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Smith MB, Chen H, Oliver BGG. The Lungs in Space: A Review of Current Knowledge and Methodologies. Cells 2024; 13:1154. [PMID: 38995005 PMCID: PMC11240436 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131154] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Space travel presents multiple risks to astronauts such as launch, radiation, spacewalks or extravehicular activities, and microgravity. The lungs are composed of a combination of air, blood, and tissue, making it a complex organ system with interactions between the external and internal environment. Gravity strongly influences the structure of the lung which results in heterogeneity of ventilation and perfusion that becomes uniform in microgravity as shown during parabolic flights, Spacelab, and Skylab experiments. While changes in lung volumes occur in microgravity, efficient gas exchange remains and the lungs perform as they would on Earth; however, little is known about the cellular response to microgravity. In addition to spaceflight and real microgravity, devices, such as clinostats and random positioning machines, are used to simulate microgravity to study cellular responses on the ground. Differential expression of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix molecules has been found in real and simulated microgravity. Immune dysregulation is a known consequence of space travel that includes changes in immune cell morphology, function, and number, which increases susceptibility to infections. However, the majority of in vitro studies do not have a specific respiratory focus. These studies are needed to fully understand the impact of microgravity on the function of the respiratory system in different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela B Smith
- Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
- School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Brian G G Oliver
- Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
- School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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2
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Zhou M, Riva A, Gauthier MPL, Kladde MP, Ferl RJ, Paul AL. Single-molecule long-read methylation profiling reveals regional DNA methylation regulated by Elongator Complex Subunit 2 in Arabidopsis roots experiencing spaceflight. Biol Direct 2024; 19:33. [PMID: 38689301 PMCID: PMC11059628 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00476-z] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Advanced Plant Experiment-04 - Epigenetic Expression (APEX-04-EpEx) experiment onboard the International Space Station examined the spaceflight-altered cytosine methylation in two genetic lines of Arabidopsis thaliana, wild-type Col-0 and the mutant elp2-5, which is deficient in an epigenetic regulator Elongator Complex Subunit 2 (ELP2). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) revealed distinct spaceflight associated methylation differences, presenting the need to explore specific space-altered methylation at single-molecule resolution to associate specific changes over large regions of spaceflight related genes. To date, tools of multiplexed targeted DNA methylation sequencing remain limited for plant genomes. RESULTS To provide methylation data at single-molecule resolution, Flap-enabled next-generation capture (FENGC), a novel targeted multiplexed DNA capture and enrichment technique allowing cleavage at any specified sites, was applied to survey spaceflight-altered DNA methylation in genic regions of interest. The FENGC capture panel contained 108 targets ranging from 509 to 704 nt within the promoter or gene body regions of gene targets derived from spaceflight whole-genome data sets. In addition to genes with significant changes in expression and average methylation levels between spaceflight and ground control, targets with space-altered distributions of the proportion of methylated cytosines per molecule were identified. Moreover, trends of co-methylation of different cytosine contexts were exhibited in the same DNA molecules. We further identified significant DNA methylation changes in three previously biological process-unknown genes, and loss-of-function mutants of two of these genes (named as EMO1 and EMO2 for ELP2-regulated Methylation in Orbit 1 and 2) showed enhanced root growth rate. CONCLUSIONS FENGC simplifies and reduces the cost of multiplexed, targeted, single-molecule profiling of methylation in plants, providing additional resolution along each DNA molecule that is not seen in population-based short-read data such as WGBS. This case study has revealed spaceflight-altered regional modification of cytosine methylation occurring within single DNA molecules of cell subpopulations, which were not identified by WGBS. The single-molecule survey by FENGC can lead to identification of novel functional genes. The newly identified EMO1 and EMO2 are root growth regulators which may be epigenetically involved in plant adaptation to spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Zhou
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Road, Fifield Hall, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alberto Riva
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marie-Pierre L Gauthier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Rd, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael P Kladde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Rd, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert J Ferl
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Road, Fifield Hall, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Research, University of Florida, 1523 Union Rd, Grinter Hall, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Anna-Lisa Paul
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Road, Fifield Hall, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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3
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Adamopoulos KI, Sanders LM, Costes SV. NASA GeneLab derived microarray studies of Mus musculus and Homo sapiens organisms in altered gravitational conditions. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:49. [PMID: 38671027 PMCID: PMC11053165 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00392-6] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges of humanity for deep space exploration is to fully understand how altered gravitational conditions affect human physiology. It is evident that the spaceflight environment causes multiple alterations to musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems, to name a few known effects. To better characterize these biological effects, we compare gene expression datasets from microarray studies found in NASA GeneLab, part of the NASA Open Science Data Repository. In this review, we summarize these archived results for various tissues, emphasizing key genes which are highly reproducible in different mice or human experiments. Such exhaustive mining shows the potential of NASA Open Science data to identify and validate mechanisms taking place when mammalian organisms are exposed to microgravity or other spaceflight conditions. Our comparative meta-analysis findings highlight certain degrees of overlap and reproducibility in genes identified as differentially expressed within musculoskeletal tissues in each species across a variety of altered gravity conditions. However, the level of overlap between species was found to be significantly limited, partly attributed to the limited availability of human samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos I Adamopoulos
- National Technical University of Athens, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Zografou, Athens, Greece
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Lauren M Sanders
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- NASA Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- NASA Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA.
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4
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Yemets A, Shadrina R, Blume R, Plokhovska S, Blume Y. Autophagy formation, microtubule disorientation, and alteration of ATG8 and tubulin gene expression under simulated microgravity in Arabidopsis thaliana. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:31. [PMID: 38499552 PMCID: PMC10948825 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00381-9] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays an important role in plant growth and development, pathogen invasion and modulates plant response and adaptation to various abiotic stress stimuli. The biogenesis and trafficking of autophagosomes involve microtubules (MTs) as important actors in the autophagic process. However, initiation of autophagy in plants under microgravity has not been previously studied. Here we demonstrate how simulated microgravity induces autophagy development involving microtubular reorganization during period of autophagosome formation. It was shown that induction of autophagy with maximal autophagosome formation in root cells of Arabidopsis thaliana is observed after 6 days of clinostating, along with MT disorganization, which leads to visible changes in root morphology. Gradual decrease of autophagosome number was indicated on 9th and 12th days of the experiment as well as no significant re-orientation of MTs were identified. Respectively, analysis of α- and β-tubulins and ATG8 gene expression was carried out. In particular, the most pronounced increase of expression on both 6th and 9th days in response to simulated microgravity was detected for non-paralogous AtATG8b, AtATG8f, AtATG8i, and AtTUA2, AtTUA3 genes, as well as for the pair of β-tubulin duplicates, namely AtTUB2 and AtTUB3. Overall, the main autophagic response was observed after 6 and 9 days of exposure to simulated microgravity, followed by adaptive response after 12 days. These findings provide a key basis for further studies of cellular mechanisms of autophagy and involvement of cytoskeletal structures in autophagy biogenesis under microgravity, which would enable development of new approaches, aimed on enhancing plant adaptation to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Yemets
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho St., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine.
| | - Ruslana Shadrina
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho St., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Rostyslav Blume
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho St., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine.
| | - Svitlana Plokhovska
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho St., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Yaroslav Blume
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho St., 2a, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine.
