1
|
Yue Y, Yang J, Lu S, Ge J, Nie H, Liu K, Liu F, Li H, Yan H, Zhang T, Sun P, Sun H, Yang J, Zhou J, Cui Y. Simulated microgravity altered the proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix formation of L929 fibroblasts and the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13341. [PMID: 37231921 PMCID: PMC10167414 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13341] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity can adversely affect the fitness of astronauts. The integrity of the skin plays a crucial role in protecting against mechanical forces and infections, fluid imbalance, and thermal dysregulation. In brief, the skin wound may cause unknown challenges to the implementation of space missions. Wound healing is a physiological process that relies on the synergistic action of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and various growth factors to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma. Fibroblasts are present almost throughout the entire process of wound repair, especially in the scar formation at the endpoint of wound healing. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent to which fibroblasts are affected by the lack of gravity during wound healing. In this study, we utilized the rotary cell culture system, a ground-based facility that mimics the weightless condition, to study the alterations of L929 fibroblast cells under simulated microgravity (SMG). Our results demonstrated that the SM condition exerted negative influences on the proliferation and ECM formation of the L929 fibroblast. Whereas, the apoptosis of fibroblast was significantly upregulated upon exposure to SMG conditions. Moreover, the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 (TGF-β1/smad3) signaling pathway of L929 fibroblast related to wound repair was also altered significantly under a weightless environment. Overall, our study provided evidence that fibroblasts are strongly sensitive to SMG and elucidated the potential value of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway modulating wound healing in the future practice of space medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yue
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jia‐Qi Yang
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Sheng‐Yu Lu
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jun Ge
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Yun Nie
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Kai‐Ge Liu
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of General SurgeryFuyang Tumor HospitalFuyangChina
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Feng Yan
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Pei‐Ming Sun
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Wei Sun
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jian‐Wu Yang
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jin‐Lian Zhou
- Department of PathologyStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Changes in interstitial fluid flow, mass transport and the bone cell response in microgravity and normogravity. Bone Res 2022; 10:65. [PMID: 36411278 PMCID: PMC9678891 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-022-00234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, our scientific interest in spaceflight has grown exponentially and resulted in a thriving area of research, with hundreds of astronauts spending months of their time in space. A recent shift toward pursuing territories farther afield, aiming at near-Earth asteroids, the Moon, and Mars combined with the anticipated availability of commercial flights to space in the near future, warrants continued understanding of the human physiological processes and response mechanisms when in this extreme environment. Acute skeletal loss, more severe than any bone loss seen on Earth, has significant implications for deep space exploration, and it remains elusive as to why there is such a magnitude of difference between bone loss on Earth and loss in microgravity. The removal of gravity eliminates a critical primary mechano-stimulus, and when combined with exposure to both galactic and solar cosmic radiation, healthy human tissue function can be negatively affected. An additional effect found in microgravity, and one with limited insight, involves changes in dynamic fluid flow. Fluids provide the most fundamental way to transport chemical and biochemical elements within our bodies and apply an essential mechano-stimulus to cells. Furthermore, the cell cytoplasm is not a simple liquid, and fluid transport phenomena together with viscoelastic deformation of the cytoskeleton play key roles in cell function. In microgravity, flow behavior changes drastically, and the impact on cells within the porous system of bone and the influence of an expanding level of adiposity are not well understood. This review explores the role of interstitial fluid motion and solute transport in porous bone under two different conditions: normogravity and microgravity.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cialdai F, Risaliti C, Monici M. Role of fibroblasts in wound healing and tissue remodeling on Earth and in space. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:958381. [PMID: 36267456 PMCID: PMC9578548 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.958381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing (WH) and the role fibroblasts play in the process, as well as healing impairment and fibroblast dysfunction, have been thoroughly reviewed by other authors. We treat these topics briefly, with the only aim of contextualizing the true focus of this review, namely, the microgravity-induced changes in fibroblast functions involved in WH. Microgravity is a condition typical of spaceflight. Studying its possible effects on fibroblasts and WH is useful not only for the safety of astronauts who will face future interplanetary space missions, but also to help improve the management of WH impairment on Earth. The interesting similarity between microgravity-induced alterations of fibroblast behavior and fibroblast dysfunction in WH impairment on Earth is highlighted. The possibility of using microgravity-exposed fibroblasts and WH in space as models of healing impairment on Earth is suggested. The gaps in knowledge on fibroblast functions in WH are analyzed. The contribution that studies on fibroblast behavior in weightlessness can make to fill these gaps and, consequently, improve therapeutic strategies is considered.
