research that gut eubiosis is vital for human health and, like space, the microbiota deserves further exploration of its vast potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Pot
- Yakult Europe BV, Almere, Netherlands
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Santomartino R, Averesch NJH, Bhuiyan M, Cockell CS, Colangelo J, Gumulya Y, Lehner B, Lopez-Ayala I, McMahon S, Mohanty A, Santa Maria SR, Urbaniak C, Volger R, Yang J, Zea L. Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1391. [PMID: 36944638 PMCID: PMC10030976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37070-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding sustainable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources is of pivotal importance for the future of space exploration. This is relevant not only to establish viable space exploration beyond low Earth-orbit, but also for ethical considerations associated with the generation of space waste and the preservation of extra-terrestrial environments. Here we propose and highlight a series of microbial biotechnologies uniquely suited to establish sustainable processes for in situ resource utilization and loop-closure. Microbial biotechnologies research and development for space sustainability will be translatable to Earth applications, tackling terrestrial environmental issues, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Nils J H Averesch
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Yosephine Gumulya
- Centre for Microbiome Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Sean McMahon
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anurup Mohanty
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Ave, Floor 1, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- Space Biosciences, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA, USA
- KBR, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA
| | - Rik Volger
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Capri M, Conte M, Ciurca E, Pirazzini C, Garagnani P, Santoro A, Longo F, Salvioli S, Lau P, Moeller R, Jordan J, Illig T, Villanueva MM, Gruber M, Bürkle A, Franceschi C, Rittweger J. Long-term human spaceflight and inflammaging: Does it promote aging? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 87:101909. [PMID: 36918115 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight and its associated stressors, such as microgravity, radiation exposure, confinement, circadian derailment and disruptive workloads represent an unprecedented type of exposome that is entirely novel from an evolutionary stand point. Within this perspective, we aimed to review the effects of prolonged spaceflight on immune-neuroendocrine systems, brain and brain-gut axis, cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal apparatus, highlighting in particular the similarities with an accelerated aging process. In particular, spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy/sarcopenia and bone loss, vascular and metabolic changes, hyper and hypo reaction of innate and adaptive immune system appear to be modifications shared with the aging process. Most of these modifications are mediated by molecular events that include oxidative and mitochondrial stress, autophagy, DNA damage repair and telomere length alteration, among others, which directly or indirectly converge on the activation of an inflammatory response. According to the inflammaging theory of aging, such an inflammatory response could be a driver of an acceleration of the normal, physiological rate of aging and it is likely that all the systemic modifications in turn lead to an increase of inflammaging in a sort of vicious cycle. The most updated countermeasures to fight these modifications will be also discussed in the light of their possible application not only for astronauts' benefit, but also for older adults on the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Capri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Conte
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Erika Ciurca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirazzini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Clinical Chemistry Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aurelia Santoro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (Alma Climate), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Longo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrick Lau
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Illig
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria-Moreno Villanueva
- Human Performance Research Centre, Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Markus Gruber
- Human Performance Research Centre, Department of Sport Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexander Bürkle
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Applied Mathematics of the Institute of ITMM, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, the Russian Federation
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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The dynamic balance of the skin microbiome across the lifespan. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:71-86. [PMID: 36606709 PMCID: PMC9988004 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220216] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
For decades research has centered on identifying the ideal balanced skin microbiome that prevents disease and on developing therapeutics to foster this balance. However, this single idealized balance may not exist. The skin microbiome changes across the lifespan. This is reflected in the dynamic shifts of the skin microbiome's diverse, inter-connected community of microorganisms with age. While there are core skin microbial taxa, the precise community composition for any individual person is determined by local skin physiology, genetics, microbe-host interactions, and microbe-microbe interactions. As a key interface with the environment, the skin surface and its appendages are also constantly exchanging microbes with close personal contacts and the environment. Hormone fluctuations and immune system maturation also drive age-dependent changes in skin physiology that support different microbial community structures over time. Here, we review recent insights into the factors that shape the skin microbiome throughout life. Collectively, the works summarized within this review highlight how, depending on where we are in lifespan, our skin supports robust microbial communities, while still maintaining microbial features unique to us. This review will also highlight how disruptions to this dynamic microbial balance can influence risk for dermatological diseases as well as impact lifelong health.