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5
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Pourhabibian S, Iranbakhsh A, Ebadi M, Hassanpour H, Hekmat A. Alteration in the callogenesis, tropane alkaloid formation, and gene expression in Hyoscyamus niger under clinorotation. PROTOPLASMA 2024; 261:293-302. [PMID: 37814140 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-023-01894-y] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of clinorotation induced by 2-D clinostat on the growth, tropane alkaloid production, gene expression, antioxidant capacity, and cellular defense responses in the callus tissue of Hyoscyamus niger. Callus induction was conducted by putting hypocotyl explants in the MS culture medium supplemented with 1 mgL-1 2,4-D and 1 mgL-1 BAP growth regulators. The sub-cultured calli were placed on a clinostat for 0, 3, 7, and 10 days (2.24 × 10-5 g on the edge of the callus ring). Clinorotation significantly increased callus fresh weight, dry weight, protein, carbohydrate, and proline contents compared to the control, and their maximum contents were obtained after 7 and 10 days. H2O2 level enhanced under clinorotation with a 76.3% rise after 10 days compared to control and positively affected the atropine (77.1%) and scopolamine (69.2%) productions. Hyoscyamine 6-beta hydroxylase and putrescine N-methyltransferase gene expression involved in the tropane alkaloid biosynthesis were upregulated markedly with 14.2 and 17.1-folds increase after 10 days of clinorotation, respectively. The expressions of jasmonic acid, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and ethylene-responsive element-binding transcription factor were upregulated, and the activity of peroxidase and catalase showed a 72.7 and 80% rise after 10 days. These findings suggest that microgravity can enhance callogenesis by stimulating the ROS level, which can impact the antioxidant enzymes, tropane alkaloid formation, and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pourhabibian
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Iranbakhsh
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Ebadi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Halimeh Hassanpour
- Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, 14665-834, Iran
| | - Azadeh Hekmat
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Totsline N, Kniel KE, Sabagyanam C, Bais HP. Simulated microgravity facilitates stomatal ingression by Salmonella in lettuce and suppresses a biocontrol agent. Sci Rep 2024; 14:898. [PMID: 38195662 PMCID: PMC10776768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51573-y] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
As human spaceflight increases in duration, cultivation of crops in spaceflight is crucial to protecting human health under microgravity and elevated oxidative stress. Foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella enterica) carried by leafy green vegetables are a significant cause of human disease. Our previous work showed that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium suppresses defensive closure of foliar stomata in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to ingress interior tissues of leaves. While there are no reported occurrences of foodborne disease in spaceflight to date, known foodborne pathogens persist aboard the International Space Station and space-grown lettuce has been colonized by a diverse microbiome including bacterial genera known to contain human pathogens. Interactions between leafy green vegetables and human bacterial pathogens under microgravity conditions present in spaceflight are unknown. Additionally, stomatal dynamics under microgravity conditions need further elucidation. Here, we employ a slow-rotating 2-D clinostat to simulate microgravity upon in-vitro lettuce plants following a foliar inoculation with S. enterica Typhimurium and use confocal microscopy to measure stomatal width in fixed leaf tissue. Our results reveal significant differences in average stomatal aperture width between an unrotated vertical control, plants rotated at 2 revolutions per minute (2 RPM), and 4 RPM, with and without the presence of S. typhimurium. Interestingly, we found stomatal aperture width in the presence of S. typhimurium to be increased under rotation as compared to unrotated inoculated plants. Using confocal Z-stacking, we observed greater average depth of stomatal ingression by S. typhimurium in lettuce under rotation at 4 RPM compared to unrotated and inoculated plants, along with greater in planta populations of S. typhimurium in lettuce rotated at 4 RPM using serial dilution plating of homogenized surface sterilized leaves. Given these findings, we tested the ability of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis strain UD1022 to transiently restrict stomatal apertures of lettuce both alone and co-inoculated with S. typhimurium under rotated and unrotated conditions as a means of potentially reducing stomatal ingression by S. typhimurium under simulated microgravity. Surprisingly, rotation at 4 RPM strongly inhibited the ability of UD1022 alone to restrict stomatal apertures and attenuated its efficacy as a biocontrol following co-inoculation with S. typhimurium. Our results highlight potential spaceflight food safety issues unique to production of crops in microgravity conditions and suggest microgravity may dramatically reduce the ability of PGPRs to restrict stomatal apertures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Totsline
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 311 AP Biopharma, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
| | - Kalmia E Kniel
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA
| | - Chandran Sabagyanam
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 311 AP Biopharma, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE, 19713, USA
| | - Harsh P Bais
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 311 AP Biopharma, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
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7
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Barcenilla BB, Meyers AD, Castillo-González C, Young P, Min JH, Song J, Phadke C, Land E, Canaday E, Perera IY, Bailey SM, Aquilano R, Wyatt SE, Shippen DE. Arabidopsis telomerase takes off by uncoupling enzyme activity from telomere length maintenance in space. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7854. [PMID: 38030615 PMCID: PMC10686995 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41510-4] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-induced changes in astronaut telomeres have garnered significant attention in recent years. While plants represent an essential component of future long-duration space travel, the impacts of spaceflight on plant telomeres and telomerase have not been examined. Here we report on the telomere dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana grown aboard the International Space Station. We observe no changes in telomere length in space-flown Arabidopsis seedlings, despite a dramatic increase in telomerase activity (up to 150-fold in roots), as well as elevated genome oxidation. Ground-based follow up studies provide further evidence that telomerase is induced by different environmental stressors, but its activity is uncoupled from telomere length. Supporting this conclusion, genetically engineered super-telomerase lines with enhanced telomerase activity maintain wildtype telomere length. Finally, genome oxidation is inversely correlated with telomerase activity levels. We propose a redox protective capacity for Arabidopsis telomerase that may promote survivability in harsh environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Barbero Barcenilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Alexander D Meyers
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- NASA Postdoctoral Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Kennedy Space Center FL, Merritt Island, FL, 32899, USA
| | - Claudia Castillo-González
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Pierce Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ji-Hee Min
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jiarui Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Chinmay Phadke
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Eric Land
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Emma Canaday
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Imara Y Perera
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Roberto Aquilano
- National Technological University, Rosario Regional Faculty, Zeballos 1341, S2000, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Sarah E Wyatt
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
| | - Dorothy E Shippen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Akita K, Miyazawa Y. Auxin biosynthesis, transport, and response directly attenuate hydrotropism in the latter stages to fine-tune root growth direction in Arabidopsis. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2023; 175:e14051. [PMID: 37882259 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Roots detect water potential gradients in the soil and orient toward moister areas, a response known as hydrotropism that aids drought avoidance. Although auxin is crucial in tropism, its polar transport is not essential for hydrotropism in Arabidopsis. Moreover, antiauxin treatments in Arabidopsis produced inconsistent outcomes: some studies indicated auxin action was necessary while others did not. In this study, we examined auxin's physiological role in hydrotropism. We found that inhibiting auxin biosynthesis or transport intensified hydrotropic bending not only in wild-type, but also in hydrotropism defective mutants, namely miz1-1 and miz2 plants. Given that miz1-1 and miz2 exhibited compromised hydrotropism even under clinorotated conditions, we infer that auxin biosynthesis and transport directly suppress hydrotropism. Additionally, tir1-10, afb1-3, and afb2-3 displayed augmented hydrotropism. We observed a significant delay in hydrotropic bending in arf7-1arf19-1, suggesting that ARF7 and ARF19 amplify hydrotropism in its early stages. To discern the functional ties of ARF7/19 with MIZ1 and MIZ2, we studied the hydrotropic phenotypes of arf7-1arf19-1miz1-1 and arf7-1arf19-1miz2. Both triple mutants had diminished early-stage hydrotropism yet showed partial but significant recovery in the later stages. Given MIZ1's role in reducing auxin levels and MIZ2's essentiality for MIZ1 functionality, we conclude that auxin inhibits hydrotropism downstream of MIZ1 in later stages to refine root bending. Furthermore, it is posited that gene expression driven by ARF7 and ARF19 is pivotal for early-stage root hydrotropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Akita
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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Van Ombergen A, Chalupa-Gantner F, Chansoria P, Colosimo BM, Costantini M, Domingos M, Dufour A, De Maria C, Groll J, Jungst T, Levato R, Malda J, Margarita A, Marquette C, Ovsianikov A, Petiot E, Read S, Surdo L, Swieszkowski W, Vozzi G, Windisch J, Zenobi-Wong M, Gelinsky M. 3D Bioprinting in Microgravity: Opportunities, Challenges, and Possible Applications in Space. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300443. [PMID: 37353904 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
3D bioprinting has developed tremendously in the last couple of years and enables the fabrication of simple, as well as complex, tissue models. The international space agencies have recognized the unique opportunities of these technologies for manufacturing cell and tissue models for basic research in space, in particular for investigating the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on different types of human tissues. In addition, bioprinting is capable of producing clinically applicable tissue grafts, and its implementation in space therefore can support the autonomous medical treatment options for astronauts in future long term and far-distant space missions. The article discusses opportunities but also challenges of operating different types of bioprinters under space conditions, mainly in microgravity. While some process steps, most of which involving the handling of liquids, are challenging under microgravity, this environment can help overcome problems such as cell sedimentation in low viscous bioinks. Hopefully, this publication will motivate more researchers to engage in the topic, with publicly available bioprinting opportunities becoming available at the International Space Station (ISS) in the imminent future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Van Ombergen
- SciSpacE Team, Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (HRE), European Space Agency (ESA), Keplerlaan 1, Noordwijk, 2201AG, The Netherlands
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Chalupa-Gantner
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/E308, Vienna, 1060, Austria
| | - Parth Chansoria
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Bianca Maria Colosimo
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, Milano, 20156, Italy
| | - Marco Costantini
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, Warsaw, 01-224, Poland
| | - Marco Domingos
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexandre Dufour
- 3d.FAB - ICBMS, CNRS UMR 5246, University Claude Bernard-Lyon 1 and University of Lyon, 1 rue Victor Grignard, Villeurbanne, 69100, France
| | - Carmelo De Maria
- Department of Information Engineering (DII) and Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Jürgen Groll
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB) and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tomasz Jungst
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB) and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Malda
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Margarita
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, Milano, 20156, Italy
| | - Christophe Marquette
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- 3d.FAB - ICBMS, CNRS UMR 5246, University Claude Bernard-Lyon 1 and University of Lyon, 1 rue Victor Grignard, Villeurbanne, 69100, France
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/E308, Vienna, 1060, Austria
| | - Emma Petiot
- 3d.FAB - ICBMS, CNRS UMR 5246, University Claude Bernard-Lyon 1 and University of Lyon, 1 rue Victor Grignard, Villeurbanne, 69100, France
| | - Sophia Read
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Leonardo Surdo
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Space Applications Services NV/SA for the European Space Agency (ESA), Keplerlaan 1, Noordwijk, 2201AG, The Netherlands
| | - Wojciech Swieszkowski
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Biomaterials Group, Materials Design Division, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Woloska Str. 141, Warsaw, 02-507, Poland
| | - Giovanni Vozzi
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Information Engineering (DII) and Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Johannes Windisch
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- ESA Topical Team on "3D Bioprinting of living tissue for utilization in space exploration and extraterrestrial human settlements", 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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10
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Song C, Kang T, Gao K, Shi X, Zhang M, Zhao L, Zhou L, Guo J. Preparation for mice spaceflight: Indications for training C57BL/6J mice to adapt to microgravity effect with three-dimensional clinostat on the ground. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19355. [PMID: 37662714 PMCID: PMC10472007 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Like astronauts, animals need to undergo training and screening before entering space. At present, pre-launch training for mice mainly focuses on adaptation to habitat system. Training for the weightless environment of space in mice has not received much attention. Three-dimensional (3D) clinostat is a method to simulate the effects of microgravity on Earth. However, few studies have used a 3D clinostat apparatus to simulate the effects of microgravity on animal models. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the feasibility and effects of long-term treatment with three-dimensional clinostat in C57BL/6 J mice. Thirty 8-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to three groups: mice in individually ventilated cages (MC group, n = 6), mice in survival boxes (SB group, n = 12), and mice in survival boxes receiving 3D clinostat treatment (CS group, n = 12). The mice showed good tolerance after 12 weeks of alternate day training. To evaluate the biological effects of simulated microgravity, the changes in serum metabolites were monitored using untargeted metabolomics, whereas bone loss was assessed using microcomputed tomography of the left femur. Compared with the metabolome of the SB group, the metabolome of the CS group showed significant differences during the first three weeks and the last three weeks. The KEGG pathways in the late stages were mainly related to the nervous system, indicating the influence of long-term microgravity on the central nervous system. Besides, a marked reduction in the trabecular number (P < 0.05) and an increasing trend of trabecular spacing (P < 0.1) were observed to occur in a time-dependent manner in the CS group compared with the SB group. These results showed that mice tolerated well in a 3D clinostat and may provide a new strategy in pre-launch training for mice and conducting relevant ground-based modeling experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Song