Collapse
|
4
|
Li F, Ye Y, Lei X, Zhang W. Effects of Microgravity on Early Embryonic Development and Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation: Phenotypic Characterization and Potential Mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:797167. [PMID: 34926474 PMCID: PMC8675004 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.797167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of science and technology, mankind’s exploration of outer space has increased tremendously. Settling in outer space or on other planets could help solve the Earth’s resource crisis, but such settlement will first face the problem of reproduction. There are considerable differences between outer space and the Earth’s environment, with the effects of gravity being one of the most significant. Studying the possible effects and underlying mechanisms of microgravity on embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation and embryonic development could help provide solutions to healthy living and reproduction in deep space. This article summarizes recent research progress on the effects of microgravity on ESCs and early embryonic development and proposes hypotheses regarding the potential mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the controversies and key questions in the field and indicate directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Cam-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rosenstein AH, Walker VK. Fidelity of a Bacterial DNA Polymerase in Microgravity, a Model for Human Health in Space. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702849. [PMID: 34912795 PMCID: PMC8666419 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term space missions will expose crew members, their cells as well as their microbiomes to prolonged periods of microgravity and ionizing radiation, environmental stressors for which almost no earth-based organisms have evolved to survive. Despite the importance of maintaining genomic integrity, the impact of these stresses on DNA polymerase-mediated replication and repair has not been fully explored. DNA polymerase fidelity and replication rates were assayed under conditions of microgravity generated by parabolic flight and compared to earth-like gravity. Upon commencement of a parabolic arc, primed synthetic single-stranded DNA was used as a template for one of two enzymes (Klenow fragment exonuclease+/-; with and without proofreading exonuclease activity, respectively) and were quenched immediately following the 20 s microgravitational period. DNA polymerase error rates were determined with an algorithm developed to identify experimental mutations. In microgravity Klenow exonuclease+ showed a median 1.1-fold per-base decrease in polymerization fidelity for base substitutions when compared to earth-like gravity (p = 0.02), but in the absence of proofreading activity, a 2.4-fold decrease was observed (p = 1.98 × 10-11). Similarly, 1.1-fold and 1.5-fold increases in deletion frequencies in the presence or absence of exonuclease activity (p = 1.51 × 10-7 and p = 8.74 × 10-13), respectively, were observed in microgravity compared to controls. The development of this flexible semi-autonomous payload system coupled with genetic and bioinformatic approaches serves as a proof-of-concept for future space health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron H Rosenstein
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Strube F, Infanger M, Dietz C, Romswinkel A, Kraus A. Short-term effects of simulated microgravity on morphology and gene expression in human breast cancer cells. Physiol Int 2020. [DOI: 10.1556/2060.106.2019.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Microgravity has been shown to impose various effects on breast cancer cells. We exposed human breast cancer cells to simulated microgravity and studied morphology and alterations in gene expression.
Materials and methods
Human breast cancer cells were exposed to simulated microgravity in a random positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h. Morphology was observed under light microscopy, and gene alteration was studied by qPCR.
Results
After 24 h, formation of three-dimensional structures (spheroids) occurred. BRCA1 expression was significantly increased (1.9×, p < 0.05) in the adherent cells under simulated microgravity compared to the control. Expression of KRAS was significantly decreased (0.6×, p < 0.05) in the adherent cells compared to the control. VCAM1 was significantly upregulated (6.6×, 2.0×, p < 0.05 each) in the adherent cells under simulated microgravity and in the spheroids. VIM expression was significantly downregulated (0.45×, 0.44×, p < 0.05 each) in the adherent cells under simulated microgravity and in the spheroids. There was no significant alteration in the expression of MAPK1, MMP13, PTEN, and TP53.
