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Tasoula A, Szewczyk N. Astronaut proteomics: Japan leads the way for transformative studies in space. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300645. [PMID: 39388383 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tasoula
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
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2
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Waisberg E, Ong J, Masalkhi M, Shimada K, Lee AG. Artificial gravity as a potential countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2847-2848. [PMID: 38877205 PMCID: PMC11461887 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Waisberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mouayad Masalkhi
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Andrew G Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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3
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Nickerson CA, McLean RJC, Barrila J, Yang J, Thornhill SG, Banken LL, Porterfield DM, Poste G, Pellis NR, Ott CM. Microbiology of human spaceflight: microbial responses to mechanical forces that impact health and habitat sustainability. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0014423. [PMID: 39158275 PMCID: PMC11426028 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00144-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYUnderstanding the dynamic adaptive plasticity of microorganisms has been advanced by studying their responses to extreme environments. Spaceflight research platforms provide a unique opportunity to study microbial characteristics in new extreme adaptational modes, including sustained exposure to reduced forces of gravity and associated low fluid shear force conditions. Under these conditions, unexpected microbial responses occur, including alterations in virulence, antibiotic and stress resistance, biofilm formation, metabolism, motility, and gene expression, which are not observed using conventional experimental approaches. Here, we review biological and physical mechanisms that regulate microbial responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analog environments from both the microbe and host-microbe perspective that are relevant to human health and habitat sustainability. We highlight instrumentation and technology used in spaceflight microbiology experiments, their limitations, and advances necessary to enable next-generation research. As spaceflight experiments are relatively rare, we discuss ground-based analogs that mimic aspects of microbial responses to reduced gravity in spaceflight, including those that reduce mechanical forces of fluid flow over cell surfaces which also simulate conditions encountered by microorganisms during their terrestrial lifecycles. As spaceflight mission durations increase with traditional astronauts and commercial space programs send civilian crews with underlying health conditions, microorganisms will continue to play increasingly critical roles in health and habitat sustainability, thus defining a new dimension of occupational health. The ability of microorganisms to adapt, survive, and evolve in the spaceflight environment is important for future human space endeavors and provides opportunities for innovative biological and technological advances to benefit life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A. Nickerson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Laura L. Banken
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - D. Marshall Porterfield
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - George Poste
- Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - C. Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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4
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Caddy HT, Fujino M, Vahabli E, Voigt V, Kelsey LJ, Dilley RJ, Carvalho LS, Takahashi S, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Simulation of murine retinal hemodynamics in response to tail suspension. Comput Biol Med 2024; 182:109148. [PMID: 39298883 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The etiology of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) remains unclear. Recent murine studies indicate there may be a link between the space environment and retinal endothelial dysfunction. Post-fixed control (N = 4) and 14-day tail-suspended (TS) (N = 4) mice eye samples were stained and imaged for the vessel plexus and co-located regions of endothelial cell death. A custom workflow combined whole-mounted and tear reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) spherical retinal plexus models with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation that accounted for the Fåhræus-Lindqvist effect and boundary conditions that accommodated TS fluid pressure measurements and deeper capillary layer blood flow distribution. TS samples exhibited reduced surface area (4.6 ± 0.5 mm2 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 mm2, P = 0.010) and shorter lengths between branches in small vessels (<10 μm, 69.5 ± 0.6 μm vs. 60.4 ± 1.1 μm, P < 0.001). Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure were higher in TS mice compared to controls, particularly in smaller vessels (<10 μm, WSS: 6.57 ± 1.08 Pa vs. 4.72 ± 0.67 Pa, P = 0.034, Pressure: 72.04 ± 3.14 mmHg vs. 50.64 ± 6.74 mmHg, P = 0.004). Rates of retinal endothelial cell death were variable in TS mice compared to controls. WSS and pressure were generally higher in cell death regions, both within and between cohorts, but significance was variable and limited to small to medium-sized vessels (<20 μm). These findings suggest a link may exist between emulated microgravity and retinal endothelial dysfunction that may have implications for SANS development. Future work with increased sample sizes of larger species or spaceflight cohorts should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mitsunori Fujino
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ebrahim Vahabli
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Valentina Voigt
- Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rodney J Dilley
- T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Retinal Genomics and Therapy Group, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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5
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Seidler RD, Mao XW, Tays GD, Wang T, Zu Eulenburg P. Effects of spaceflight on the brain. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:826-835. [PMID: 38945144 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The number of long duration human spaceflights has increased substantially over the past 15 years, leading to the discovery of numerous effects on the CNS. Microgravity results in headward fluid shifts, ventricular expansion, an upward shift of the brain within the skull, and remodelling of grey and white matter. The fluid changes are correlated with changes to perivascular space and spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome. Microgravity alters the vestibular processing of head tilt and results in reduced tactile and proprioceptive inputs during spaceflight. Sensory adaptation is reflected in postflight effects, evident as transient sensorimotor impairment. Another major concern is that galactic cosmic radiation, which spacefarers will be exposed to when going beyond the magnetosphere around Earth, might have a negative effect on CNS function. Research with rodents points to the potential disruptive effects of space radiation on blood-brain barrier integrity and brain structures. More work is needed to understand and mitigate these effects on the CNS before humans travel to Mars, as the flight durations will be longer than anyone has previously experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Grant D Tays
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter Zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
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6
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Liao L, Zhu W, Liu H, Wu P, Zhang X, Zhou X, Xu J, Zhao Y, Duan X. Photocrosslinkable Sericin Hydrogel Injected into the Anterior Chamber of Mice with Chronic Ocular Hypertension Efficacy, Medication Sensitivity, and Material Safety. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:607. [PMID: 38927843 PMCID: PMC11200424 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060607] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: A rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreased retinal ganglion cells are frequent indicators of effective modeling of chronic ocular hypertension in mice. In this study, the sensitivity of the mouse model to pharmaceutical therapy to reduce intraocular tension was assessed, the model's safety was confirmed using a cytotoxicity test, and the success rate of the mouse model of ocular hypertension was assessed by assessing alterations in IOP and neurons in the ganglion cell layer. (2) Methods: A mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension was produced in this study by employing photocrosslinkable sericin hydrogel injection and LED lamp irradiation. The eyes of 25 C57BL/6 male mice were subjected to 405 nm UV light from the front for 2 min after being injected with 5 μL of sericin hydrogel in the anterior chamber of the left eye. IOP in the mice was measured daily, and IOP rises greater than 5 mmHg were considered intraocular hypertension. When the IOP was lowered, the intervention was repeated once, but the interval between treatments was at least 2 weeks. The right eyes were not treated with anything as a normal control group. Mice eyeballs were stained with HE, Ni-type, and immunofluorescence to assess the model's efficacy. Two common drugs (tafluprost eye drops and timolol eye drops) were provided for one week after four weeks of stable IOP, and IOP changes were assessed to determine the drug sensitivity of the mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension. Furthermore, CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) was utilized to investigate the safety of the ocular hypertension model by evaluating the deleterious effects of photocrosslinkable sericin hydrogel on cells. (3) Results: Before injection, the basal