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Theotokis P, Manthou ME, Deftereou TE, Miliaras D, Meditskou S. Addressing Spaceflight Biology through the Lens of a Histologist-Embryologist. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020588. [PMID: 36836946 PMCID: PMC9965490 DOI: 10.3390/life13020588] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryogenesis and fetal development are highly delicate and error-prone processes in their core physiology, let alone if stress-associated factors and conditions are involved. Space radiation and altered gravity are factors that could radically affect fertility and pregnancy and compromise a physiological organogenesis. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information examining the effects of cosmic exposures on reproductive and proliferating outcomes with regard to mammalian embryonic development. However, explicit attention has been given to investigations exploring discrete structures and neural networks such as the vestibular system, an entity that is viewed as the sixth sense and organically controls gravity beginning with the prenatal period. The role of the gut microbiome, a newly acknowledged field of research in the space community, is also being challenged to be added in forthcoming experimental protocols. This review discusses the data that have surfaced from simulations or actual space expeditions and addresses developmental adaptations at the histological level induced by an extraterrestrial milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
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Nguyen CN, Urquieta E. Contemporary review of dermatologic conditions in space flight and future implications for long-duration exploration missions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 36:147-156. [PMID: 36682824 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Future planned exploration missions to outer space will almost surely require the longest periods of continuous space exposure by the human body yet. As the most external organ, the skin seems the most vulnerable to injury. Therefore, discussion of the dermatological implications of such extended-duration missions is critical. OBJECTIVES In order to help future missions understand the risks of spaceflight on the human skin, this review aims to consolidate data from the current literature pertaining to the space environment and its physiologic effects on skin, describe all reported dermatologic manifestations in spaceflight, and extrapolate this information to longer-duration mission. METHODS AND MATERIALS The authors searched PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords and Mesh terms. The publications that were found to be relevant to the objectives were included and described. RESULTS The space environment causes changes in the skin at the cellular level by thinning the epidermis, altering wound healing, and dysregulating the immune system. Clinically, dermatological conditions represented the most common medical issues occurring in spaceflight. We predict that as exploration missions increase in duration, astronauts will experience further physiological changes and an increased rate and severity of adverse events. CONCLUSION Maximizing astronaut safety requires a continued knowledge of the human body's response to space, as well as consideration and prediction of future events. Dermatologic effects of space missions comprise the majority of health-related issues arising on missions to outer space, and these issues are likely to become more prominent with increasing time spent in space. Improvements in hygiene may mitigate some of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston TX, United States; Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX, United States
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Li Sip YY, Jacobs A, Morales A, Sun M, Roberson LB, Hummerick ME, Roy H, Kik P, Zhai L. Slippery lubricant-infused silica nanoparticulate film processing for anti-biofouling applications. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2023; 21:22808000231184688. [PMID: 37680075 DOI: 10.1177/22808000231184688] [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] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial biofilm build-up in water distribution systems can pose a risk to human health and pipe material integrity. The impact is more devastating in space stations and to astronauts due to the isolation from necessary replacement parts and medical resources. As a result, there is a need for coatings to be implemented onto the inner region of the pipe to minimize the adherence and growth of biofilms. Lubricant-infused surfaces has been one such interesting material for anti-biofouling applications in which their slippery property promotes repellence to many liquids and thus prevents bacterial adherence. Textured and porous films are suitable substrate candidates to infuse and contain the lubricant. However, there is little investigation in utilizing a nanoparticulate thin film as the substrate material for lubricant infusion. A nanoparticulate film has high porosity within the structure which can promote greater lubricant infusion and retention. The implementation as a thin film structure aids to reduce material consumption and cost. In our study, we utilized a well-studied nanoporous thin film fabricated via layer-by-layer assembly of polycations and colloid silica and then calcination for greater stability. The film was further functionalized to promote fluorinated groups and improve affinity with a fluorinated lubricant. The pristine nanoporous film was characterized to determine its morphology, thickness, wettability, and porosity. The lubricant-infused film was then tested for its lubricant layer stability upon various washing conditions and its performance against bacterial biofilm adherence as a result of its slippery property. Overall, the modified silica nanoparticulate thin film demonstrated potential as a base substrate for lubricant-infused surface fabrication that repelled against ambient aqueous solvents and as an anti-biofouling coating that demonstrated low biofilm coverage and colony forming unit values. Further optimization to improve lubricant retention or incorporation of a secondary function can aid in developing better coatings for biofilm mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Yee Li Sip
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Annabel Jacobs
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alejandra Morales
- Engineering, Computer Programming and Technology Division, Valencia College, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Mengdi Sun
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Luke B Roberson
- Kennedy Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Brevard County, FL, USA
| | | | - Herve Roy
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Pieter Kik
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Lei Zhai