Conclusions
Simulated microgravity induces spheroid formation in human breast cancer cells within 24 h and alters gene expression toward modified adhesion properties, enhanced cell repair, and phenotype preservation. Further insights into the underlying mechanisms could open up the way toward new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Strube
- 1 Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - M Infanger
- 1 Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - C Dietz
- 1 Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - A Romswinkel
- 1 Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - A Kraus
- 1 Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
An L, Li Y, Fan Y, He N, Ran F, Qu H, Wang Y, Zhao X, Ye C, Jiang Y, Fang X, Hang H. The Trends in Global Gene Expression in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells During Spaceflight. Front Genet 2019; 10:768. [PMID: 31552089 PMCID: PMC6743352 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The environment in space differs greatly from the environment on the ground. Spaceflight causes a number of physiological changes in astronauts, such as bone loss and immune system dysregulation. These effects threaten astronauts’ space missions, and understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms is important to manage the risks of space missions. The biological effects of spaceflight on mammalian cells, especially with regards to DNA damage, have attracted much attention. Rad9−/− mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are known to be extremely sensitive to DNA damage agents. In this study, a project of the SJ-10 satellite programme, we investigated the gene expression profiles of both Rad9−/− mESCs and Rad9+/+ (wild-type) mESCs in space with a focus on genes critical for inducing, preventing, or repairing genomic DNA lesions. We found that spaceflight downregulated more genes than it upregulated in both wild-type and Rad9−/− mESCs, indicating a suppressive effect of spaceflight on global gene expression. In contrast, Rad9 deletion upregulated more genes than it downregulated. Of note, spaceflight mainly affected organ development and influenced a wide range of cellular functions in mESCs, while Rad9 deletion mainly affected the development and function of the hematological system, especially the development, differentiation and function of immune cells. The patterns of gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells in space is distinct from those in other types of cells. In addition, both spaceflight and Rad9 deletion downregulated DNA repair genes, suggesting a possibility that spaceflight has negative effects on genome for embryonic stem cells and the effects are likely worsen when the genome maintenance mechanism is defective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili An
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjun Fan
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fanlei Ran
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongzhu Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- Center for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetong Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanda Jiang
- Center for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiying Hang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Low EK, Brudvik E, Kuhlman B, Wilson PF, Almeida-Porada G, Porada CD. Microgravity Impairs DNA Damage Repair in Human Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells and Inhibits Their Differentiation into Dendritic Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1257-1267. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erica K. Low
- Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Egil Brudvik
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Bradford Kuhlman
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Paul F. Wilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Graça Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Christopher D. Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Simulated microgravity inhibits cell focal adhesions leading to reduced melanoma cell proliferation and metastasis via FAK/RhoA-regulated mTORC1 and AMPK pathways. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3769. [PMID: 29491429 PMCID: PMC5830577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simulated microgravity (SMG) was reported to affect tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism is elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that clinostat-modelled SMG reduces BL6-10 melanoma cell proliferation, adhesion and invasiveness in vitro and decreases tumor lung metastasis in vivo. It down-regulates metastasis-related integrin α6β4, MMP9 and Met72 molecules. SMG significantly reduces formation of focal adhesions and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho family proteins (RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42) and of mTORC1 kinase, but activates AMPK and ULK1 kinases. We demonstrate that SMG inhibits NADH induction and glycolysis, but induces mitochondrial biogenesis. Interestingly, administration of a RhoA activator, the cytotoxic necrotizing factor-1 (CNF1) effectively converts SMG-triggered alterations and effects on mitochondria biogenesis or glycolysis. CNF1 also converts the SMG-altered cell proliferation and tumor metastasis. In contrast, mTORC inhibitor, rapamycin, produces opposite responses and mimics SMG-induced effects in cells at normal gravity. Taken together, our observations indicate that SMG inhibits focal adhesions, leading to inhibition of signaling FAK and RhoA, and the mTORC1 pathway, which results in activation of the AMPK pathway and reduced melanoma cell proliferation and metastasis. Overall, our findings shed a new light on effects of microgravity on cell biology and human health.