IOP was (9.42 ± 1.28) mmHg (1 kPa = 7.5 mmHg) in the experimental group and (9.08 ± 1.21) in the control group. After injection, cataract occurred in one eye, corneal edema in one eye, endophthalmitis in one eye, iris incarceration in one eye, and eyeball atrophy in one eye. Five mice with complications were excluded from the experiment, and twenty mice were left. Four weeks after injection, the IOP of the experimental group was maintained at (19.7 ± 4.52) mmHg, and that of the control group was maintained at (9.92 ± 1.55) mmHg, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Before the intervention, the IOP in the experimental group was (21.7 ± 3.31) mmHg in the high IOP control group, (20.33 ± 2.00) mmHg in the tafluprost eye drops group, and (20.67 ± 3.12) mmHg in the timolol maleate eye drops group. The IOP after the intervention was (23.2 ± 1.03) mmHg, (12.7 ± 2.11) mmHg, and (10.4 ± 1.43) mmHg, respectively. Before and after the intervention, there were no significant differences in the high-IOP control group (p > 0.05), there were statistically significant differences in the timolol eye drops group (p < 0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in the tafluprost eye drops group (p < 0.05). One week after drug withdrawal, there was no significant difference in IOP among the three groups (p > 0.05). In the high-IOP group, the protein (sericin hydrogel) showed a short strips or fragmented structure in the anterior chamber, accompanied by a large number of macrophages and a small number of plasma cells. The shape of the chamber angle was normal in the blank control group. The number of retinal ganglion cells decreased significantly 8 weeks after injection of sericin hydrogel into the anterior chamber, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the blank control group (p < 0.05). After the cells were treated with photocrosslinkable sericin hydrogel, there was no significant difference in the data of the CellTiter 96® assay kit of MTS compared with the blank control group (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: A mouse model of chronic intraocular hypertension can be established successfully by injecting sericin in the anterior chamber and irradiating with ultraviolet light. The model can simulate the structural and functional changes of glaucoma and can effectively reduce IOP after the action of most antihypertensive drugs, and it is highly sensitive to drugs. Sericin has no obvious toxic effect on cells and has high safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liao
- Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China; (L.L.); (P.W.)
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Wenxiang Zhu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (W.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Hairong Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; (W.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Ping Wu
- Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China; (L.L.); (P.W.)
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Jiahao Xu
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Yang Zhao
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Xuanchu Duan
- Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China; (L.L.); (P.W.)
- Aier Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.X.)
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7
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Husna N, Aiba T, Fujita SI, Saito Y, Shiba D, Kudo T, Takahashi S, Furukawa S, Muratani M. Release of CD36-associated cell-free mitochondrial DNA and RNA as a hallmark of space environment response. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4814. [PMID: 38862469 PMCID: PMC11166646 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41995-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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of how spaceflight affects human health is essential for long-term space exploration. Liquid biopsies allow for minimally-invasive multi-omics assessments that can resolve the molecular heterogeneity of internal tissues. Here, we report initial results from the JAXA Cell-Free Epigenome Study, a liquid biopsy study with six astronauts who resided on the International Space Station (ISS) for more than 120 days. Analysis of plasma cell-free RNA (cfRNA) collected before, during, and after spaceflight confirms previously reported mitochondrial dysregulation in space. Screening with 361 cell surface marker antibodies identifies a mitochondrial DNA-enriched fraction associated with the scavenger receptor CD36. RNA-sequencing of the CD36 fraction reveals tissue-enriched RNA species, suggesting the plasma mitochondrial components originated from various tissues. We compare our plasma cfRNA data to mouse plasma cfRNA data from a previous JAXA mission, which had used on-board artificial gravity, and discover a link between microgravity and the observed mitochondrial responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailil Husna
- Department of Genome Biology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Program in Humanics, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Aiba
- Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Fujita
- Department of Genome Biology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
| | - Yoshika Saito
- Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8303, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoshi Furukawa
- Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Department of Genome Biology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
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8
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Jones-Isaac KA, Lidberg KA, Yeung CK, Yang J, Bain J, Ruiz M, Koenig G, Koenig P, Countryman S, Himmelfarb J, Kelly EJ. Development of a kidney microphysiological system hardware platform for microgravity studies. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:54. [PMID: 38734683 PMCID: PMC11088639 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00398-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining the physiological effects of microgravity on the human kidney is limited to relatively insensitive tests of biofluids (blood and urine) that do not return abnormal results until more than 50% of kidney function is lost. We have developed an "organ on chip" microphysiological model of the human kidney proximal tubule (PT-MPS) that can recapitulate many kidney functions and disease states and could play a critical role in determining mechanisms of early kidney dysfunction in microgravity. However, the ground-based PT-MPS system is incompatible with spaceflight as it requires a large pneumatic system coupled to a cell incubator for perfusion and intensive hand-on manipulation. Herein, we report the hardware engineering and performance of the Kidney Chip Perfusion Platform (KCPP), a small, advanced, semi-autonomous hardware platform to support kidney microphysiological model experiments in microgravity. The KCPP is composed of five components, the kidney MPS, the MPS housing and valve block, media cassettes, fixative cassettes, and the programable precision syringe pump. The system has been deployed twice to the ISSNL (aboard CRS-17 and CRS-22). From each set of ISSNL experiments and ground-based controls, we were able to recover PT-MPS effluent for biomarker analysis and RNA suitable for transcriptomics analysis demonstrating the usability and functionality of the KCPP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin A Lidberg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- RayzeBio, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Catherine K Yeung
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Kidney Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Jade Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacelyn Bain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Micaela Ruiz
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Greta Koenig
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Paul Koenig
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Edward J Kelly
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kidney Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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9
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Kimura Y, Nakai Y, Ino Y, Akiyama T, Moriyama K, Ohira T, Saito T, Inaba Y, Kumagai K, Ryo A, Hirano H. Identification of gravity-responsive serum proteins in spaceflight mice using a quantitative proteomic approach with data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300214. [PMID: 38475964 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300214] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Physical inactivity associated with gravity unloading, such as microgravity during spaceflight and hindlimb unloading (HU), can cause various physiological changes. In this study, we attempted to identify serum proteins whose levels fluctuated in response to gravity unloading. First, we quantitatively assessed changes in the serum proteome profiles of spaceflight mice using mass spectrometry with data-independent acquisition. The serum levels of several proteins involved in the responses to estrogen and glucocorticoid, blood vessel maturation, osteoblast differentiation, and ossification were changed by microgravity exposure. Furthermore, a collective evaluation of serum proteomic data from spaceflight and HU mice identified 30 serum proteins, including Mmp2, Igfbp2, Tnc, Cdh5, and Pmel, whose levels varied to a similar extent in both gravity unloading models. These changes in serum levels could be involved in the physiological changes induced by gravity unloading. A collective evaluation of serum, femur, and soleus muscle proteome data of spaceflight mice also showed 24 serum proteins, including Igfbp5, Igfbp3, and Postn, whose levels could be associated with biological changes induced by microgravity. This study examined serum proteome profiles in response to gravity unloading, and may help deepen our understanding of microgravity adaptation mechanisms during prolonged spaceflight missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayoi Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakai
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoko Ino