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taisheng Kang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lianlian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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11
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Cui Y, Liu W, Zhao S, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Microgravity Directed Tissue Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202768. [PMID: 36893386 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering aims to generate functional biological substitutes to repair, sustain, improve, or replace tissue function affected by disease. With the rapid development of space science, the application of simulated microgravity has become an active topic in the field of tissue engineering. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that microgravity offers excellent advantages for tissue engineering by modulating cellular morphology, metabolism, secretion, proliferation, and stem cell differentiation. To date, there have been many achievements in constructing bioartificial spheroids, organoids, or tissue analogs with or without scaffolds in vitro under simulated microgravity conditions. Herein, the current status, recent advances, challenges, and prospects of microgravity related to tissue engineering are reviewed. Current simulated-microgravity devices and cutting-edge advances of microgravity for biomaterials-dependent or biomaterials-independent tissue engineering to offer a reference for guiding further exploration of simulated microgravity strategies to produce engineered tissues are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cui
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Weiyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Shuaijing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
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12
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Nakashima J, Pattathil S, Avci U, Chin S, Alan Sparks J, Hahn MG, Gilroy S, Blancaflor EB. Glycome profiling and immunohistochemistry uncover changes in cell walls of Arabidopsis thaliana roots during spaceflight. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:68. [PMID: 37608048 PMCID: PMC10444889 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A large and diverse library of glycan-directed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was used to determine if plant cell walls are modified by low-gravity conditions encountered during spaceflight. This method called glycome profiling (glycomics) revealed global differences in non-cellulosic cell wall epitopes in Arabidopsis thaliana root extracts recovered from RNA purification columns between seedlings grown on the International Space Station-based Vegetable Production System and paired ground (1-g) controls. Immunohistochemistry on 11-day-old seedling primary root sections showed that ten of twenty-two mAbs that exhibited spaceflight-induced increases in binding through glycomics, labeled space-grown roots more intensely than those from the ground. The ten mAbs recognized xyloglucan, xylan, and arabinogalactan epitopes. Notably, three xylem-enriched unsubstituted xylan backbone epitopes were more intensely labeled in space-grown roots than in ground-grown roots, suggesting that the spaceflight environment accelerated root secondary cell wall formation. This study highlights the feasibility of glycomics for high-throughput evaluation of cell wall glycans using only root high alkaline extracts from RNA purification columns, and subsequent validation of these results by immunohistochemistry. This approach will benefit plant space biological studies because it extends the analyses possible from the limited amounts of samples returned from spaceflight and help uncover microgravity-induced tissue-specific changes in plant cell walls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Nakashima
- Analytical Instrumentation Facility, North Carolina State University, 2410 Campus Shore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Sivakumar Pattathil
- Mascoma LLC (Lallemand Inc.), 67 Etna Road, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA
- The University of Georgia, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Utku Avci
- The University of Georgia, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26160, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Sabrina Chin
- Department of Botany, 430 Lincoln Drive, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - J Alan Sparks
- Noble Research Institute LLC, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Michael G Hahn
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26160, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, 430 Lincoln Drive, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Elison B Blancaflor
- Utilization & Life Sciences Office, Exploration Research and Technology Programs, NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, 32899, USA.
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13
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De Micco V, Aronne G, Caplin N, Carnero-Diaz E, Herranz R, Horemans N, Legué V, Medina FJ, Pereda-Loth V, Schiefloe M, De Francesco S, Izzo LG, Le Disquet I, Kittang Jost AI. Perspectives for plant biology in space and analogue environments. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:67. [PMID: 37604914 PMCID: PMC10442387 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00315-x] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in plant space biology are required for the realization of human space exploration missions, where the re-supply of resources from Earth is not feasible. Until a few decades ago, space life science was focused on the impact of the space environment on the human body. More recently, the interest in plant space biology has increased because plants are key organisms in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for the regeneration of resources and fresh food production. Moreover, plants play an important role in psychological support for astronauts. The definition of cultivation requirements for the design, realization, and successful operation of BLSS must consider the effects of space factors on plants. Altered gravitational fields and radiation exposure are the main space factors inducing changes in gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation, signalling and physiological processes with possible consequences on tissue organization and organogenesis, thus on the whole plant functioning. Interestingly, the changes at the cellular and molecular levels do not always result in organismic or developmental changes. This apparent paradox is a current research challenge. In this paper, the main findings of gravity- and radiation-related research on higher plants are summarized, highlighting the knowledge gaps that are still necessary to fill. Existing experimental facilities to simulate the effect of space factors, as well as requirements for future facilities for possible experiments to achieve fundamental biology goals are considered. Finally, the need for making synergies among disciplines and for establishing global standard operating procedures for analyses and data collection in space experiments is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy.
| | - Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Nicol Caplin
- SciSpacE Team, Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute of Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, National Museum of Natural History, CNRS, EPHE, UA, 45, rue Buffon CP50, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies (BIS), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Valérie Legué
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mona Schiefloe
- NTNU Social Research, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS) Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7049, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sara De Francesco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Isabel Le Disquet
- Institute of Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, National Museum of Natural History, CNRS, EPHE, UA, 45, rue Buffon CP50, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ann- Iren Kittang Jost
- NTNU Social Research, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS) Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7049, Trondheim, Norway
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14
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Licata JP, Schwab KH, Har-El YE, Gerstenhaber JA, Lelkes PI. Bioreactor Technologies for Enhanced Organoid Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11427. [PMID: 37511186 PMCID: PMC10380004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An organoid is a 3D organization of cells that can recapitulate some of the structure and function of native tissue. Recent work has seen organoids gain prominence as a valuable model for studying tissue development, drug discovery, and potential clinical applications. The requirements for the successful culture of organoids in vitro differ significantly from those of traditional monolayer cell cultures. The generation and maturation of high-fidelity organoids entails developing and optimizing environmental conditions to provide the optimal cues for growth and 3D maturation, such as oxygenation, mechanical and fluidic activation, nutrition gradients, etc. To this end, we discuss the four main categories of bioreactors used for organoid culture: stirred bioreactors (SBR), microfluidic bioreactors (MFB), rotating wall vessels (RWV), and electrically stimulating (ES) bioreactors. We aim to lay out the state-of-the-art of both commercial and in-house developed bioreactor systems, their benefits to the culture of organoids derived from various cells and tissues, and the limitations of bioreactor technology, including sterilization, accessibility, and suitability and ease of use for long-term culture. Finally, we discuss future directions for improvements to existing bioreactor technology and how they may be used to enhance organoid culture for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Licata
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kyle H Schwab
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yah-El Har-El
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jonathan A Gerstenhaber
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Peter I Lelkes
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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15
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Mansour J, Berwanger C, Jung M, Eichinger L, Fabry B, Clemen CS. Clinorotation inhibits myotube formation by fluid motion, not by simulated microgravity. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151330. [PMID: 37290222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151330] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
To study processes related to weightlessness in ground-based cell biological research, a theoretically assumed microgravity environment is typically simulated using a clinostat - a small laboratory device that rotates cell culture vessels with the aim of averaging out the vector of gravitational forces. Here, we report that the rotational movement during fast clinorotation induces complex fluid motions in the cell culture vessel, which can trigger unintended cellular responses. Specifically, we demonstrate that suppression of myotube formation by 2D-clinorotation at 60 rpm is not an effect of the assumed microgravity but instead is a consequence of fluid motion. Therefore, cell biological results from fast clinorotation cannot be attributed to microgravity unless alternative explanations have been rigorously tested and ruled out. We consider two control experiments mandatory, i) a static, non-rotating control, and ii) a control for fluid motion. These control experiments are also highly recommended for other rotation speed settings and experimental conditions. Finally, we discuss strategies to minimize fluid motion in clinorotation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Mansour
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolin Berwanger
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany; Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcel Jung
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ludwig Eichinger
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ben Fabry
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph S Clemen
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany; Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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16
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Murali A, Sarkar RR. Mechano-immunology in microgravity. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 37:50-64. [PMID: 37087179 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.03.001] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Life on Earth has evolved to thrive in the Earth's natural gravitational field; however, as space technology advances, we must revisit and investigate the effects of unnatural conditions on human health, such as gravitational change. Studies have shown that microgravity has a negative impact on various systemic parts of humans, with the effects being more severe in the human immune system. Increasing costs, limited experimental time, and sample handling issues hampered our understanding of this field. To address the existing knowledge gap and provide confidence in modelling the phenomena, in this review, we highlight experimental works in mechano-immunology under microgravity and different computational modelling approaches that can be used to address the existing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudh Murali
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development, CSIR - National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Ram Rup Sarkar
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development, CSIR - National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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17
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Chu WY, Tsia KK. EuniceScope: Low-Cost Imaging Platform for Studying Microgravity Cell Biology. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 4:204-211. [PMID: 38274779 PMCID: PMC10810312 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2023.3257991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microgravity is proven to impact a wide range of human physiology, from stimulating stem cell differentiation to confounding cell health in bones, skeletal muscles, and blood cells. The research in this arena is progressively intensified by the increasing promises of human spaceflights. Considering the limited access to spaceflight, ground-based microgravity-simulating platforms have been indispensable for microgravity-biology research. However, they are generally complex, costly, hard to replicate and reconfigure - hampering the broad adoption of microgravity biology and astrobiology. To address these limitations, we developed a low-cost reconfigurable 3D-printed microscope coined EuniceScope to allow the democratization of astrobiology, especially for educational use. EuniceScope is a compact 2D clinostat system integrated with a modularized brightfield microscope, built upon 3D-printed toolbox. We demonstrated that this compact system offers plausible imaging quality and microgravity-simulating performance. Its high degree of reconfigurability thus holds great promise in the wide dissemination of microgravity-cell-biology research in the broader community, including Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational and scientific community in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yan Chu
- University of Hong KongHong Kong
- University of TorontoTorontoONM5SCanada
| | - Kevin K. Tsia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringUniversity of Hong KongHong Kong
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18
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Kawa B, Śniadek P, Walczak R, Dziuban J. Nanosatellite Payload for Research on Seed Germination in a 3D Printed Micropot. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1974. [PMID: 36850572 PMCID: PMC9962095 DOI: 10.3390/s23041974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, an autonomous payload proposal for a nanosatellite mission allowing for the cultivation of grains in space was presented. For the first time, a micropot made with 3D printing technology, enabling the parametric determination of plant growth, both on Earth and in the simulated microgravity condition, was presented. A completed system for dosing the nutrient solution and observing the growth of a single grain, where the whole size did not exceed 70 × 50 × 40 mm3, was shown. The cultivation of Lepidium sativum seeds was carried out in the developed system, in terrestrial conditions and simulated microgravity conditions, using the RPM (Random Position Machine) device. The differences in plant growth depending on the environment were observed. It could be seen that the grains grown in simulated microgravity took longer to reach the full development stage of the plant. At the same time, fewer grains reached this stage and only remained at the earlier stages of growth. The conducted research allowed for the presentation of the payload concept for a 3U CubeSat satellite for research into the development of plants in space.
