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Takahashi A, Yamanouchi S, Takeuchi K, Takahashi S, Tashiro M, Hidema J, Higashitani A, Adachi T, Zhang S, Guirguis FNL, Yoshida Y, Nagamatsu A, Hada M, Takeuchi K, Takahashi T, Sekitomi Y. Combined Environment Simulator for Low-Dose-Rate Radiation and Partial Gravity of Moon and Mars. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10110274. [PMID: 33172150 PMCID: PMC7694743 DOI: 10.3390/life10110274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep space exploration by humans has become more realistic, with planned returns to the Moon, travel to Mars, and beyond. Space radiation with a low dose rate would be a constant risk for space travelers. The combined effects of space radiation and partial gravity such as on the Moon and Mars are unknown. The difficulty for such research is that there are no good simulating systems on the ground to investigate these combined effects. To address this knowledge gap, we developed the Simulator of the environments on the Moon and Mars with Neutron irradiation and Gravity change (SwiNG) for in vitro experiments using disposable closed cell culture chambers. The device simulates partial gravity using a centrifuge in a three-dimensional clinostat. Six samples are exposed at once to neutrons at a low dose rate (1 mGy/day) using Californium-252 in the center of the centrifuge. The system is compact including two SwiNG devices in the incubator, one with and one without radiation source, with a cooling function. This simulator is highly convenient for ground-based biological experiments because of limited access to spaceflight experiments. SwiNG can contribute significantly to research on the combined effects of space radiation and partial gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-27-220-7917
| | - Sakuya Yamanouchi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Kazuomi Takeuchi
- Matsuo Industries, Inc., 27-1, Ida, Kitasaki-machi, Obu, Aichi 474-0001, Japan; (K.T.); (S.T.); (K.T.); (T.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Shogo Takahashi
- Matsuo Industries, Inc., 27-1, Ida, Kitasaki-machi, Obu, Aichi 474-0001, Japan; (K.T.); (S.T.); (K.T.); (T.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Mutsumi Tashiro
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Jun Hidema
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of the Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
| | - Atsushi Higashitani
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
| | - Takuya Adachi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Shenke Zhang
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Fady Nagy Lotfy Guirguis
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (M.T.); (T.A.); (S.Z.); (F.N.L.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Aiko Nagamatsu
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba Space Center, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan;
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA;
| | - Kunihito Takeuchi
- Matsuo Industries, Inc., 27-1, Ida, Kitasaki-machi, Obu, Aichi 474-0001, Japan; (K.T.); (S.T.); (K.T.); (T.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Tohru Takahashi
- Matsuo Industries, Inc., 27-1, Ida, Kitasaki-machi, Obu, Aichi 474-0001, Japan; (K.T.); (S.T.); (K.T.); (T.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuji Sekitomi
- Matsuo Industries, Inc., 27-1, Ida, Kitasaki-machi, Obu, Aichi 474-0001, Japan; (K.T.); (S.T.); (K.T.); (T.T.); (Y.S.)