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Akiyama
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kayano Moriyama
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohira
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Physiology and Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Inaba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ken Kumagai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hirano
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
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10
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Caddy HT, Kelsey LJ, Parker LP, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Modelling large scale artery haemodynamics from the heart to the eye in response to simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38218868 PMCID: PMC10787773 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00348-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated variations in haemodynamics in response to simulated microgravity across a semi-subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) continuous arterial network connecting the heart to the eye using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Using this model we simulated pulsatile blood flow in an upright Earth gravity case and a simulated microgravity case. Under simulated microgravity, regional time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) increased and oscillatory shear index (OSI) decreased in upper body arteries, whilst the opposite was observed in the lower body. Between cases, uniform changes in TAWSS and OSI were found in the retina across diameters. This work demonstrates that 3D CFD simulations can be performed across continuously connected networks of small and large arteries. Simulated results exhibited similarities to low dimensional spaceflight simulations and measured data-specifically that blood flow and shear stress decrease towards the lower limbs and increase towards the cerebrovasculature and eyes in response to simulated microgravity, relative to an upright position in Earth gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Louis P Parker
- FLOW, Department of Engineering Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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11
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Yeung C, Jones-Isaac K, Lindberg K, Yang J, Bain J, Ruiz M, Koenig G, Koenig P, Countryman S, Himmelfarb J, Kelly E. Development of a Kidney Microphysiological System Hardware Platform for Microgravity Studies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3750478. [PMID: 38196654 PMCID: PMC10775353 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3750478/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Study of the physiological effects of microgravity on humans is limited to non-invasive testing of astronauts. Microphysiological models of human organs recapitulate many functions and disease states. Here we describe the development of an advanced, semi-autonomous hardware platform to support kidney microphysiological model experiments in microgravity.
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12
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Cialdai F, Brown AM, Baumann CW, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Calvaruso M, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Choukér A, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Hahn C, Hatton J, Herranz R, Hellweg CE, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon J, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, van Ombergen A, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Puhl C, Rettberg P, Risaliti C, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Santucci D, Sperl M, Strollo F, Tabury K, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Szewczyk NJ, Monici M. How do gravity alterations affect animal and human systems at a cellular/tissue level? NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37865644 PMCID: PMC10590411 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present white paper concerns the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community to make progress in filling the gaps of knowledge that prevent us from answering the question: "How Do Gravity Alterations Affect Animal and Human Systems at a Cellular/Tissue Level?" This is one of the five major scientific issues of the ESA roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments". Despite the many studies conducted so far on spaceflight adaptation mechanisms and related pathophysiological alterations observed in astronauts, we are not yet able to elaborate a synthetic integrated model of the many changes occurring at different system and functional levels. Consequently, it is difficult to develop credible models for predicting long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment, as well as to implement medical support plans for long-term missions and a strategy for preventing the possible health risks due to prolonged exposure to spaceflight beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). The research activities suggested by the scientific community have the aim to overcome these problems by striving to connect biological and physiological aspects in a more holistic view of space adaptation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Austin M Brown
- Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Cory W Baumann
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Inst. of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Inst. for Cell and Neurobiol, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Inst. Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Sistems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Dept Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, IIT, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Dept. Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, F-42000, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | | | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine E Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Dept., Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jack van Loon
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, ACTA/VU, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Dept. Orthopaedics, Univ. Med. Center Utrecht & Dept. Clinical Sciences, Utrecht Univ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Dept, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Inst. Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Inst. for Traumatology, Res. Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Christopher Puhl
- Space Applications NV/SA for European Space Agency, Houston, USA
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Inst of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Dept of Engineering Mathematics, and Dept of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Dept. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Ist. Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Felice Strollo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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13
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Grigoryan EN. Impact of Microgravity and Other Spaceflight Factors on Retina of Vertebrates and Humans In Vivo and In Vitro. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37374046 PMCID: PMC10305389 DOI: 10.3390/life13061263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight (SF) increases the risk of developmental, regenerative, and physiological disorders in animals and humans. Astronauts, besides bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular and immune system alterations, undergo ocular disorders affecting posterior eye tissues, including the retina. Few studies revealed abnormalities in the development and changes in the regeneration of eye tissues in lower vertebrates after SF and simulated microgravity. Under microgravity conditions, mammals show disturbances in the retinal vascular system and increased risk of oxidative stress that can lead to cell death in the retina. Animal studies provided evidence of gene expression changes associated with cellular stress, inflammation, and aberrant signaling pathways. Experiments using retinal cells in microgravity-modeling systems in vitro additionally indicated micro-g-induced changes at the molecular level. Here, we provide an overview of the literature and the authors' own data to assess the predictive value of structural and functional alterations for developing countermeasures and mitigating the SF effects on the human retina. Further emphasis is given to the importance of animal studies on the retina and other eye tissues in vivo and retinal cells in vitro aboard spacecraft for understanding alterations in the vertebrate visual system in response to stress caused by gravity variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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14
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Sanders LM, Scott RT, Yang JH, Qutub AA, Garcia Martin H, Berrios DC, Hastings JJA, Rask J, Mackintosh G, Hoarfrost AL, Chalk S, Kalantari J, Khezeli K, Antonsen EL, Babdor J, Barker R, Baranzini SE, Beheshti A, Delgado-Aparicio GM, Glicksberg BS, Greene CS, Haendel M, Hamid AA, Heller P, Jamieson D, Jarvis KJ, Komarova SV, Komorowski M, Kothiyal P, Mahabal A, Manor U, Mason CE, Matar M, Mias GI, Miller J, Myers JG, Nelson C, Oribello J, Park SM, Parsons-Wingerter P, Prabhu RK, Reynolds RJ, Saravia-Butler A, Saria S, Sawyer A, Singh NK, Snyder M, Soboczenski F, Soman K, Theriot CA, Van Valen D, Venkateswaran K, Warren L, Worthey L, Zitnik M, Costes SV. Biological research and self-driving labs in deep space supported by artificial intelligence. NAT MACH INTELL 2023. [DOI: 10.1038/s42256-023-00618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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15