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19
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Ermolaeva SA, Parfenov VA, Karalkin PA, Khesuani YD, Domnin PA. Experimentally Created Magnetic Force in Microbiological Space and On-Earth Studies: Perspectives and Restrictions. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020338. [PMID: 36672273 PMCID: PMC9856290 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic force and gravity are two fundamental forces affecting all living organisms, including bacteria. On Earth, experimentally created magnetic force can be used to counterbalance gravity and place living organisms in conditions of magnetic levitation. Under conditions of microgravity, magnetic force becomes the only force that moves bacteria, providing an acceleration towards areas of the lowest magnetic field and locking cells in this area. In this review, we consider basic principles and experimental systems used to create a magnetic force strong enough to balance gravity. Further, we describe how magnetic levitation is applied in on-Earth microbiological studies. Next, we consider bacterial behavior under combined conditions of microgravity and magnetic force onboard a spacecraft. At last, we discuss restrictions on applications of magnetic force in microbiological studies and the impact of these restrictions on biotechnological applications under space and on-Earth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A. Ermolaeva
- Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-193-4375
| | - Vladislav A. Parfenov
- Institute of Metallurgy and Material Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A. Karalkin
- Institute of Cluster Oncology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 127473 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Pavel A. Domnin
- Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
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20
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Nguyen M, Knowling M, Tran NN, Burgess A, Fisk I, Watt M, Escribà-Gelonch M, This H, Culton J, Hessel V. Space farming: Horticulture systems on spacecraft and outlook to planetary space exploration. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 194:708-721. [PMID: 36566710 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Successful human space exploration requires more products than can be taken as payload. There is a need, therefore, for in-space circular manufacturing. Requirements for this include limited resource inflow, from either Earth or other planets and the generation of minimal waste. The provision of nutritious food is a clear need for human survival on the Moon or Mars and is one of the most complex to solve. Demand in large quantities, constant and reliable provision of food requires the development of specialist agricultural technologies. Here, we first review the history of space farming over the past five decades. This survey assesses the technologies which have been tested under the harsh conditions of space, identifying which modern horticultural components are applicable for in-space plant growth. We then outline which plants have been grown and under what conditions, and speculate upon the types of plants that could be selected to best nourish astronauts. Current systems are focussed on experimentation and exploration, but do not yet provide turn-key solutions for efficient food production within a long-term space exploration scenario. With that take, this review aims to provide a perspective on how an engineered closed circular environmental life-support system (ECCLES) might be constructed. To exemplify the latter, nutrient auto accumulation by biofortification is proposed through the integration of space farming and space mining, which is uncharted on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Andy Thomas Centre of Space Resources, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Matthew Knowling
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nam N Tran
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho, Viet Nam
| | - Alexandra Burgess
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Fisk
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Watt
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Herve This
- INRA Team of Molecular Gastronomy, INRA/ AgroParisTech, Paris, France
| | - John Culton
- Andy Thomas Centre of Space Resources, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Volker Hessel
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Andy Thomas Centre of Space Resources, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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Vashi A, Sreejith KR, Nguyen NT. Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies for Microgravity Simulation and Space Applications. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:116. [PMID: 36677176 PMCID: PMC9864955 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gravity plays an important role in the development of life on earth. The effect of gravity on living organisms can be investigated by controlling the magnitude of gravity. Most reduced gravity experiments are conducted on the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) in the International Space Station (ISS). However, running experiments in ISS face challenges such as high cost, extreme condition, lack of direct accessibility, and long waiting period. Therefore, researchers have developed various ground-based devices and methods to perform reduced gravity experiments. However, the advantage of space conditions for developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications requires more attention and new research. Advancements in conventional methods and the development of new methods are necessary to fulfil these demands. The advantages of Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices make them an attractive option for simulating microgravity. This paper briefly reviews the advancement of LOC technologies for simulating microgravity in an earth-based laboratory.
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22
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Caporale AG, Amato M, Duri LG, Bochicchio R, De Pascale S, Simeone GDR, Palladino M, Pannico A, Rao MA, Rouphael Y, Adamo P. Can Lunar and Martian Soils Support Food Plant Production? Effects of Horse/Swine Monogastric Manure Fertilisation on Regolith Simulants Enzymatic Activity, Nutrient Bioavailability, and Lettuce Growth. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3345. [PMID: 36501382 PMCID: PMC9740528 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To make feasible the crewed missions to the Moon or Mars, space research is focusing on the development of bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) designed to produce food crops based on in situ resource utilisation (ISRU), allowing to reduce terrestrial input and to recycle organic wastes. In this regard, a major question concerns the suitability of native regoliths for plant growth and how their agronomic performance is affected by additions of organic matter from crew waste. We tested plant growth substrates consisting of MMS-1 (Mars) or LHS-1 (Lunar) simulants mixed with a commercial horse/swine monogastric manure (i.e., an analogue of crew excreta and crop residues) at varying rates (100:0, 90:10, 70:30, 50:50, w/w). Specifically, we measured: (i) lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cultivar 'Grand Rapids') growth (at 30 days in open gas exchange climate chamber with no fertilisation), plant physiology, and nutrient uptake; as well as (ii) microbial biomass C and N, enzymatic activity, and nutrient bioavailability in the simulant/manure mixtures after plant growth. We discussed mechanisms of different plant yield, architecture, and physiology as a function of chemical, physico-hydraulic, and biological properties of different substrates. A better agronomic performance, in terms of plant growth and optically measured chlorophyll content, nutrient availability, and enzymatic activity, was provided by substrates containing MMS-1, in comparison to LHS-1-based ones, despite a lower volume of readily available water (likely due to the high-frequency low-volume irrigation strategy applied in our experiment and foreseen in space settings). Other physical and chemical properties, along with a different bioavailability of essential nutrients for plants and rhizosphere biota, alkalinity, and release of promptly bioavailable Na from substrates, were identified as the factors leading to the better ranking of MMS-1 in plant above and below-ground mass and physiology. Pure Mars (MMS-1) and Lunar (LHS-1) simulants were able to sustain plant growth even in absence of fertilisation, but the amendment with the monogastric manure significantly improved above- and below-ground plant biomass; moreover, the maximum lettuce leaf production, across combinations of simulants and amendment rates, was obtained in treatments resulting in a finer root system. Increasing rates of monogastric manure stimulated the growth of microbial biomass and enzymatic activities, such as dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase, which, in turn, fostered nutrient bioavailability. Consequently, nutrient uptake and translocation into lettuce leaves were enhanced with manure supply, with positive outcomes in the nutritional value of edible biomass for space crews. The best crop growth response was achieved with the 70:30 simulant/manure mixture due to good availability of nutrients and water compared to low amendment rates, and better-saturated hydraulic conductivity compared to high organic matter application. A 70:30 simulant/manure mixture is also a more sustainable option than a 50:50 mixture for a BLSS developed on ISRU strategy. Matching crop growth performance and (bio)chemical, mineralogical, and physico-hydraulic characteristics of possible plant growth media for space farming allows a better understanding of the processes and dynamics occurring in the experimental substrate/plant system, potentially suitable for an extra-terrestrial BLSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G. Caporale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Mariana Amato
- School of Agriculture, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Luigi G. Duri
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Rocco Bochicchio
- School of Agriculture, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Stefania De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | | | - Mario Palladino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Antonio Pannico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Maria A. Rao
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Youssef Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Paola Adamo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
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23
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Red Light Enhances Plant Adaptation to Spaceflight and Mars g-Levels. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101484. [PMID: 36294919 PMCID: PMC9605285 DOI: 10.3390/life12101484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how plants respond and adapt to extraterrestrial conditions is essential for space exploration initiatives. Deleterious effects of the space environment on plant development have been reported, such as the unbalance of cell growth and proliferation in the root meristem, or gene expression reprogramming. However, plants are capable of surviving and completing the seed-to-seed life cycle under microgravity. A key research challenge is to identify environmental cues, such as light, which could compensate the negative effects of microgravity. Understanding the crosstalk between light and gravity sensing in space was the major objective of the NASA-ESA Seedling Growth series of spaceflight experiments (2013–2018). Different g-levels were used, with special attention to micro-g, Mars-g, and Earth-g. In spaceflight seedlings illuminated for 4 days with a white light photoperiod and then photostimulated with red light for 2 days, transcriptomic studies showed, first, that red light partially reverted the gene reprogramming induced by microgravity, and that the combination of microgravity and photoactivation was not recognized by seedlings as stressful. Two mutant lines of the nucleolar protein nucleolin exhibited differential requirements in response to red light photoactivation. This observation opens the way to directed-mutagenesis strategies in crop design to be used in space colonization. Further transcriptomic studies at different g-levels showed elevated plastid and mitochondrial genome expression in microgravity, associated with disturbed nucleus–organelle communication, and the upregulation of genes encoding auxin and cytokinin hormonal pathways. At the Mars g-level, genes of hormone pathways related to stress response were activated, together with some transcription factors specifically related to acclimation, suggesting that seedlings grown in partial-g are able to acclimate by modulating genome expression in routes related to space-environment-associated stress.