Collapse
|
10
|
Morabito C, Guarnieri S, Catizone A, Schiraldi C, Ricci G, Mariggiò MA. Transient increases in intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species levels in TCam-2 cells exposed to microgravity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15648. [PMID: 29142208 PMCID: PMC5688167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15935-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of microgravity on functions of the human body are well described, including alterations in the male and female reproductive systems. In the present study, TCam-2 cells, which are considered a good model of mitotically active male germ cells, were used to investigate intracellular signalling and cell metabolism during exposure to simulated microgravity, a condition that affects cell shape and cytoskeletal architecture. After a 24 hour exposure to simulated microgravity, TCam-2 cells showed 1) a decreased proliferation rate and a delay in cell cycle progression, 2) increased anaerobic metabolism accompanied by increased levels of intracellular Ca2+, reactive oxygen species and superoxide anion and modifications in mitochondrial morphology. Interestingly, all these events were transient and were no longer evident after 48 hours of exposure. The presence of antioxidants prevented not only the effects described above but also the modifications in cytoskeletal architecture and the activation of the autophagy process induced by simulated microgravity. In conclusion, in the TCam-2 cell model, simulated microgravity activated the oxidative machinery, triggering transient macroscopic cell events, such as a reduction in the proliferation rate, changes in cytoskeleton-driven shape and autophagy activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Catizone
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic and Orthopaedic Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - M A Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
In space, multiple unique environmental factors, particularly microgravity and space radiation, pose constant threat to the DNA integrity of living organisms. Specifically, space radiation can cause damage to DNA directly, through the interaction of charged particles with the DNA molecules themselves, or indirectly through the production of free radicals. Although organisms have evolved strategies on Earth to confront such damage, space environmental conditions, especially microgravity, can impact DNA repair resulting in accumulation of severe DNA lesions. Ultimately these lesions, namely double strand breaks, chromosome aberrations, micronucleus formation, or mutations, can increase the risk for adverse health effects, such as cancer. How spaceflight factors affect DNA damage and the DNA damage response has been investigated since the early days of the human space program. Over the years, these experiments have been conducted either in space or using ground-based analogs. This review summarizes the evidence for DNA damage induction by space radiation and/or microgravity as well as spaceflight-related impacts on the DNA damage response. The review also discusses the conflicting results from studies aimed at addressing the question of potential synergies between microgravity and radiation with regard to DNA damage and cellular repair processes. We conclude that further experiments need to be performed in the true space environment in order to address this critical question.
Collapse
|
12
|
Albi E, Krüger M, Hemmersbach R, Lazzarini A, Cataldi S, Codini M, Beccari T, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Curcio F. Impact of Gravity on Thyroid Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E972. [PMID: 28471415 PMCID: PMC5454885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental health requires a correct functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune systems, and affects behavior and cognitive functions. Microgravity, as occurs during space missions, induces morphological and functional changes within the thyroid gland. Here, we review relevant experiments exposing cell cultures (normal and cancer thyroid cells) to simulated and real microgravity, as well as wild-type and transgenic mice to hypergravity and spaceflight conditions. Well-known mechanisms of damage are presented and new ones, such as changes of gene expression for extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton proteins, thyrocyte phenotype, sensitivity of thyrocytes to thyrotropin due to thyrotropin receptor modification, parafollicular cells and calcitonin production, sphingomyelin metabolism, and the expression and movement of cancer molecules from thyrocytes to colloids are highlighted. The identification of new mechanisms of thyroid injury is essential for the development of countermeasures, both on the ground and in space, against thyroid cancer. We also address the question whether normal and cancer cells show a different sensitivity concerning changes of environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic and Policlinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Gravitational Biology, Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Andrea Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, Perugia, via Ponchielli 4, 06073 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Samuela Cataldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Francesco Curcio