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Theotokis P, Manthou ME, Deftereou TE, Miliaras D, Meditskou S. Addressing Spaceflight Biology through the Lens of a Histologist-Embryologist. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020588. [PMID: 36836946 PMCID: PMC9965490 DOI: 10.3390/life13020588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryogenesis and fetal development are highly delicate and error-prone processes in their core physiology, let alone if stress-associated factors and conditions are involved. Space radiation and altered gravity are factors that could radically affect fertility and pregnancy and compromise a physiological organogenesis. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information examining the effects of cosmic exposures on reproductive and proliferating outcomes with regard to mammalian embryonic development. However, explicit attention has been given to investigations exploring discrete structures and neural networks such as the vestibular system, an entity that is viewed as the sixth sense and organically controls gravity beginning with the prenatal period. The role of the gut microbiome, a newly acknowledged field of research in the space community, is also being challenged to be added in forthcoming experimental protocols. This review discusses the data that have surfaced from simulations or actual space expeditions and addresses developmental adaptations at the histological level induced by an extraterrestrial milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
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16
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Mhatre SD, Iyer J, Petereit J, Dolling-Boreham RM, Tyryshkina A, Paul AM, Gilbert R, Jensen M, Woolsey RJ, Anand S, Sowa MB, Quilici DR, Costes SV, Girirajan S, Bhattacharya S. Artificial gravity partially protects space-induced neurological deficits in Drosophila melanogaster. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111279. [PMID: 36070701 PMCID: PMC10503492 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight poses risks to the central nervous system (CNS), and understanding neurological responses is important for future missions. We report CNS changes in Drosophila aboard the International Space Station in response to spaceflight microgravity (SFμg) and artificially simulated Earth gravity (SF1g) via inflight centrifugation as a countermeasure. While inflight behavioral analyses of SFμg exhibit increased activity, postflight analysis displays significant climbing defects, highlighting the sensitivity of behavior to altered gravity. Multi-omics analysis shows alterations in metabolic, oxidative stress and synaptic transmission pathways in both SFμg and SF1g; however, neurological changes immediately postflight, including neuronal loss, glial cell count alterations, oxidative damage, and apoptosis, are seen only in SFμg. Additionally, progressive neuronal loss and a glial phenotype in SF1g and SFμg brains, with pronounced phenotypes in SFμg, are seen upon acclimation to Earth conditions. Overall, our results indicate that artificial gravity partially protects the CNS from the adverse effects of spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Juli Petereit
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Roberta M Dolling-Boreham
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 94035, USA
| | - Anastasia Tyryshkina
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 94035, USA; NASA Postdoctoral Program, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
| | - Rachel Gilbert
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Postdoctoral Program, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Matthew Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Sulekha Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - David R Quilici
- Nevada Proteomics Center, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Biological and Physical Sciences Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington DC 20024, USA.
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17
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Li S, Song Q, Wu B, Kan G, Wang F, Yang J, Zhu S. Structural damage to the rat eye following long-term simulated weightlessness. Exp Eye Res 2022; 223:109200. [PMID: 35932903 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To better perform space missions and develop human spaceflights, the eye health of astronauts is receiving increasing attention from researchers. In this study, we used prolonged tail suspension to simulate microgravity cephalad fluid shift in space to observe intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, retinal structure, and optic nerve damage in rats. We observed significant choroidal thickening and optic nerve demyelination lesions in the rats in each experimental group. At the cellular level, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival was significantly reduced, optic nerve oligodendrocytes were reduced, and apoptotic factors and microglia-mediated inflammation-related factors were detected in both the retina and optic nerve. The severity of these changes increased with increasing tails suspension time. In conclusion, simulated long-term microgravity can lead to slight intraocular pressure fluctuations, choroidal thickening, reduced RGCs survival, and optic nerve demyelination in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610036, China
| | - Qiuyi Song
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610036, China
| | - Bin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Guanghan Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jiawei Yang
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610036, China; Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Ophthalmopathy Prevention & Cure and Visual Function Protection, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China.
| | - Siquan Zhu
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610036, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
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18
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Locatelli L, Castiglioni S, Maier JAM. From Cultured Vascular Cells to Vessels: The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Vascular Dysfunction in Space. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:862059. [PMID: 35480977 PMCID: PMC9036997 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.862059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Life evolved on this planet under the pull of gravity, shielded from radiation by the magnetosphere and shaped by circadian rhythms due to Earth’s rotation on its axis. Once living beings leave such a protective environment, adaptive responses are activated to grant survival. In view of long manned mission out of Earth’s orbit, it is relevant to understand how humans adapt to space and if the responses activated might reveal detrimental in the long run. Here we review present knowledge about the effects on the vessels of various extraterrestrial factors on humans as well as in vivo and in vitro experimental models. It emerges that the vasculature activates complex adaptive responses finalized to supply oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues and to remove metabolic waste and carbon dioxide. Most studies point to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as mediators of vascular alterations in space. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in these adaptive processes might offer hints to design proper and personalized countermeasures to predict a safe future in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Locatelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Jeanette A M Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Centre for Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces (CIMaINa), Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
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19
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Lu SY, Guo S, Chai SB, Yang JQ, Yue Y, Li H, Yan HF, Zhang T, Sun PM, Sun HW, Zhou JL, Yang JW, Li ZP, Cui Y. Proteomic analysis of the effects of simulated microgravity in human gastric mucosal cells. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 32:26-37. [PMID: 35065758 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microgravity is an ecological factor that affects the environment of the body. In this study, quantitative isobaric labeling (tandem mass tag) method was used to study the changes in human gastric mucosal cells under simulated microgravity for the first time. Comparative proteomic analysis identified 394 (202 upregulated and 192 downregulated) and 542 (286 upregulated and 256 downregulated) proteins differentially regulated by simulated microgravity after 3 and 7 days, respectively. Then the identified proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses for further exploration. The results of the analysis showed that the ribosomes of gastric mucosal cells were significantly impacted after exposure to simulated microgravity for 3 days, and the cells appeared to be in a state of stress and inflammation. Exposure to simulated microgravity for 7 days significantly affected the mitochondria of the cells, oxidative stress became more evident, while inflammation and weakened connections were observed in the cells. The results of this study highlighted the temporal response trend of gastric mucosal cells to the stressor of microgravity at the two time points of 3 and 7 days. These findings will provide insights into the development of methods to protect the gastric mucosa during space flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yu Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100101, China; Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Song Guo
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100101, China; Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shao-Bin Chai
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jia-Qi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100101, China; Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan Yue
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100101, China; Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Feng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Pei-Ming Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Wei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin-Lian Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jian-Wu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zheng-Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing 100101, China; Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China.