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Baba AI, Mir MY, Riyazuddin R, Cséplő Á, Rigó G, Fehér A. Plants in Microgravity: Molecular and Technological Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810548. [PMID: 36142459 PMCID: PMC9505700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are vital components of our ecosystem for a balanced life here on Earth, as a source of both food and oxygen for survival. Recent space exploration has extended the field of plant biology, allowing for future studies on life support farming on distant planets. This exploration will utilize life support technologies for long-term human space flights and settlements. Such longer space missions will depend on the supply of clean air, food, and proper waste management. The ubiquitous force of gravity is known to impact plant growth and development. Despite this, we still have limited knowledge about how plants can sense and adapt to microgravity in space. Thus, the ability of plants to survive in microgravity in space settings becomes an intriguing topic to be investigated in detail. The new knowledge could be applied to provide food for astronaut missions to space and could also teach us more about how plants can adapt to unique environments. Here, we briefly review and discuss the current knowledge about plant gravity-sensing mechanisms and the experimental possibilities to research microgravity-effects on plants either on the Earth or in orbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Imran Baba
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
- Correspondence: or
| | - Mohd Yaqub Mir
- Doctoral School of Neuroscience, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Theoretical Neuroscience and Complex Systems Group, Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Riyazuddin Riyazuddin
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Biological Research Centre (BRC), Institute of Plant Biology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Cséplő
- Biological Research Centre (BRC), Institute of Plant Biology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rigó
- Biological Research Centre (BRC), Institute of Plant Biology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Fehér
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Biological Research Centre (BRC), Institute of Plant Biology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
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25
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Acharya A, Nemade H, Papadopoulos S, Hescheler J, Neumaier F, Schneider T, Rajendra Prasad K, Khan K, Hemmersbach R, Gusmao EG, Mizi A, Papantonis A, Sachinidis A. Microgravity-induced stress mechanisms in human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. iScience 2022; 25:104577. [PMID: 35789849 PMCID: PMC9249673 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to outer space microgravity poses a risk for the development of various pathologies including cardiovascular disease. To study this, we derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells and exposed them to simulated microgravity (SMG). We combined different “omics” and chromosome conformation capture technologies with live-cell imaging of various transgenic lines to discover that SMG impacts on the contractile velocity and function of CMs via the induction of senescence processes. This is linked to SMG-induced changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and energy metabolism by mitochondria. Taken together, we uncover a microgravity-controlled axis causing contractile dysfunctions to CMs. Our findings can contribute to the design of preventive and therapeutic strategies against senescence-associated disease. Simulated microgravity (SMG) causes ROS production in human cardiomyocytes (CMs) SMG inhibits mitochondria function and energy metabolism and induces senescence of CMs SMG attenuates contractile velocity, beating frequency and Ca2+ influx in CMs SMG induces chromosomal changes and modifies the chromosomal architecture in CMs
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26
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Impairment of 7F2 osteoblast function by simulated partial gravity in a Random Positioning Machine. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:20. [PMID: 35672327 PMCID: PMC9174291 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted adverse effects of reduced gravity pose a significant challenge to human spaceflight. Previous studies have shown that bone formation by osteoblasts decreases under microgravity conditions, both real and simulated. However, the effects of partial gravity on osteoblasts’ function are less well understood. Utilizing the software-driven newer version of the Random Positioning Machine (RPMSW), we simulated levels of partial gravity relevant to future manned space missions: Mars (0.38 G), Moon (0.16 G), and microgravity (Micro, ~10−3 G). Short-term (6 days) culture yielded a dose-dependent reduction in proliferation and the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), while long-term studies (21 days) showed a distinct dose-dependent inhibition of mineralization. By contrast, expression levels of key osteogenic genes (Alkaline phosphatase, Runt-related Transcription Factor 2, Sparc/osteonectin) exhibited a threshold behavior: gene expression was significantly inhibited when the cells were exposed to Mars-simulating partial gravity, and this was not reduced further when the cells were cultured under simulated Moon or microgravity conditions. Our data suggest that impairment of cell function with decreasing simulated gravity levels is graded and that the threshold profile observed for reduced gene expression is distinct from the dose dependence observed for cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineral deposition. Our study is of relevance, given the dearth of research into the effects of Lunar and Martian gravity for forthcoming space exploration.
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Xu P, Chen H, Hu J, Pang X, Jin J, Cai W. Pectin methylesterase gene AtPMEPCRA contributes to physiological adaptation to simulated and spaceflight microgravity in Arabidopsis. iScience 2022; 25:104331. [PMID: 35602950 PMCID: PMC9118689 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pectin is biosynthesized in a highly methylated form and is partially de-methylated by pectin methylesterase (PME) activity. Plant PMEs play a critical role in cell wall remodeling in many physiological processes. Here, we studied Arabidopsis seedlings, which had been exposed to simulated or actual microgravity. Simulated microgravity inhibited total PME activity in Arabidopsis seedlings. We identified that AtPMEPCRA expression played a major role in the microgravity-induced inhibition of PME activity. atpmepcra mutants did not exhibit the enlarged leaf area of Arabidopsis seedlings observed under spaceflight microgravity. The downregulation of AtPMEPCRA expression in response to microgravity was due, in part, to changes in methylation patterns. The sexual offspring of the plants grown during spaceflight retained the methylation changes at AtPMEPCRA locus for one generation and thus contribute to the physiological adaptation to microgravity among F1 offspring seed generation. We conclude that AtPMEPCRA contributes to the spaceflight-induced transgenerational responses in Arabidopsis. Simulated microgravity inhibited total PME activity in Arabidopsis seedlings AtPMEPCRA played a major role in the microgravity-induced inhibition of PME activity atpmepcra mutants did not exhibit the enlarged seedlings leaf area observed under microgravity AtPMEPCRA regulates the spaceflight-induced transgenerational responses in Arabidopsis
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Xu
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haiying Chen
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinbo Hu
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiaocheng Pang
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiming Cai
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- Corresponding author
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28
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Kalichamy SS, Alcantara AV, Yoon KH, Lee JI. A Simple Protocol to Analyze the Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Nematodes. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021150097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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29
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Aronne G, Muthert LWF, Izzo LG, Romano LE, Iovane M, Capozzi F, Manzano A, Ciska M, Herranz R, Medina FJ, Kiss JZ, van Loon JJWA. A novel device to study altered gravity and light interactions in seedling tropisms. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 32:8-16. [PMID: 35065766 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Long-duration space missions will need to rely on the use of plants in bio-regenerative life support systems (BLSSs) because these systems can produce fresh food and oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide levels, recycle metabolic waste, and purify water. In this scenario, the need for new experiments on the effects of altered gravity conditions on plant biological processes is increasing, and significant efforts should be devoted to new ideas aimed at increasing the scientific output and lowering the experimental costs. Here, we report the design of an easy-to-produce and inexpensive device conceived to analyze the effect of interaction between gravity and light on root tropisms. Each unit consisted of a polystyrene multi-slot rack with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), capable of holding Petri dishes and assembled with a particular filter-paper folding. The device was successfully used for the ROOTROPS (for root tropisms) experiment performed in the Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC) and Random Positioning Machine (RPM) at ESA's European Space Research and Technology centre (ESTEC). During the experiments, four light treatments and six gravity conditions were factorially combined to study their effects on root orientation of Brassica oleracea seedlings. Light treatments (red, blue, and white) and a dark condition were tested under four hypergravity levels (20 g, 15 g, 10 g, 5 g), a 1 g control, and a simulated microgravity (RPM) condition. Results of validation tests showed that after 24 h, the assembled system remained unaltered, no slipping or displacement of seedlings occurred at any hypergravity treatment or on the RPM, and seedlings exhibited robust growth. Overall, the device was effective and reliable in achieving scientific goals, suggesting that it can be used for ground-based research on phototropism-gravitropism interactions. Moreover, the concepts developed can be further expanded for use in future spaceflight experiments with plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy.
| | - Leone Ermes Romano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iovane
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Fiore Capozzi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Aránzazu Manzano
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Malgorzata Ciska
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Z Kiss
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro NC 27402, United States of America
| | - Jack J W A van Loon
- Department Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences & Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), Amsterdam University Medical Center Location VUmc & Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, Netherlands; TEC-MMG-LISLab, European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Center (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
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30
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Shymanovich T, Vandenbrink JP, Herranz R, Medina FJ, Kiss JZ. Spaceflight studies identify a gene encoding an intermediate filament involved in tropism pathways. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 171:191-200. [PMID: 35007950 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We performed a series of experiments to study the interaction between phototropism and gravitropism in Arabidopsis thaliana as part of the Seedling Growth Project on the International Space Station. Red-light-based and blue-light-based phototropism were examined in microgravity and at 1g, a control that was produced by an on-board centrifuge. At the end of the experiments, seedlings were frozen and brought back to Earth for gene profiling studies via RNASeq methods. In this paper, we focus on five genes identified in these space studies by their differential expression in space: one involved in auxin transport and four others encoding genes for: a methyltransferase subunit, a transmembrane protein, a transcription factor for endodermis formation, and a cytoskeletal element (an intermediate filament protein). Time course studies using mutant strains of these five genes were performed for blue-light and red-light phototropism studies as well as for gravitropism assays on ground. Interestingly, all five of the genes had some effects on all the tropisms under the conditions studied. In addition, RT-PCR analyses examined expression of the five genes in wild-type seedlings during blue-light-based phototropism. Previous studies have supported a role of both microfilaments and microtubules in tropism pathways. However, the most interesting finding of the present space studies is that NFL, a gene encoding an intermediate filament protein, plays a role in phototropism and gravitropism, which opens the possibility that this cytoskeletal element modulates signal transduction in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana Shymanovich
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Joshua P Vandenbrink
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas - CSIC, E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Z Kiss
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA.