- Dipartimento di Area Medica (DAME), University of Udine, p.le M. Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ran F, An L, Fan Y, Hang H, Wang S. Simulated microgravity potentiates generation of reactive oxygen species in cells. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2016; 2:100-105. [PMID: 28317013 PMCID: PMC5334420 DOI: 10.1007/s41048-016-0029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity (MG) and space radiation are two major environmental factors of space environment. Ionizing radiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which plays a key role in radiation-induced DNA damage. Interestingly, simulated microgravity (SMG) also increases ROS production in various cell types. Thus, it is important to detect whether SMG could potentiate ROS production induced by genotoxins including radiation, especially at a minimal level not sufficient to induce detectable ROS. In this study, we treated mouse embryonic stem (MES) cells with H2O2 and SMG for 24 h. The concentration of H2O2 used was within 30 μmol/L at which intracellular ROS was the same as that in untreated cells. Exposure of cells to SMG for 24 h did not induce significantly higher levels of intracellular ROS than that of control cells either. Simultaneous exposure of cells to both SMG- and H2O2-induced ROS and apoptosis in MES cells. Although incubation in medium containing 5 or 30 μmol/L H2O2 induced a small enhancement of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the addition of SMG treatment dramatically increased DSB levels. Taken together, SMG can significantly potentiate the effects of H2O2 at a low concentration that induce a small or negligible change in cells on ROS, apoptosis, and DNA damage. The results were discussed in relation to the combined effects of space radiation and MG on human body in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanlei Ran
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002 China
| | - Lili An
- Key Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yingjun Fan
- Key Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Haiying Hang
- Key Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002 China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao T, Tang X, Umeshappa CS, Ma H, Gao H, Deng Y, Freywald A, Xiang J. Simulated Microgravity Promotes Cell Apoptosis Through Suppressing Uev1A/TICAM/TRAF/NF-κB-Regulated Anti-Apoptosis and p53/PCNA- and ATM/ATR-Chk1/2-Controlled DNA-Damage Response Pathways. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:2138-48. [PMID: 26887372 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity has been known to induce cell death. However, its underlying mechanism is less studied. In this study, BL6-10 melanoma cells were cultured in flasks under simulated microgravity (SMG). We examined cell apoptosis, and assessed expression of genes associated with apoptosis and genes regulating apoptosis in cells under SMG. We demonstrate that SMG induces cell morphological changes and microtubule alterations by confocal microscopy, and enhances apoptosis by flow cytometry, which was associated with up- and down-regulation of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, respectively. Moreover, up- and down-regulation of pro-apoptotic (Caspases 3, 7, 8) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl2 and Bnip3) molecules was confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Western blot analysis also indicates that SMG causes inhibition of an apoptosis suppressor, pNF-κB-p65, which is complemented by the predominant localization of NF-κB-p65 in the cytoplasm. SMG also reduces expression of molecules regulating the NF-κB pathway including Uev1A, TICAM, TRAF2, and TRAF6. Interestingly, 10 DNA repair genes are down-regulated in cells exposed to SMG, among which down-regulation of Parp, Ercc8, Rad23, Rad51, and Ku70 was confirmed by Western blotting analysis. In addition, we demonstrate a significant inhibition of molecules involved in the DNA-damage response, such as p53, PCNA, ATM/ATR, and Chk1/2. Taken together, our work reveals that SMG promotes the apoptotic response through a combined modulation of the Uev1A/TICAM/TRAF/NF-κB-regulated apoptosis and the p53/PCNA- and ATM/ATR-Chk1/2-controlled DNA-damage response pathways. Thus, our investigation provides novel information, which may help us to determine the cause of negative alterations in human physiology occurring at spaceflight environment. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2138-2148, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zhao
- Aerospace Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Aerospace Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | | | - Hong Ma
- Aerospace Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haijun Gao
- Aerospace Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- Aerospace Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jim Xiang
- Aerospace Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.,Cancer Research Cluster, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|