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20
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Mhatre SD, Iyer J, Puukila S, Paul AM, Tahimic CGT, Rubinstein L, Lowe M, Alwood JS, Sowa MB, Bhattacharya S, Globus RK, Ronca AE. Neuro-consequences of the spaceflight environment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:908-935. [PMID: 34767877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As human space exploration advances to establish a permanent presence beyond the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with NASA's Artemis mission, researchers are striving to understand and address the health challenges of living and working in the spaceflight environment. Exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, isolation and other spaceflight hazards pose significant risks to astronauts. Determining neurobiological and neurobehavioral responses, understanding physiological responses under Central Nervous System (CNS) control, and identifying putative mechanisms to inform countermeasure development are critically important to ensuring brain and behavioral health of crew on long duration missions. Here we provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the effects of spaceflight and of ground-based spaceflight analogs, including simulated weightlessness, social isolation, and ionizing radiation on humans and animals. Further, we discuss dietary and non-dietary countermeasures including artificial gravity and antioxidants, among others. Significant future work is needed to ensure that neural, sensorimotor, cognitive and other physiological functions are maintained during extended deep space missions to avoid potentially catastrophic health and safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Stephanie Puukila
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA; Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98154, USA
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
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21
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Impact of spaceflight and artificial gravity on sulfur metabolism in mouse liver: sulfur metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21786. [PMID: 34750416 PMCID: PMC8575787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight induces hepatic damage, partially owing to oxidative stress caused by the space environment such as microgravity and space radiation. We examined the roles of anti-oxidative sulfur-containing compounds on hepatic damage after spaceflight. We analyzed the livers of mice on board the International Space Station for 30 days. During spaceflight, half of the mice were exposed to artificial earth gravity (1 g) using centrifugation cages. Sulfur-metabolomics of the livers of mice after spaceflight revealed a decrease in sulfur antioxidants (ergothioneine, glutathione, cysteine, taurine, thiamine, etc.) and their intermediates (cysteine sulfonic acid, hercynine, N-acethylserine, serine, etc.) compared to the controls on the ground. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing showed upregulation of gene sets related to oxidative stress and sulfur metabolism, and downregulation of gene sets related to glutathione reducibility in the livers of mice after spaceflight, compared to controls on the ground. These changes were partially mitigated by exposure to 1 g centrifugation. For the first time, we observed a decrease in sulfur antioxidants based on a comprehensive analysis of the livers of mice after spaceflight. Our data suggest that a decrease in sulfur-containing compounds owing to both microgravity and other spaceflight environments (radiation and stressors) contributes to liver damage after spaceflight.
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22
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Morbidelli L, Genah S, Cialdai F. Effect of Microgravity on Endothelial Cell Function, Angiogenesis, and Vessel Remodeling During Wound Healing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:720091. [PMID: 34631676 PMCID: PMC8493071 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.720091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex phenomenon that involves different cell types with various functions, i.e., keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, all influenced by the action of soluble mediators and rearrangement of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Physiological angiogenesis occurs in the granulation tissue during wound healing to allow oxygen and nutrient supply and waste product removal. Angiogenesis output comes from a balance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors, which is finely regulated in a spatial and time-dependent manner, in order to avoid insufficient or excessive nonreparative neovascularization. The understanding of the factors and mechanisms that control angiogenesis and their change following unloading conditions (in a real or simulated space environment) will allow to optimize the tissue response in case of traumatic injury or medical intervention. The potential countermeasures under development to optimize the reparative angiogenesis that contributes to tissue healing on Earth will be discussed in relation to their exploitability in space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirley Genah
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASA Campus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division & Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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23
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Intergenerational effect of short-term spaceflight in mice. iScience 2021; 24:102773. [PMID: 34278272 PMCID: PMC8271179 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As space travel becomes more accessible, it is important to understand the effects of spaceflight including microgravity, cosmic radiation, and psychological stress. However, the effect on offspring has not been well studied in mammals. Here we investigated the effect of 35 days spaceflight on male germ cells. Male mice that had experienced spaceflight exhibit alterations in binding of transcription factor ATF7, a regulator of heterochromatin formation, on promoter regions in testis, as well as altered small RNA expression in spermatozoa. Offspring of space-traveling males exhibit elevated hepatic expression of genes related to DNA replication. These results indicate that spaceflight has intergenerational effect.
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24
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Chen Z, Stanbouly S, Nishiyama NC, Chen X, Delp MD, Qiu H, Mao XW, Wang C. Spaceflight decelerates the epigenetic clock orchestrated with a global alteration in DNA methylome and transcriptome in the mouse retina. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2021; 4:93-108. [PMID: 34179686 PMCID: PMC8220224 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbab012] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts exhibit an assortment of clinical abnormalities in their eyes during long-duration spaceflight. The purpose of this study was to determine whether spaceflight induces epigenomic and transcriptomic reprogramming in the retina or alters the epigenetic clock. The mice were flown for 37 days in animal enclosure modules on the International Space Station; ground-based control animals were maintained under similar housing conditions. Mouse retinas were isolated and both DNA methylome and transcriptome were determined by deep sequencing. We found that a large number of genes were differentially methylated with spaceflight, whereas there were fewer differentially expressed genes at the transcriptome level. Several biological pathways involved in retinal diseases such as macular degeneration were significantly altered. Our results indicated that spaceflight decelerated the retinal epigenetic clock. This study demonstrates that spaceflight impacts the retina at the epigenomic and transcriptomic levels, and such changes could be involved in the etiology of eye-related disorders among astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Seta Stanbouly
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Nina C Nishiyama
- Division of Radiation Research, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Xiao W Mao
- Division of Radiation Research, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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25
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Okada R, Fujita SI, Suzuki R, Hayashi T, Tsubouchi H, Kato C, Sadaki S, Kanai M, Fuseya S, Inoue Y, Jeon H, Hamada M, Kuno A, Ishii A, Tamaoka A, Tanihata J, Ito N, Shiba D, Shirakawa M, Muratani M, Kudo T, Takahashi S. Transcriptome analysis of gravitational effects on mouse skeletal muscles under microgravity and artificial 1 g onboard environment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9168. [PMID: 33911096 PMCID: PMC8080648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight causes a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength. We set two murine experimental groups in orbit for 35 days aboard the International Space Station, under artificial earth-gravity (artificial 1 g; AG) and microgravity (μg; MG), to investigate whether artificial 1 g exposure prevents muscle atrophy at the molecular level. Our main findings indicated that AG onboard environment prevented changes under microgravity in soleus muscle not only in muscle mass and fiber type composition but also in the alteration of gene expression profiles. In particular, transcriptome analysis suggested that AG condition could prevent the alterations of some atrophy-related genes. We further screened novel candidate genes to reveal the muscle atrophy mechanism from these gene expression profiles. We suggest the potential role of Cacng1 in the atrophy of myotubes using in vitro and in vivo gene transductions. This critical project may accelerate the elucidation of muscle atrophy mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Okada
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Fujita
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Riku Suzuki
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takuto Hayashi
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hirona Tsubouchi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Chihiro Kato
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Master's Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shunya Sadaki
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Maho Kanai
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Sayaka Fuseya
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuri Inoue
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hyojung Jeon
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Michito Hamada
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akiko Ishii
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Tamaoka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Jun Tanihata
- Department of Cell Physiology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Naoki Ito
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe (FBRI), Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo Experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
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26
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Abstract
Among the ~22,000 human genes, very few remain that have unknown functions. One such example is suprabasin (SBSN). Originally described as a component of the cornified envelope, the function of stratified epithelia-expressed SBSN is unknown. Both the lack of knowledge about the gene role under physiological conditions and the emerging link of SBSN to various human diseases, including cancer, attract research interest. The association of SBSN expression with poor prognosis of patients suffering from oesophageal carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and myelodysplastic syndromes suggests that SBSN may play a role in human tumourigenesis. Three SBSN isoforms code for the secreted proteins with putative function as signalling molecules, yet with poorly described effects. In this first review about SBSN, we summarised the current knowledge accumulated since its original description, and we discuss the potential mechanisms and roles of SBSN in both physiology and pathology.