- Material Solutions Center, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
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Furukawa S, Nagamatsu A, Nenoi M, Fujimori A, Kakinuma S, Katsube T, Wang B, Tsuruoka C, Shirai T, Nakamura AJ, Sakaue-Sawano A, Miyawaki A, Harada H, Kobayashi M, Kobayashi J, Kunieda T, Funayama T, Suzuki M, Miyamoto T, Hidema J, Yoshida Y, Takahashi A. Space Radiation Biology for "Living in Space". BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4703286. [PMID: 32337251 PMCID: PMC7168699 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4703286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Space travel has advanced significantly over the last six decades with astronauts spending up to 6 months at the International Space Station. Nonetheless, the living environment while in outer space is extremely challenging to astronauts. In particular, exposure to space radiation represents a serious potential long-term threat to the health of astronauts because the amount of radiation exposure accumulates during their time in space. Therefore, health risks associated with exposure to space radiation are an important topic in space travel, and characterizing space radiation in detail is essential for improving the safety of space missions. In the first part of this review, we provide an overview of the space radiation environment and briefly present current and future endeavors that monitor different space radiation environments. We then present research evaluating adverse biological effects caused by exposure to various space radiation environments and how these can be reduced. We especially consider the deleterious effects on cellular DNA and how cells activate DNA repair mechanisms. The latest technologies being developed, e.g., a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator, to measure real-time cell cycle progression and DNA damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation are presented. Progress in examining the combined effects of microgravity and radiation to animals and plants are summarized, and our current understanding of the relationship between psychological stress and radiation is presented. Finally, we provide details about protective agents and the study of organisms that are highly resistant to radiation and how their biological mechanisms may aid developing novel technologies that alleviate biological damage caused by radiation. Future research that furthers our understanding of the effects of space radiation on human health will facilitate risk-mitigating strategies to enable long-term space and planetary exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Furukawa
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Aiko Nagamatsu
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Nenoi
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Akira Fujimori
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shizuko Kakinuma
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Takanori Katsube
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Bing Wang
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Chizuru Tsuruoka
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shirai
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Asako J. Nakamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Asako Sakaue-Sawano
- Lab for Cell Function and Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Lab for Cell Function and Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harada
- Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Kobayashi
- Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Junya Kobayashi
- Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kunieda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoo Funayama
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, QST, 1233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1292, Japan
| | - Michiyo Suzuki
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, QST, 1233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1292, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamoto
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Kasumi 1-2-3, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Jun Hidema
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of the Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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Takahashi A, Suzuki H, Omori K, Seki M, Hashizume T, Shimazu T, Ishioka N, Ohnishi T. Expression of p53-regulated proteins in human cultured lymphoblastoid TSCE5 and WTK1 cell lines during spaceflight. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2012; 53:168-175. [PMID: 22374402 DOI: 10.1269/jrr.11140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the biological effects of space radiations, microgravity, and the interaction of them on the expression of p53-regulated proteins. Space experiments were performed with two human cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines: one line (TSCE5) bears a wild-type p53 gene status, and another line (WTK1) bears a mutated p53 gene status. Under 1 gravity or microgravity conditions, the cells were grown in the cell biology experimental facility (CBEF) of the International Space Station for 8 days without experiencing the stress during launching and landing because the cells were frozen during these periods. Ground control samples were simultaneously cultured for 8 days in the CBEF on the ground for 8 days. After spaceflight, protein expression was analyzed using a Panorama(TM) Ab MicroArray protein chips. It was found that p53-dependent up-regulated proteins in response to space radiations and space environment were MeCP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2), and Notch1 (Notch homolog 1), respectively. On the other hand, p53-dependent down-regulated proteins were TGF-β, TWEAKR (tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis receptor), phosho-Pyk2 (Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2), and 14-3-3θ/τ which were affected by microgravity, and DR4 (death receptor 4), PRMT1 (protein arginine methyltransferase 1) and ROCK-2 (Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2) in response to space radiations. ROCK-2 was also suppressed in response to the space environment. The data provides the p53-dependent regulated proteins by exposure to space radiations and/or microgravity during spaceflight. Our expression data revealed proteins that might help to advance the basic space radiation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Takahashi
- Advanced Scientific Research Leaders Development Unit, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