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31
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Du J, Zeng L, Yu Z, Chen S, Chen X, Zhang Y, Yang H. A magnetically enabled simulation of microgravity represses the auxin response during early seed germination on a microfluidic platform. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35087683 PMCID: PMC8760315 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00331-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
For plants on Earth, the phytohormone auxin is essential for gravitropism-regulated seedling establishment and plant growth. However, little is known about auxin responses under microgravity conditions due to the lack of a tool that can provide an alteration of gravity. In this paper, a microfluidic negative magnetophoretic platform is developed to levitate Arabidopsis seeds in an equilibrium plane where the applied magnetic force compensates for gravitational acceleration. With the benefit of the microfluidic platform to simulate a microgravity environment on-chip, it is found that the auxin response is significantly repressed in levitated seeds. Simulated microgravity statistically interrupts auxin responses in embryos, even after chemical-mediated auxin alterations, illustrating that auxin is a critical factor that mediates the plant response to gravity alteration. Furthermore, pretreatment with an auxin transportation inhibitor (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid) enables a decrease in the auxin response, which is no longer affected by simulated microgravity, demonstrating that polar auxin transportation plays a vital role in gravity-regulated auxin responses. The presented microfluidic platform provides simulated microgravity conditions in an easy-to-implement manner, helping to study and elucidate how plants correspond to diverse gravity conditions; in the future, this may be developed into a versatile tool for biological study on a variety of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Center for Bionic Sensing and Intelligence, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Center for Bionic Sensing and Intelligence, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Zitong Yu
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Center for Bionic Sensing and Intelligence, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Sihui Chen
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Center for Bionic Sensing and Intelligence, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Center for Bionic Sensing and Intelligence, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Medical AI, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Hui Yang
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microsystems and Nano Devices, Center for Bionic Sensing and Intelligence, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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Abstract
The growth and development of plants during spaceflight have important implications for both basic and applied research supported by NASA and other international space agencies. While there have been many reviews of plant space biology, this chapter attempts to fill a gap in the literature on the actual process and methods of performing plant research in the spaceflight environment. One of the authors (JZK) has been a principal investigator on eight spaceflight projects. These experiences include using the U.S. Space Shuttle, the former Russian Space Station Mir, and the International Space Station, utilizing the Space Shuttle and Space X as launch vehicles. While there are several ways to fly an experiment into space and to obtain a spaceflight opportunity, this review focuses on using the NASA peer-reviewed sciences approach to get an experiment manifested for flight. Three narratives for the implementation of plant space biology experiments are considered from rapid turn around of a few months to a project with new hardware development that lasted 6 years. The many challenges of spaceflight research include logistical and resource constraints such as crew time, power, cold stowage, data downlinks, among others. Additional issues considered are working at NASA centers, hardware development, safety concerns, and the engineering versus science culture in space agencies. The difficulties of publishing the results from spaceflight research based on such factors as the lack of controls, limited sample size, and the indirect effects of the spaceflight environment also are summarized. Lessons learned from these spaceflight experiences are discussed in the context of improvements for future space-based research projects with plants. We also will consider new opportunities for Moon-based research via NASA's Artemis lunar exploration program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana Shymanovich
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - John Z Kiss
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
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Chin S, Blancaflor EB. Plant Gravitropism: From Mechanistic Insights into Plant Function on Earth to Plants Colonizing Other Worlds. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2368:1-41. [PMID: 34647245 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1677-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gravitropism, the growth of roots and shoots toward or away from the direction of gravity, has been studied for centuries. Such studies have not only led to a better understanding of the gravitropic process itself, but also paved new paths leading to deeper mechanistic insights into a wide range of research areas. These include hormone biology, cell signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, plant evolution, and plant interactions with a variety of environmental stimuli. In addition to contributions to basic knowledge about how plants function, there is accumulating evidence that gravitropism confers adaptive advantages to crops, particularly under marginal agricultural soils. Therefore, gravitropism is emerging as a breeding target for enhancing agricultural productivity. Moreover, research on gravitropism has spawned several studies on plant growth in microgravity that have enabled researchers to uncouple the effects of gravity from other tropisms. Although rapid progress on understanding gravitropism witnessed during the past decade continues to be driven by traditional molecular, physiological, and cell biological tools, these tools have been enriched by technological innovations in next-generation omics platforms and microgravity analog facilities. In this chapter, we review the field of gravitropism by highlighting recent landmark studies that have provided unique insights into this classic research topic while also discussing potential contributions to agriculture on Earth and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chin
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Shevchenko GV, Krutovsky KV. Mechanical stress effects on transcriptional regulation of genes encoding microtubule- and actin-associated proteins. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:17-30. [PMID: 35210715 PMCID: PMC8847523 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-021-01123-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plant cytoskeleton regulation has been studied using a new approach based on both (1) pharmacological analysis of tubulin and actin inhibitors and (2) mechanical stimulation achieved by using a slow-rotating (2 rpm) clinostat in combination with transcriptional analysis of genes encoding TUA6, ACT2, MAP65-1, CLASP, PLDδ, FH4 and FH1 proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana seedling roots. The obtained data suggest feedback between the organization of microtubule (MT) and actin filament (AF) networks and the expression of the ACT2, TUA6, MAP65-1, CLASP and FH1/FH4 genes. Different regulation of feedback between MT/AF organization and TUA6, ACT2, MAP65-1, CLASP, FH4 and FH1 gene expression was noted during slow clinorotation, possibly due to altered mechanical impact on the cortical cytoskeleton. For the first time, the expression of the tubulin-associated gene MAP65-1 was shown to be dependent upon the organization of AFs. TUA6, MAP65-1, CLASP, FH1 and FH4 likely participate in mechanical signal transduction. Our work demonstrated that slow clinorotation is able to cause mechanical stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V. Shevchenko
- Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, 01004 Ukraine
| | - Konstantin V. Krutovsky
- Department of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, N.I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119333 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Laboratory of Forest Genomics, Genome Research and Education Center, Institute of Fundamental Biology and Biotechnology, Siberian Federal University, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
- Scientific and Methodological Center, G. F. Morozov Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies, 394087 Voronezh, Russian Federation
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35
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Space food on celestial bodies and on the way there. FUTURE FOODS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91001-9.00012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
The desire to understand gravitational effects on living things requires the removal of the very factor that determines life on Earth. Unfortunately, the required free-fall conditions that provide such conditions are limited to a few seconds unless earth-orbiting platforms are available. Therefore, attempts have been made to create conditions that simulate reduced gravity or gravity-free conditions ever since the gravity effects have been studied. Such conditions depend mostly on rotating devices (aka clinostats) that alter the gravity vector faster than the biological response time or create conditions that compensate sedimentation by fluid dynamics. Although several sophisticated, commercial instruments are available, they are unaffordable to most individual investigators. This article describes important considerations for the design and construction of low cost but versatile instruments that are sturdy, fully programmable, and affordable. The chapter focuses on detailed construction, programming of microcontrollers, versatility, and reliability of the instrument.
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Kume A, Kamachi H, Onoda Y, Hanba YT, Hiwatashi Y, Karahara I, Fujita T. How plants grow under gravity conditions besides 1 g: perspectives from hypergravity and space experiments that employ bryophytes as a model organism. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 107:279-291. [PMID: 33852087 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-021-01146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved and grown under the selection pressure of gravitational force at 1 g on Earth. In response to this selection pressure, plants have acquired gravitropism to sense gravity and change their growth direction. In addition, plants also adjust their morphogenesis in response to different gravitational forces in a phenomenon known as gravity resistance. However, the gravity resistance phenomenon in plants is poorly understood due to the prevalence of 1 g gravitational force on Earth: not only it is difficult to culture plants at gravity > 1 g(hypergravity) for a long period of time but it is also impossible to create a < 1 genvironment (μg, micro g) on Earth without specialized facilities. Despite these technical challenges, it is important to understand how plants grow in different gravity conditions in order to understand land plant adaptation to the 1 g environment or for outer space exploration. To address this, we have developed a centrifugal device for a prolonged duration of plant culture in hypergravity conditions, and a project to grow plants under the μg environment in the International Space Station is also underway. Our plant material of choice is Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens, one of the pioneer plants on land and a model bryophyte often used in plant biology. In this review, we summarize our latest findings regarding P. patens growth response to hypergravity, with reference to our on-going "Space moss" project. In our ground-based hypergravity experiments, we analyzed the morphological and physiological changes and found unexpected increments of chloroplast size and photosynthesis rate, which might underlie the enhancement of growth and increase in the number of gametophores and rhizoids. We further discussed our approaches at the cellular level and compare the gravity resistance in mosses and that in angiosperms. Finally, we highlight the advantages and perspectives from the space experiments and conclude that research with bryophytes is beneficial to comprehensively and precisely understand gravitational responses in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Kume
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kamachi
- Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Yusuke Onoda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake, Kitashirakawa, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yuko T Hanba
- Faculty of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Yuji Hiwatashi
- School of Food Industrial Sciences, Miyagi University, 2-2-1 Hatatate, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 982-0215, Japan
| | - Ichirou Karahara
- Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Tomomichi Fujita
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Nishi8 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.
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Khai HD, Bien LT, Vinh NQ, Dung DM, Nghiep ND, Mai NTN, Tung HT, Luan VQ, Cuong DM, Nhut DT. Alterations in endogenous hormone levels and energy metabolism promoted the induction, differentiation and maturation of Begonia somatic embryos under clinorotation. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 312:111045. [PMID: 34620443 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.111045] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study provides a visual insight into the effects of simulated microgravity (MG) on somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Begonia through the analysis of phytohormone fluctuations and energy metabolism. To investigate this relationship, thin cell layer culture model was first used. The results showed that MG changed the phytohormone content and stimulated starch biosynthesis to convert into sugar to release energy needed for regeneration and proliferation. Moreover, from the results it is likely that MG accelerated the initiation and subsequently maturation and aging of SE via decrease of AUX and increase of ABA. High content of GA, CKs, starch, sugar and low ABA as well as high CKs/ABA ratio were responsible for the increase in the number of embryos under clinorotation which was 1.57-fold higher than control after 90 days. The increase in fresh and dry weight of somatic embryos and chlorophyll content under MG were confirmed as their adaptive responses to gravitational stress. However, long-term exposure to MG (120 days) stimulated biosynthesis of ABA levels 1.85-fold higher than controls, which resulted in a decrease in chlorophyll content, increase in number of mature embryos and stomata length. These results revealed that MG regulated the induction, differentiation and senescence of somatic embryos via a biochemical interaction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Dac Khai
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | - Le The Bien
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam; Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | | | | | - Ngo Dai Nghiep
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Thi Nhu Mai
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang Thanh Tung
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | - Vu Quoc Luan
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | - Do Manh Cuong
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | - Duong Tan Nhut
- Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam.