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27
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Zhao H, Shi Y, Qiu C, Zhao J, Gong Y, Nie C, Wu B, Yang Y, Wang F, Luo L. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Ultrastructure and Apoptosis of Choroidal Vascular Endothelial Cells. Front Physiol 2021; 11:577325. [PMID: 33536932 PMCID: PMC7848211 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.577325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It was confirmed that simulated microgravity (SMG) led to ultrastructural alterations and apoptosis in many types of microvascular endothelial cells. However, whether SMG would also affect choroidal vascular endothelial cells (CVECs) remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of SMG on ultrastructure and apoptosis of CVECs. Methods The rotary cell culture system (RCCS) was utilized to simulate microgravity condition. Human CVECs were cultured under normal gravity (NG) or SMG condition for 3 days. The ultrastructure was viewed under transmission electron microscopy, and the organization of F-actin was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, the apoptosis percentage was calculated using flow cytometry. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase3, Cytochrome C, p-AKT, and p-PI3K were detected with quantitative PCR and Western blot at different exposure time. Results In the SMG group, CVECs presented with a shrunk cell body, chromatin condensation and margination, mitochondria vacuolization, and apoptotic bodies. The amount of F-actin decreased, and the filaments of F-actin were sparse or even partly discontinuous after cultivation under SMG for 72 h. The proportions of apoptotic CVECs in SMG groups at 24 and 72 h were significantly higher than those in the NG group (P < 0.001). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Caspase3, and Cytochrome C of CVECs in SMG groups at 24 and 72 h significantly increased than those of the NG group, respectively (P < 0.001). The alterations of p-AKT and p-PI3K protein expression possessed similar trends. On the contrary, the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 in CVECs under SMG at 24 and 72 h were significantly less than that of the NG group, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion Simulated microgravity conditions can lead the alterations of the F-actin structure and apoptosis of CVECs. The Bcl-2 apoptosis pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway may participate in the damage of CVECs caused by SMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Changyu Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chuang Nie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
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28
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Willey JS, Britten RA, Blaber E, Tahimic CG, Chancellor J, Mortreux M, Sanford LD, Kubik AJ, Delp MD, Mao XW. The individual and combined effects of spaceflight radiation and microgravity on biologic systems and functional outcomes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:129-179. [PMID: 33902391 PMCID: PMC8274610 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1885283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Both microgravity and radiation exposure in the spaceflight environment have been identified as hazards to astronaut health and performance. Substantial study has been focused on understanding the biology and risks associated with prolonged exposure to microgravity, and the hazards presented by radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPEs) outside of low earth orbit (LEO). To date, the majority of the ground-based analogues (e.g., rodent or cell culture studies) that investigate the biology of and risks associated with spaceflight hazards will focus on an individual hazard in isolation. However, astronauts will face these challenges simultaneously Combined hazard studies are necessary for understanding the risks astronauts face as they travel outside of LEO, and are also critical for countermeasure development. The focus of this review is to describe biologic and functional outcomes from ground-based analogue models for microgravity and radiation, specifically highlighting the combined effects of radiation and reduced weight-bearing from rodent ground-based tail suspension via hind limb unloading (HLU) and partial weight-bearing (PWB) models, although in vitro and spaceflight results are discussed as appropriate. The review focuses on the skeletal, ocular, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and stem cells responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | | | | | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Larry D. Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
| | - Angela J. Kubik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
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29
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Prasad B, Grimm D, Strauch SM, Erzinger GS, Corydon TJ, Lebert M, Magnusson NE, Infanger M, Richter P, Krüger M. Influence of Microgravity on Apoptosis in Cells, Tissues, and Other Systems In Vivo and In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9373. [PMID: 33317046 PMCID: PMC7764784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All life forms have evolved under the constant force of gravity on Earth and developed ways to counterbalance acceleration load. In space, shear forces, buoyance-driven convection, and hydrostatic pressure are nullified or strongly reduced. When subjected to microgravity in space, the equilibrium between cell architecture and the external force is disturbed, resulting in changes at the cellular and sub-cellular levels (e.g., cytoskeleton, signal transduction, membrane permeability, etc.). Cosmic radiation also poses great health risks to astronauts because it has high linear energy transfer values that evoke complex DNA and other cellular damage. Space environmental conditions have been shown to influence apoptosis in various cell types. Apoptosis has important functions in morphogenesis, organ development, and wound healing. This review provides an overview of microgravity research platforms and apoptosis. The sections summarize the current knowledge of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on cells with respect to apoptosis. Apoptosis-related microgravity experiments conducted with different mammalian model systems are presented. Recent findings in cells of the immune system, cardiovascular system, brain, eyes, cartilage, bone, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, as well as cancer cells investigated under real and simulated microgravity conditions, are discussed. This comprehensive review indicates the potential of the space environment in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Prasad
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (D.G.); (T.J.C.)
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M. Strauch
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-710, Brazil; (S.M.S.); (G.S.E.)
| | - Gilmar Sidnei Erzinger
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-710, Brazil; (S.M.S.); (G.S.E.)
| | - Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (D.G.); (T.J.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
- Space Biology Unlimited SAS, 24 Cours de l’Intendance, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nils E. Magnusson
- Diabetes and Hormone Diseases, Medical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark;
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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30
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Ji M, Kim HJ, Ahn CB, Son KH, Hong JH. Cellular channelopathy mediated by hypergravity: IL-6-mediated Nkcc1 activation and enhanced Trpm2 expression in rat atrium. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 383:1017-1024. [PMID: 33159577 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although cardiac tissue is considered a target of gravitational force (g-force), the mechanism of hypergravity on the ion modulation or identification of ion transporters is still unknown. Thus, we determine the effect of hypergravity on a physical force-sensitive cytokine, IL-6 and its related channel activity to investigate rat cardiac function changes in response to accelerated g-force. Serum IL-6 levels and intracellular calcium levels of the right atrium were moderately increased under hypergravity stimulation (4g). IL-6 was involved in the modulation of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter (Nkcc) activity. Surprisingly, the right atrium under 4g revealed significantly enhanced Nkcc1 activity. The use of IL-6 on the NKCC1-overexpressed or native NKCC-expressing cells also showed enhanced NKCC1 activity. Hypergravity conditions were also involved in the oxidative stress activated Trpm2 channel and revealed an enhanced expression of the Trpm2 channel under 4g in the rat right atrium. In conclusion, hypergravity revealed that moderate increases in serum IL-6 and enhanced Nkcc1 activity was modulated by IL-6. In addition, enhanced Trpm2 channel expression could be involved in the increased intracellular calcium levels of the right atrium under hypergravitational force. We therefore address that enhanced physical force-sensitive cytokine and oxidative stress by the gravitational force mediate activation of the cotransporter involved in possibilities of edema and calcium loading in cardiac tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjeong Ji
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, 155 Getbeolro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University College of Medicine, 27 Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, 22332, South Korea
| | - Chi Bum Ahn
- Center for Information Security Technologies, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Kuk Hui Son
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, 21565, South Korea.
| | - Jeong Hee Hong
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, 155 Getbeolro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21999, South Korea. .,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, 155 Getbeolro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21999, South Korea.