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Takahashi A, Suzuki H, Omori K, Seki M, Hashizume T, Shimazu T, Ishioka N, Ohnishi T. The expression of p53-regulated genes in human cultured lymphoblastoid TSCE5 and WTK1 cell lines during spaceflight. Int J Radiat Biol 2010; 86:669-81. [PMID: 20673130 DOI: 10.3109/09553001003789596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The space environment contains two major biologically significant influences; space radiations and microgravity. The 53 kDa tumour suppressor protein (p53) plays a role as a guardian of the genome through the activity of p53-centered signal transduction pathways. The aim of this study was to clarify the biological effects of space radiations, microgravity, and the space environment on the gene expression of p53-regulated genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Space experiments were performed with two human cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines; one line (TSCE5) bears a wild-type p53 gene status, and another line (WTK1) bears a mutated p53 gene status. Under one gravity or microgravity conditions, the cells were grown in the cell biology experimental facility (CBEF) of the International Space Station for 8 days without experiencing stress during launching and landing because the cells were frozen during these periods. Ground control samples also were cultured for 8 days in the CBEF on the ground during the spaceflight. Gene expression was analysed using an Agilent Technologies 44 k whole human genome microarray DNA chip. RESULTS p53-dependent up-regulated gene expression was observed for 111, 95, and 328 genes and p53-dependent down-regulated gene expression was found for 177, 16, and 282 genes after exposure to space radiations, to microgravity, and to both, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The data provide the p53-dependent regulated genes by exposure to radiations and/or microgravity during spaceflight. Our expression data revealed genes that might help to advance the basic space radiation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Takahashi
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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Takahashi A, Nagamatsu A, Su X, Suzuki M, Tsuruoka C, Omori K, Suzuki H, Shimazu T, Seki M, Hashizume T, Iwasaki T, Ishioka N, Ohnishi T. The First Life Science Experiments in ISS: Reports of "Rad Gene"-Space Radiation Effects on Human Cultured Cells-. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.2187/bss.24.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ohnishi T, Takahashi A, Nagamatsu A, Omori K, Suzuki H, Shimazu T, Ishioka N. Detection of space radiation-induced double strand breaks as a track in cell nucleus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 390:485-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.09.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ohnishi T, Takahashi A, Suzuki H, Omori K, Shimazu T, Ishioka N. Expression of p53-Regulated Genes in Cultured Mammalian Cells After Exposure to A Space Environment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.2187/bss.23.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ohnishi K, Ohnishi T. The Biological Effects of Space Radiation during Long Stays in Space. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 18:201-5. [PMID: 15858386 DOI: 10.2187/bss.18.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many space experiments are scheduled for the International Space Station (ISS). Completion of the ISS will soon become a reality. Astronauts will be exposed to low-level background components from space radiation including heavy ions and other high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. For long-term stay in space, we have to protect human health from space radiation. At the same time, we should recognize the maximum permissible doses of space radiation. In recent years, physical monitoring of space radiation has detected about 1 mSv per day. This value is almost 150 times higher than that on the surface of the Earth. However, the direct effects of space radiation on human health are currently unknown. Therefore, it is important to measure biological dosimetry to calculate relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for human health during long-term flight. The RBE is possibly modified by microgravity. In order to understand the exact RBE and any interaction with microgravity, the ISS centrifugation system will be a critical tool, and it is hoped that this system will be in operation as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ohnishi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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Ohnishi T, Takahashi A, Ohnishi K. Studies about space radiation promote new fields in radiation biology. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2002; 43 Suppl:S7-S12. [PMID: 12793723 DOI: 10.1269/jrr.43.s7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Astronauts are constantly exposed to space radiation of various types of energy with a low dose-rate during long-term stays in space. Therefore, it is important to determine correctly the biological effects of space radiation on human health. Studies about biological the effects at a low dose and a low dose-rate include various aspects of microbeams, bystander effects, radioadaptive responses and hormesis which are important fields in radiation biology. In addition, space radiations contain high linear energy transfer (LET) particles. In particular, neutrons may cause reverse effectiveness at a low dose-rate in comparison to ionizing radiation. We are also interested in p53-centered signal transduction pathways involved in the cell cycle, DNA repair and apoptosis induced by space radiations. We must also study whether the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of space radiation is affected by microgravity which is another typical component in space. To confirm this, we must prepare centrifuge systems in an International Space Station (ISS). In addition, we must prepare many types of equipment for space experiments in an ISS, because we cannot use conventional equipment from our laboratories. Furthermore, the research for space radiation might give us valuable information about the birth and evolution of life on the Earth. We can also realize the importance of preventing the ozone layer from depletion by the use of exposure equipment to sunlight in an ISS. For these reasons, we desire to educate space researchers of the next generation based on the consideration of the preservation of the Earth from research about space radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Ohnishi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan.