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Zaimenko NV, Ivanytska BO, Rositska NV, Didyk NP, Liu D, Pyzyk M, Slaski J. Physiological responses of orchids to prolonged clinorotation. BIOSYSTEMS DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/10.15421/012146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Creation of plant-based bioregenerative life support systems is crucial for future long-duration space exploring missions. Microgravity is one of the major stresses affecting plant growth and development under space flight conditions. Search for higher plant genotypes resilient to microgravity as well as revealing of biological features which could be used as markers of such resilience is rather urgently needed. The objective of this study was to analyze physiological and biochemical responses of three orchid species representing different life forms (terrestrial and epiphytic), growth types (monopodial and sympodial) and pathways of CO2 fixation to long-term (24 months) clinorotation which modeled the combined effect of two stress factors: hermetic conditions and microgravity. Three years old meristematic orchids Cypripedium flavum, Angraecum eburneum, Epidendrum radicans, representing different life forms, types of branching shoot system and pathways of CO2 fixation, were used as test-plants. The microgravity was simulated using three-dimensional (3-D) clinostat equipped with two rotation axes placed at right angles (rotation frequency was 3 rpm) in controlled conditions of air temperature, illumination, air humidity and substrate moisture. The control plants were grown in the similar plastic vessels but not hermetically sealed and without clinorotating in the same environmental conditions. The vital state of the test plants was assessed using characteristics of mineral nutrition, content of photosynthetic pigments, free amino acids, soluble proteins, DNA and RNA, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The results of this study confirmed that orchids grown under simulated microgravity and kept in hermetically-sealed vessels were subjected to oxidative stress, which could be responsible for the observed inhibition of basic physiological processes such as mineral nutrition, metabolism of aminoacids, protein biosynthesis and photosynthesis. Monopodial orchids C. flavum and A. eburneum demonstrated better adaptation to prolonged clinorotation as compared to sympodial E. radicans. In particular, the latter demonstrated some stimulation of mineral nutrition processes (i.e. K, N, Fe, Mn, Zn accumulation), content of photosynthetic pigments, proline and superoxide dismutase activity. Long-lasting clinorotation induced adaptive changes of antioxidant systems in the studied orchids (e.i. increase in carotenoids and proline content and stimulation of superoxide dismutase activity), which helped to maintain the main physiological functions at stable level in the above-mentioned stressful conditions. The following biochemical characteristics in the studied orchids could be considered as markers of resilience to simulated microgravity and hermetic conditions: 1) an increase in the accumulation of non-enzymatic (proline, carotenoids) and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase); 2) ability to maintain stable balance of mineral nutrients; 3) increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments; 4) increase in the content of proteinogenic amino acids and soluble proteins; 5) increase in the DNA content or RNA/DNA ratio. Our studies have also demonstrated a correlation between orchid ecomorphological characteristics such as type of branching with their adaptive responses to prolonged clinorotation. We observed no correlation between the studied life form of orchids, ecotype or the pathway of CO2 fixation and their resilience to prolonged clinorotation. This research can be a starting point for studying the relationships between ecomorphological features of various orchids and their resilience to microgravity conditions in the search for biological markers of microgravity tolerance in species of higher plants.
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40
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Zaimenko NV, Ivanytska BO, Rositska NV, Didyk NP, Liu D, Pyzyk M, Slaski J. Physiological responses of orchids to prolonged clinorotation. BIOSYSTEMS DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/012146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Creation of plant-based bioregenerative life support systems is crucial for future long-duration space exploring missions. Microgravity is one of the major stresses affecting plant growth and development under space flight conditions. Search for higher plant genotypes resilient to microgravity as well as revealing of biological features which could be used as markers of such resilience is rather urgently needed. The objective of this study was to analyze physiological and biochemical responses of three orchid species representing different life forms (terrestrial and epiphytic), growth types (monopodial and sympodial) and pathways of CO2 fixation to long-term (24 months) clinorotation which modeled the combined effect of two stress factors: hermetic conditions and microgravity. Three years old meristematic orchids Cypripedium flavum, Angraecum eburneum, Epidendrum radicans, representing different life forms, types of branching shoot system and pathways of CO2 fixation, were used as test-plants. The microgravity was simulated using three-dimensional (3-D) clinostat equipped with two rotation axes placed at right angles (rotation frequency was 3 rpm) in controlled conditions of air temperature, illumination, air humidity and substrate moisture. The control plants were grown in the similar plastic vessels but not hermetically sealed and without clinorotating in the same environmental conditions. The vital state of the test plants was assessed using characteristics of mineral nutrition, content of photosynthetic pigments, free amino acids, soluble proteins, DNA and RNA, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The results of this study confirmed that orchids grown under simulated microgravity and kept in hermetically-sealed vessels were subjected to oxidative stress, which could be responsible for the observed inhibition of basic physiological processes such as mineral nutrition, metabolism of aminoacids, protein biosynthesis and photosynthesis. Monopodial orchids C. flavum and A. eburneum demonstrated better adaptation to prolonged clinorotation as compared to sympodial E. radicans. In particular, the latter demonstrated some stimulation of mineral nutrition processes (i.e. K, N, Fe, Mn, Zn accumulation), content of photosynthetic pigments, proline and superoxide dismutase activity. Long-lasting clinorotation induced adaptive changes of antioxidant systems in the studied orchids (e.i. increase in carotenoids and proline content and stimulation of superoxide dismutase activity), which helped to maintain the main physiological functions at stable level in the above-mentioned stressful conditions. The following biochemical characteristics in the studied orchids could be considered as markers of resilience to simulated microgravity and hermetic conditions: 1) an increase in the accumulation of non-enzymatic (proline, carotenoids) and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase); 2) ability to maintain stable balance of mineral nutrients; 3) increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments; 4) increase in the content of proteinogenic amino acids and soluble proteins; 5) increase in the DNA content or RNA/DNA ratio. Our studies have also demonstrated a correlation between orchid ecomorphological characteristics such as type of branching with their adaptive responses to prolonged clinorotation. We observed no correlation between the studied life form of orchids, ecotype or the pathway of CO2 fixation and their resilience to prolonged clinorotation. This research can be a starting point for studying the relationships between ecomorphological features of various orchids and their resilience to microgravity conditions in the search for biological markers of microgravity tolerance in species of higher plants.
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41
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Cytoskeletal Tensegrity in Microgravity. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101091. [PMID: 34685463 PMCID: PMC8537661 DOI: 10.3390/life11101091] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In order for Man to venture further into Space he will have to adapt to its conditions, including microgravity. Life as we know it has evolved on Earth with a substantial gravitational field. If they spend considerable time away from Earth, astronauts experience physiological, mental, and anatomical changes. It is not clear if these are pathological or adaptations. However, it is true that they experience difficulties on their return to stronger gravity. The cytoskeleton is a key site for the detection of gravitational force within the body, due to its tensegrity architecture. In order to understand what happens to living beings in space, we will need to unravel the role cytoskeletal tensegrity architecture plays in the building and function of cells, organs, the body, and mind.
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Use of Reduced Gravity Simulators for Plant Biological Studies. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2368:241-265. [PMID: 34647260 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1677-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Simulated microgravity and partial gravity research on Earth is a necessary complement to space research in real microgravity due to limitations of access to spaceflight. However, the use of ground-based facilities for reduced gravity simulation is far from simple. Microgravity simulation usually results in the need to consider secondary effects that appear in the generation of altered gravity. These secondary effects may interfere with gravity alteration in the changes observed in the biological processes under study. In addition to microgravity simulation, ground-based facilities are also capable of generating hypergravity or fractional gravity conditions whose effects on biological systems are worth being tested and compared with the results of microgravity exposure. Multiple technologies (2D clinorotation, random positioning machines, magnetic levitators, or centrifuges) and experimental hardware (different containers and substrates for seedlings or cell cultures) are available for these studies. Experimental requirements should be collectively and carefully considered in defining the optimal experimental design, taking into account that some environmental parameters, or life-support conditions, could be difficult to be provided in certain facilities. Using simulation facilities will allow us to anticipate, modify, or redefine the findings provided by the scarce available spaceflight opportunities.
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Uncovering Transcriptional Responses to Fractional Gravity in Arabidopsis Roots. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101010. [PMID: 34685382 PMCID: PMC8539686 DOI: 10.3390/life11101010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many reports characterize the transcriptional response of Arabidopsis seedlings to microgravity, few investigate the effect of partial or fractional gravity on gene expression. Understanding plant responses to fractional gravity is relevant for plant growth on lunar and Martian surfaces. The plant signaling flight experiment utilized the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The EMCS consisted of two rotors within a controlled chamber allowing for two experimental conditions, microgravity (stationary rotor) and simulated gravity in space. Seedlings were grown for 5 days under continuous light in seed cassettes. The arrangement of the seed cassettes within each experimental container results in a gradient of fractional g (in the spinning rotor). To investigate whether gene expression patterns are sensitive to fractional g, we carried out transcriptional profiling of root samples exposed to microgravity or partial g (ranging from 0.53 to 0.88 g). Data were analyzed using DESeq2 with fractional g as a continuous variable in the design model in order to query gene expression across the gravity continuum. We identified a subset of genes whose expression correlates with changes in fractional g. Interestingly, the most responsive genes include those encoding transcription factors, defense, and cell wall-related proteins and heat shock proteins.