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31
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Boyle R. Otolith adaptive responses to altered gravity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 122:218-228. [PMID: 33152424 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The force of gravity has remained constantly present over the course of animal evolution and forms our frame of reference with the environment, including spatial orientation, navigation, gaze and postural stability. Inertial head accelerations occur within this gravity frame of reference naturally during voluntary movements and perturbations. Execution of movements of aquatic, terrestrial and flight species widely differ, but the sensory systems detecting acceleration forces, including gravity, have remained remarkably conserved among vertebrates. The utricular organ senses the sum of inertial force due to head translation and head tilt relative to gravitational vertical. A sudden or persistent change in gravitational force would be expected to have profound and global effects on an organism. Physiological data collected immediately after orbital missions, after short and extended increases in gravity load via centrifugation, and after readaptation to normal gravity exist in the toadfish model. This review focuses on the otolith adaptive responses to changes in gravity in a number of model organisms and their potential impact on human space travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Boyle
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA USA.
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32
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Navasiolava N, Yuan M, Murphy R, Robin A, Coupé M, Wang L, Alameddine A, Gauquelin-Koch G, Gharib C, Li Y, Custaud MA. Vascular and Microvascular Dysfunction Induced by Microgravity and Its Analogs in Humans: Mechanisms and Countermeasures. Front Physiol 2020; 11:952. [PMID: 32973543 PMCID: PMC7468431 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness and physical inactivity have deleterious cardiovascular effects. The space environment and its ground-based models offer conditions to study the cardiovascular effects of physical inactivity in the absence of other vascular risk factors, particularly at the macro- and microcirculatory levels. However, the mechanisms involved in vascular dysfunction and remodeling are not sufficiently studied in the context of weightlessness and its analogs including models of physical inactivity. Here, we summarize vascular and microvascular changes induced by space flight and observed in models of microgravity and physical inactivity and review the effects of prophylactic strategies (i.e., countermeasures) on vascular and microvascular function. We discuss physical (e.g., exercise, vibration, lower body negative pressure, and artificial gravity) and nutritional/pharmacological (e.g., caloric restriction, resveratrol, and other vegetal extracts) countermeasures. Currently, exercise countermeasure appears to be the most effective to protect vascular function. Although pharmacological countermeasures are not currently considered to fight vascular changes due to microgravity, nutritional countermeasures are very promising. Dietary supplements/natural health products, especially plant extracts, should be extensively studied. The best prophylactic strategy is likely a combination of countermeasures that are effective not only at the cardiovascular level but also for the organism as a whole, but this strategy remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center (ACC), Beijing, China
| | - Ronan Murphy
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science & Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adrien Robin
- Clinical Research Center, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France.,Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Mickael Coupé
- Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Linjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center (ACC), Beijing, China
| | - Asmaa Alameddine
- Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Claude Gharib
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Est, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center (ACC), Beijing, China
| | - Marc-Antoine Custaud
- Clinical Research Center, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France.,Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
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33
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Clément GR, Boyle RD, George KA, Nelson GA, Reschke MF, Williams TJ, Paloski WH. Challenges to the central nervous system during human spaceflight missions to Mars. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2037-2063. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00476.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel presents a number of environmental challenges to the central nervous system, including changes in gravitational acceleration that alter the terrestrial synergies between perception and action, galactic cosmic radiation that can damage sensitive neurons and structures, and multiple factors (isolation, confinement, altered atmosphere, and mission parameters, including distance from Earth) that can affect cognition and behavior. Travelers to Mars will be exposed to these environmental challenges for up to 3 years, and space-faring nations continue to direct vigorous research investments to help elucidate and mitigate the consequences of these long-duration exposures. This article reviews the findings of more than 50 years of space-related neuroscience research on humans and animals exposed to spaceflight or analogs of spaceflight environments, and projects the implications and the forward work necessary to ensure successful Mars missions. It also reviews fundamental neurophysiology responses that will help us understand and maintain human health and performance on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard D. Boyle
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | | | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, School of Medicine Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Millard F. Reschke
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Thomas J. Williams
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - William H. Paloski
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
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34
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Hypergravity Activates a Pro-Angiogenic Homeostatic Response by Human Capillary Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072354. [PMID: 32231163 PMCID: PMC7177524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Capillary endothelial cells are responsible for homeostatic responses to organismic and environmental stimulations. When malfunctioning, they may cause disease. Exposure to microgravity is known to have negative effects on astronauts’ physiology, the endothelium being a particularly sensitive organ. Microgravity-related dysfunctions are striking similar to the consequences of sedentary life, bed rest, and ageing on Earth. Among different countermeasures implemented to minimize the effects of microgravity, a promising one is artificial gravity. We examined the effects of hypergravity on human microvascular endothelial cells of dermal capillary origin (HMEC-1) treated at 4 g for 15 min, and at 20 g for 15 min, 3 and 6 h. We evaluated cell morphology, gene expression and 2D motility and function. We found a profound rearrangement of the cytoskeleton network, dose-dependent increase of Focal Adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression, suggesting cell stiffening and increased proneness to motility. Transcriptome analysis showed expression changes of genes associated with cardiovascular homeostasis, nitric oxide production, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Hypergravity-treated cells also showed significantly improved motility and function (2D migration and tube formation). These results, expanding our knowledge about the homeostatic response of capillary endothelial cells, show that adaptation to hypergravity has opposite effect compared to microgravity on the same cell type.