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Takahashi A, Ohnishi K, Yokota A, Kumagai T, Nakano T, Ohnishi T. Mutation frequency of plasmid DNA and Escherichia coli following long-term space flight on Mir. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2002; 43 Suppl:S137-S140. [PMID: 12793747 DOI: 10.1269/jrr.43.s137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the biological influence of space radiation, we studied the effects of long-term space flight on mutation of the bacterial ribosomal protein L gene (rpsL). We prepared dried samples of plasmid DNA and repair-deficient and wild type cells of Escherichia (E.) coli. After a 40-day space flight on board the Russian space station Mir, the mutation frequencies of the rpsL gene were estimated by transformation of E. coli and by assessment of conversion of rpsL wild type phenotype (SmS) to its mutant phenotype (SmR). The experimental findings indicate that mutation frequencies of space samples were not significantly different from those of ground control samples in plasmid DNA and both E. coli strains. It may suggest that space radiation did not influence mutation frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
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Takahashi A, Ohnishi K, Takahashi S, Masukawa M, Sekikawa K, Amano T, Nakano T, Nagaoka S, Ohnishi T. The effects of microgravity on induced mutation in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 2001; 28:555-561. [PMID: 11799988 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(01)00391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We examined whether microgravity influences the induced-mutation frequencies through in vivo experiments during space flight aboard the space shuttle Discovery (STS-91). We prepared dried samples of repair-deficient strains and parental strains of Escherichia (E.) coli and Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae given DNA damage treatment. After culture in space, we measured the induced-mutation frequencies and SOS-responses under microgravity. The experimental findings indicate that almost the same induced-mutation frequencies and SOS-responses of space samples were observed in both strains compared with the ground control samples. It is suggested that microgravity might not influence induced-mutation frequencies and SOS-responses at the stages of DNA replication and/or DNA repair. In addition, we developed a new experimental apparatus for space experiments to culture and freeze stocks of E. coli and S. cerevisiae cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
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Takahashi A, Ohnishi K, Takahashi S, Masukawa M, Sekikawa K, Amano T, Nakano T, Nagaoka S, Ohnishi T. Differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum vegetative cells into spores during Earth orbit in space. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 2001; 28:549-553. [PMID: 11799987 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(01)00388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We reported previously that emerged amoebae of Dictyostelium (D.) discoideum grew, aggregated and differentiated to fruiting bodies with normal morphology in space. Here, we investigated the effects of space radiation and/or microgravity on the number, viability, kinetics of germination, growth rate and mutation frequency of spores formed in space in a radiation-sensitive strain, gamma s13, and the parental strain, NC4. In gamma s13, there were hardly spores in the fruiting bodies formed in space. In NC4, we found a decrease in the number of spores, a delay in germination of the spores and delayed start of cell growth of the spores formed in space when compared to the ground control. However, the mutation frequency of the NC4 spores formed in space was similar to that of the ground control. We conclude that the depression of spore formation might be induced by microgravity and/or space radiation through the depression of some stage(s) of DNA repair during cell differentiation in the slime mold.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
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Ohnishi T, Takahashi A, Ohnishi K, Takahashi S, Masukawa M, Sekikawa K, Amano T, Nakano T, Nagaoka S. Alkylating agent (MNU)-induced mutation in space environment. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 2001; 28:563-568. [PMID: 11799989 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(01)00392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, some contradictory data about the effects of microgravity on radiation-induced biological responses in space experiments have been reported. We prepared a damaged template DNA produced with an alkylating agent (N-methyl-N-nitroso urea; MNU) to measure incorrect base-incorporation during DNA replication in microgravity. We examined whether mutation frequency is affected by microgravity during DNA replication for a DNA template damaged by an alkylating agent. Using an in vitro enzymatic reaction system, DNA synthesis by Taq polymerase or polymerase III was done during a US space shuttle mission (Discovery, STS-91). After the flight, DNA replication and mutation frequencies were measured. We found that there was almost no effect of microgravity on DNA replication and mutation frequency. It is suggested that microgravity might not affect at the stage of substrate incorporation in induced-mutation frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ohnishi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan.