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Pozhvanov G, Sharova E, Medvedev S. Microgravity modelling by two-axial clinorotation leads to scattered organisation of cytoskeleton in Arabidopsis seedlings. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2021; 48:1062-1073. [PMID: 34372965 DOI: 10.1071/fp20225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Proper plant development in a closed ecosystem under weightlessness will be crucial for the success of future space missions. To supplement spaceflight experiments, such conditions of microgravity are modelled on Earth using a two-axial (2A) clinorotation, and in several fundamental studies resulted in the data on proteome and metabolome adjustments, embryo development, cell cycle regulation, etc. Nevertheless, our understanding of the cytoskeleton responses to the microgravity is still limited. In the present work, we study the adjustment of actin microfilaments (MFs) and microtubules (MTs) in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings under 2A clinorotation. Modelled microgravity resulted in not only the alteration of seedlings phenotype, but also a transient increase of the hydrogen peroxide level and in the cytoskeleton adjustment. Using GFP-fABD2 and Lifeact-Venus transgenic lines, we demonstrate that MFs became 'scattered' in elongating root and hypocotyl cells under 2A clinorotation. In addition, in GFP-MAP4 and GFP-TUA6 lines the tubulin cytoskeleton had higher fractions of transverse MTs under 2A clinorotation. Remarkably, the first static gravistimulation of continuously clinorotated seedlings reverted MF organisation to a longitudinal one in roots within 30 min. Our data suggest that the 'scattered' organisation of MFs in microgravity can serve as a good basis for the rapid cytoskeleton conversion to a 'longitudinal' structure under the gravity force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Pozhvanov
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russian Federation; and Laboratory of Analytical Phytochemistry, Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Professora Popova st. 2, St. Petersburg 197376, Russian Federation; and Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, 48 Moika Emb., St. Petersburg 191186, Russian Federation; and Corresponding authors. Emails: ;
| | - Elena Sharova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Sergei Medvedev
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russian Federation; and Corresponding authors. Emails: ;
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Thorne S. Modeling the role of gravitation in metabolic processes. Commun Integr Biol 2021; 14:115-135. [PMID: 34349872 PMCID: PMC8293974 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2021.1914913] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
All living organisms are gravitationally bound to earth's surface and spun through three major gravitational potentials at nearly Mach 88. Along this pathway, organisms are subjected to non-isotropic strains that are repetitive in their geometry and their periodicity. Because of the relative smallness of this bias and the slow rate at which such strain accumulates, it typically goes undetected or treated stochastically as a variance from 'best-fit' models and woven into our empirical data. Far from being purely isotropic, equilibrium in systems co-moving with the earth possesses a dynamic component with bias defined by our orbital motion. Interestingly, biologists identify a similar bias in living organisms expressed in the chiral nature of key metabolic molecules and the periodicities of their metabolic cycles. Biologists have also identified a mean mass-specific metabolic rate that correlates well with the daily change in gravitational potential energy experienced by an organism. The evidence is only correlative, but it raises the intriguing question of whether 3 billion years of exposure to gravitational strain cycles might have led to a metabolic strategy that coupled to them. Because the subject of gravity has been omitted from most biology textbooks and, with only a few notable exceptions, relegated to the far corners of biology conferences, this paper is written with two goals in mind. The first goal is to summarize the extensive experimental record produced by biologists, botanists, and zoologists, identifying the strong correlation between metabolic processes and orbital periodicities. The second goal is to suggest experiments that might provide insight into how metabolic processes and gravitation might be so coupled.
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46
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Breenfeldt Andersen A, Bonne TC, Bejder J, Jung G, Ganz T, Nemeth E, Olsen NV, Huertas JR, Nordsborg NB. Effects of altitude and recombinant human erythropoietin on iron metabolism: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R152-R161. [PMID: 34160288 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00070.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Current markers of iron deficiency (ID), such as ferritin and hemoglobin, have shortcomings, and hepcidin and erythroferrone (ERFE) could be of clinical relevance in relation to early assessment of ID. Here, we evaluate whether exposure to altitude-induced hypoxia (2,320 m) alone, or in combination with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment, affects hepcidin and ERFE levels before alterations in routine ID biomarkers and stress erythropoiesis manifest. Two interventions were completed, each comprising a 4-wk baseline, a 4-wk intervention at either sea level or altitude, and a 4-wk follow-up. Participants (n = 39) were randomly assigned to 20 IU·kg body wt-1 rHuEPO or placebo injections every second day for 3 wk during the two intervention periods. Venous blood was collected weekly. Altitude increased ERFE (P ≤ 0.001) with no changes in hepcidin or routine iron biomarkers, making ERFE of clinical relevance as an early marker of moderate hypoxia. rHuEPO treatment at sea level induced a similar pattern of changes in ERFE (P < 0.05) and hepcidin levels (P < 0.05), demonstrating the impact of accelerated erythropoiesis and not of other hypoxia-induced mechanisms. Compared with altitude alone, concurrent rHuEPO treatment and altitude exposure induced additive changes in hepcidin (P < 0.05) and ERFE (P ≤ 0.001) parallel with increases in hematocrit (P < 0.001), demonstrating a relevant range of both hepcidin and ERFE. A poor but significant correlation between hepcidin and ERFE was found (R2 = 0.13, P < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that hepcidin and ERFE are more rapid biomarkers of changes in iron demands than routine iron markers. Finally, ERFE and hepcidin may be sensitive markers in an antidoping context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas C Bonne
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bejder
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grace Jung
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tomas Ganz
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elizabeta Nemeth
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Niels Vidiendal Olsen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesús Rodríguez Huertas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Armilla, Spain
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47
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ElGindi M, Ibrahim IH, Sapudom J, Garcia-Sabate A, Teo JC. Engineered Microvessel for Cell Culture in Simulated Microgravity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126331. [PMID: 34199262 PMCID: PMC8231837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As the number of manned space flights increase, studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body are becoming more important. Due to the high expense and complexity of sending samples into space, simulated microgravity platforms have become a popular way to study these effects on earth. In addition, simulated microgravity has recently drawn the attention of regenerative medicine by increasing cell differentiation capability. These platforms come with many advantages as well as limitations. A main limitation for usage of these platforms is the lack of high-throughput capability due to the use of large cell culture vessels. Therefore, there is a requirement for microvessels for microgravity platforms that limit waste and increase throughput. In this work, a microvessel for commercial cell culture plates was designed. Four 3D printable (polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA) and resin) and castable (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) materials were assessed for biocompatibility with adherent and suspension cell types. PDMS was found to be the most suitable material for microvessel fabrication, long-term cell viability and proliferation. It also allows for efficient gas exchange, has no effect on cell culture media pH and does not induce hypoxic conditions. Overall, the designed microvessel can be used on simulated microgravity platforms as a method for long-term high-throughput biomedical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (I.H.I.); (J.S.); (A.G.-S.)
| | - Ibrahim Hamed Ibrahim
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (I.H.I.); (J.S.); (A.G.-S.)
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (I.H.I.); (J.S.); (A.G.-S.)
| | - Anna Garcia-Sabate
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (I.H.I.); (J.S.); (A.G.-S.)
| | - Jeremy C.M. Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (I.H.I.); (J.S.); (A.G.-S.)
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-2-6286689
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48
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Afshinnekoo E, Scott RT, MacKay MJ, Pariset E, Cekanaviciute E, Barker R, Gilroy S, Hassane D, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Nelman-Gonzalez M, Crucian BE, Ponomarev SA, Orlov OI, Shiba D, Muratani M, Yamamoto M, Richards SE, Vaishampayan PA, Meydan C, Foox J, Myrrhe J, Istasse E, Singh N, Venkateswaran K, Keune JA, Ray HE, Basner M, Miller J, Vitaterna MH, Taylor DM, Wallace D, Rubins K, Bailey SM, Grabham P, Costes SV, Mason CE, Beheshti A. Fundamental Biological Features of Spaceflight: Advancing the Field to Enable Deep-Space Exploration. Cell 2021; 183:1162-1184. [PMID: 33242416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research on astronaut health and model organisms have revealed six features of spaceflight biology that guide our current understanding of fundamental molecular changes that occur during space travel. The features include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysregulation, epigenetic changes (including gene regulation), telomere length alterations, and microbiome shifts. Here we review the known hazards of human spaceflight, how spaceflight affects living systems through these six fundamental features, and the associated health risks of space exploration. We also discuss the essential issues related to the health and safety of astronauts involved in future missions, especially planned long-duration and Martian missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ryan T Scott
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Matthew J MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Eloise Pariset
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Richard Barker
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sara R Zwart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mayra Nelman-Gonzalez
- KBR, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sergey A Ponomarev
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg I Orlov
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan
| | - Stephanie E Richards
- Bionetics, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA
| | - Parag A Vaishampayan
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jacqueline Myrrhe
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Istasse
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Nitin Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Jessica A Keune
- Space Medicine Operations Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- ASRC Federal Space and Defense, Inc., Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Martha Hotz Vitaterna
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Deanne M Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathleen Rubins
- Astronaut Office, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, 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.
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Gravitational Influence on Human Living Systems and the Evolution of Species on Earth. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092784. [PMID: 34066886 PMCID: PMC8125950 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity constituted the only constant environmental parameter, during the evolutionary period of living matter on Earth. However, whether gravity has affected the evolution of species, and its impact is still ongoing. The topic has not been investigated in depth, as this would require frequent and long-term experimentations in space or an environment of altered gravity. In addition, each organism should be studied throughout numerous generations to determine the profound biological changes in evolution. Here, we review the significant abnormalities presented in the cardiovascular, immune, vestibular and musculoskeletal systems, due to altered gravity conditions. We also review the impact that gravity played in the anatomy of snakes and amphibians, during their evolution. Overall, it appears that gravity does not only curve the space–time continuum but the biological continuum, as well.
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50
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Module to Support Real-Time Microscopic Imaging of Living Organisms on Ground-Based Microgravity Analogs. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11073122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Since opportunities for spaceflight experiments are scarce, ground-based microgravity simulation devices (MSDs) offer accessible and economical alternatives for gravitational biology studies. Among the MSDs, the random positioning machine (RPM) provides simulated microgravity conditions on the ground by randomizing rotating biological samples in two axes to distribute the Earth’s gravity vector in all directions over time. Real-time microscopy and image acquisition during microgravity simulation are of particular interest to enable the study of how basic cell functions, such as division, migration, and proliferation, progress under altered gravity conditions. However, these capabilities have been difficult to implement due to the constantly moving frames of the RPM as well as mechanical noise. Therefore, we developed an image acquisition module that can be mounted on an RPM to capture live images over time while the specimen is in the simulated microgravity (SMG) environment. This module integrates a digital microscope with a magnification range of 20× to 700×, a high-speed data transmission adaptor for the wireless streaming of time-lapse images, and a backlight illuminator to view the sample under brightfield and darkfield modes. With this module, we successfully demonstrated the real-time imaging of human cells cultured on an RPM in brightfield, lasting up to 80 h, and also visualized them in green fluorescent channel. This module was successful in monitoring cell morphology and in quantifying the rate of cell division, cell migration, and wound healing in SMG. It can be easily modified to study the response of other biological specimens to SMG.
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