- Department of Chemistry and NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Malan-Müller S, Valles-Colomer M, Palomo T, Leza JC. The gut-microbiota-brain axis in a Spanish population in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: microbiota composition linked to anxiety, trauma, and depression profiles. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2162306. [PMID: 36651663 PMCID: PMC9851210 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2162306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of anxiety and depression soared following the COVID-19 pandemic. To effectively treat these conditions, a comprehensive understanding of all etiological factors is needed. This study investigated fecal microbial features associated with mental health outcomes (symptoms of anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) in a Spanish cohort in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Microbial communities from stool samples were profiled in 198 individuals who completed validated, self-report questionnaires. 16S ribosomal RNA gene V3-4 amplicon sequencing was performed. Microbial diversity and community structure were analyzed, together with relative taxonomic abundance. In our cohort of N=198, 17.17% reported depressive symptoms, 37.37% state anxiety symptoms, 40.90% trait anxiety symptoms, and 8.08% PTSD symptoms, with high levels of comorbidity. Individuals with trait anxiety had lower Simpson's diversity. Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans was reduced in individuals with comorbid PTSD + depression + state and trait anxiety symptoms, whilst an expansion of Proteobacteria and depletion of Synergistetes phyla were noted in individuals with depressive symptoms. The relative abundance of Anaerostipes was positively correlated with childhood trauma, and higher levels of Turicibacter sanguinis and lower levels of Lentisphaerae were found in individuals who experienced life-threatening traumas. COVID-19 infection and vaccination influenced the overall microbial composition and were associated with distinct relative taxonomic abundance profiles. These findings will help lay the foundation for future studies to identify microbial role players in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD and provide future therapeutic targets to improve mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Malan-Müller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Center of Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neurochemistry Research Institute UCM, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (Imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Valles-Colomer
- Department of Cellular Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Tomás Palomo
- Biomedical Network Research Center of Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neurochemistry Research Institute UCM, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (Imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C. Leza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Center of Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neurochemistry Research Institute UCM, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (Imas12), Madrid, Spain
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49
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Krittanawong C, Singh NK, Scheuring RA, Urquieta E, Bershad EM, Macaulay TR, Kaplin S, Dunn C, Kry SF, Russomano T, Shepanek M, Stowe RP, Kirkpatrick AW, Broderick TJ, Sibonga JD, Lee AG, Crucian BE. Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010040. [PMID: 36611835 PMCID: PMC9818606 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Department of Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric M. Bershad
- Department of Neurology, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Scott Kaplin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carly Dunn
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen F. Kry
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Marc Shepanek
- Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA, Washington, DC 20546, USA
| | | | - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Jean D. Sibonga
- Division of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A and M College of Medicine, College Station, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Brian E. Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
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50
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Gatt C, Tierney BT, Madrigal P, Mason CE, Beheshti A, Telzerow A, Benes V, Zahra G, Bonett J, Cassar K, Borg J. The Maleth program: Malta's first space mission discoveries on the microbiome of diabetic foot ulcers. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12075. [PMID: 36544819 PMCID: PMC9761711 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the Maleth Program, also known as Project Maleth, is Malta's first space program to evaluate human skin tissue microbiome changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients afflicted with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). This was carried out in both ground-based models and spaceflight. The first mission (Maleth I) under this program was carried out to uncover the effects of spaceflight, microgravity and radiation on human skin tissue microbiome samples from six T2DM patients recruited into the study. Each patient human skin tissue sample was split in three, with one section processed immediately for genomic profiling by 16S typing and the rest were processed for longer term ground-control and spaceflight experiments. Ground-control and spaceflight human skin tissue samples were also processed for genomic profiling upon mission re-entry and completion. Maleth I's overall objective was achieved, as human skin tissue samples with their microbiomes travelled to space and back yielding positive results by both standard microbiology techniques and genetic typing using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Preliminary findings of this mission are discussed in light of its innovative approach at DFU microbiome research, and the clinical implications that may emerge from this and other future similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Gatt
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida MSD, 2080, Malta
| | - Braden T. Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Pedro Madrigal
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA,WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Anja Telzerow
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Graziella Zahra
- Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Jurgen Bonett
- Ministry for Health, Primary HealthCare, Floriana, Malta
| | - Kevin Cassar
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Valletta, Malta
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida MSD, 2080, Malta,Corresponding author.
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