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Fukuda T, Fukuda K, Takahashi A, Ohnishi T, Nakano T, Sato M, Gunge N. Analysis of deletion mutations of the rpsL gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae detected after long-term flight on the Russian space station Mir. Mutat Res 2000; 470:125-32. [PMID: 11027966 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(00)00054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on board the Russian space station Mir, we studied the effects of long-term space flight on mutation of the bacterial ribosomal protein L gene (rpsL) cloned in a yeast-Escherichia coli shuttle vector. The mutation frequencies of the cloned rpsL gene on the Mir and the ground (control) yeast samples were estimated by transformation of E. coli with the plasmid DNAs recovered from yeast and by assessment of the conversion of the rpsL wild-type phenotype (Sm(S)) to its mutant phenotype (Sm(R)). After a 40-day space flight, some part of space samples gave mutation frequencies two to three times higher than those of the ground samples. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed no apparent difference in point mutation rates between the space and the ground mutant samples. However, the greater part of the Mir mutant samples were found to have a total or large deletion in the rpsL sequence, suggesting that space radiation containing high-linear energy transfer (LET) might have caused deletion-type mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fukuda
- Kumamoto Institute of Technology, Ikeda 4-22-1, 860-0082, Kumamoto, Japan
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15
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Ohnishi T, Takahashi A, Ohnishi K, Matsumoto H. DNA damage formation and p53 accumulation in mammalian cells exposed to the space environment. UCHU SEIBUTSU KAGAKU 1999; 13:82-7. [PMID: 11542495 DOI: 10.2187/bss.13.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To determine the effects of the space environment on gene instability from the point of view of human health for long-term stays in space, we have studied the formation of DNA strand breaks and the induction of gene expression in mammalian cells. We previously measured DNA damage in human cultured cells and the accumulation of a tumor suppressor gene product, p53, in muscle and skin of rats after space flight, and the relative importance of microgravity and space radiation in causing these effects remains to be clarified. Our results suggest that the p53 pathway may play a role in safeguarding genomic stability against the stressful space environment. We review here the present knowledge on cellular stress signaling and present our space experimental data. The importance of the stress response to the space environment is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ohnishi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, Japan.
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16
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Harada K, Nagaoka S, Mohri M, Ohnishi T, Sugahara T. Lethality of high linear energy transfer cosmic radiation to Escherichia coli DNA repair-deficient mutants during the 'SL-J/FMPT' space experiment. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1998; 164:39-45. [PMID: 9675849 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1998.tb13065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the lethal and mutagenic effects of high linear energy transfer cosmic radiation on 11 strains of Escherichia coli, including DNA repair-deficient mutants, using the Radiation Monitoring Container and Dosimeter in the space shuttle 'Endeavour' as part of the 'SL-J/FMPT' space experiment, the 'Fuwatto '92' project. After the return to earth of the shuttle, we evaluated survival and mutations of samples in space and matched controls. The surviving fractions were determined by means of colony count on broth agar plates, and the mutation frequencies were estimated by appearance of arg' revertants on minimal agar plates. The average of the total equivalent dose rate during this space flight was 0.202 mSv/day as measured by the plastic radiation detectors and the thermoluminescent dosimeters in the Radiation Monitoring Container and Dosimeter. The combined action of DNA polymerase and 3'-->5' exonuclease activities was found to make the greatest contribution to the repair of cosmic radiation-induced DNA damage, 5'-->3' exonuclease and recombination repair enzyme activities made a moderate contribution, whereas UV endonuclease activity was not involved in this DNA repair process.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Harada
- Health Research Foundation, Kyoto, Japan.
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