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35
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Validation of a New Rodent Experimental System to Investigate Consequences of Long Duration Space Habitation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2336. [PMID: 32047211 PMCID: PMC7012842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are useful for exploring the health consequences of prolonged spaceflight. Capabilities were developed to perform experiments in low earth orbit with on-board sample recovery, thereby avoiding complications caused by return to Earth. For NASA’s Rodent Research-1 mission, female mice (ten 32 wk C57BL/6NTac; ten 16 wk C57BL/6J) were launched on an unmanned vehicle, then resided on the International Space Station for 21/22d or 37d in microgravity. Mice were euthanized on-orbit, livers and spleens dissected, and remaining tissues frozen in situ for later analyses. Mice appeared healthy by daily video health checks and body, adrenal, and spleen weights of 37d-flight (FLT) mice did not differ from ground controls housed in flight hardware (GC), while thymus weights were 35% greater in FLT than GC. Mice exposed to 37d of spaceflight displayed elevated liver mass (33%) and select enzyme activities compared to GC, whereas 21/22d-FLT mice did not. FLT mice appeared more physically active than respective GC while soleus muscle showed expected atrophy. RNA and enzyme activity levels in tissues recovered on-orbit were of acceptable quality. Thus, this system establishes a new capability for conducting long-duration experiments in space, enables sample recovery on-orbit, and avoids triggering standard indices of chronic stress.
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36
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Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and the neuro-ophthalmologic effects of microgravity: a review and an update. NPJ Microgravity 2020; 6:7. [PMID: 32047839 PMCID: PMC7005826 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-020-0097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged microgravity exposure during long-duration spaceflight (LDSF) produces unusual physiologic and pathologic neuro-ophthalmic findings in astronauts. These microgravity associated findings collectively define the “Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome” (SANS). We compare and contrast prior published work on SANS by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Space Medicine Operations Division with retrospective and prospective studies from other research groups. In this manuscript, we update and review the clinical manifestations of SANS including: unilateral and bilateral optic disc edema, globe flattening, choroidal and retinal folds, hyperopic refractive error shifts, and focal areas of ischemic retina (i.e., cotton wool spots). We also discuss the knowledge gaps for in-flight and terrestrial human research including potential countermeasures for future study. We recommend that NASA and its research partners continue to study SANS in preparation for future longer duration manned space missions.
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37
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Horie K, Kato T, Kudo T, Sasanuma H, Miyauchi M, Akiyama N, Miyao T, Seki T, Ishikawa T, Takakura Y, Shirakawa M, Shiba D, Hamada M, Jeon H, Yoshida N, Inoue JI, Muratani M, Takahashi S, Ohno H, Akiyama T. Impact of spaceflight on the murine thymus and mitigation by exposure to artificial gravity during spaceflight. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19866. [PMID: 31882694 PMCID: PMC6934594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment experienced during spaceflight may impact the immune system and the thymus appears to undergo atrophy during spaceflight. However, molecular aspects of this thymic atrophy remain to be elucidated. In this study, we analysed the thymi of mice on board the international space station (ISS) for approximately 1 month. Thymic size was significantly reduced after spaceflight. Notably, exposure of mice to 1 × g using centrifugation cages in the ISS significantly mitigated the reduction in thymic size. Although spaceflight caused thymic atrophy, the global thymic structure was not largely changed. However, RNA sequencing analysis of the thymus showed significantly reduced expression of cell cycle-regulating genes in two independent spaceflight samples. These reductions were partially countered by 1 × g exposure during the space flights. Thus, our data suggest that spaceflight leads to reduced proliferation of thymic cells, thereby reducing the size of the thymus, and exposure to 1 × g might alleviate the impairment of thymus homeostasis induced by spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Horie
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sasanuma
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takao Seki
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuki Takakura
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Michito Hamada
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hyojung Jeon
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.,Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Inoue
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.,Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan. .,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.
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38
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Yeung CK, Koenig P, Countryman S, Thummel KE, Himmelfarb J, Kelly EJ. Tissue Chips in Space-Challenges and Opportunities. Clin Transl Sci 2019; 13:8-10. [PMID: 31524321 PMCID: PMC6951467 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K Yeung
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Kidney Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Paul Koenig
- BioServe Space Technologies, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Kenneth E Thummel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Edward J Kelly
- Kidney Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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39
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Reptiles in Space Missions: Results and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123019. [PMID: 31226840 PMCID: PMC6627973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are a rare model object for space research. However, some reptile species demonstrate effective adaptation to spaceflight conditions. The main scope of this review is a comparative analysis of reptile experimental exposure in weightlessness, demonstrating the advantages and shortcomings of this model. The description of the known reptile experiments using turtles and geckos in the space and parabolic flight experiments is provided. Behavior, skeletal bones (morphology, histology, and X-ray microtomography), internal organs, and the nervous system (morphology, histology, and immunohistochemistry) are studied in the spaceflight experiments to date, while molecular and physiological results are restricted. Therefore, the results are discussed in the scope of molecular data collected from mammalian (mainly rodents) specimens and cell cultures in the parabolic and orbital flights and simulated microgravity. The published data are compared with the results of the gecko model studies after the 12–44.5-day spaceflights with special reference to the unique peculiarities of the gecko model for the orbital experiments. The complex study of thick-toed geckos after three spaceflights, in which all geckos survived and demonstrated effective adaptation to spaceflight conditions, was performed. However, future investigations are needed to study molecular mechanisms of gecko adaptation in space.
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40
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Mao XW, Nishiyama NC, Byrum SD, Stanbouly S, Jones T, Drew A, Sridharan V, Boerma M, Tackett AJ, Zawieja D, Willey JS, Delp M, Pecaut MJ. Characterization of mouse ocular response to a 35-day spaceflight mission: Evidence of blood-retinal barrier disruption and ocular adaptations. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8215. [PMID: 31160660 PMCID: PMC6547757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The health risks associated with spaceflight-induced ocular structural and functional damage has become a recent concern for NASA. The goal of the present study was to characterize the effects of spaceflight and reentry to 1 g on the structure and integrity of the retina and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) in the eye. To investigate possible mechanisms, changes in protein expression profiles were examined in mouse ocular tissue after spaceflight. Ten week old male C57BL/6 mice were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Space-X 12 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on August, 2017. After a 35-day mission, mice were returned to Earth alive. Within 38 +/− 4 hours of splashdown, mice were euthanized and ocular tissues were collected for analysis. Ground control (GC) and vivarium control mice were maintained on Earth in flight hardware or normal vivarium cages respectively. Repeated intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed before the flight launch and re-measured before the mice were euthanized after splashdown. IOP was significantly lower in post-flight measurements compared to that of pre-flight (14.4–19.3 mmHg vs 16.3–20.3 mmHg) (p < 0.05) for the left eye. Flight group had significant apoptosis in the retina and retinal vascular endothelial cells compared to control groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of the retina revealed that an increased expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) in the flight mice compared to controls gave strong indication of disturbance of BRB integrity. There were also a significant increase in the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and a decrease in the expression of the BRB-related tight junction protein, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Proteomic analysis showed that many key proteins and pathways responsible for cell death, cell cycle, immune response, mitochondrial function and metabolic stress were significantly altered in the flight mice compared to ground control animals. These data indicate a complex cellular response that may alter retina structure and BRB integrity following long-term spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao W Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
| | - Nina C Nishiyama
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Seta Stanbouly
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Tamako Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Alyson Drew
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - David Zawieja
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Bowman Gray Center, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Michael Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
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