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Bukreeva I, Gulimova VI, Krivonosov YS, Buzmakov AV, Junemann O, Cedola A, Fratini M, Maugeri L, Begani Provinciali G, Palermo F, Sanna A, Pieroni N, Asadchikov VE, Saveliev SV. The Study of the Caudal Vertebrae of Thick-Toed Geckos after a Prolonged Space Flight by X-ray Phase-Contrast Micro-CT. Cells 2023; 12:2415. [PMID: 37830629 PMCID: PMC10572532 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The proximal caudal vertebrae and notochord in thick-toed geckos (TG) (Chondrodactylus turneri, Gray, 1864) were investigated after a 30-day space flight onboard the biosatellite Bion-M1. This region has not been explored in previous studies. Our research focused on finding sites most affected by demineralization caused by microgravity (G0). We used X-ray phase-contrast tomography to study TG samples without invasive prior preparation to clarify our previous findings on the resistance of TG's bones to demineralization in G0. The results of the present study confirmed that geckos are capable of preserving bone mass after flight, as neither cortical nor trabecular bone volume fraction showed statistically significant changes after flight. On the other hand, we observed a clear decrease in the mineralization of the notochordal septum and a substantial rise in intercentrum volume following the flight. To monitor TG's mineral metabolism in G0, we propose to measure the volume of mineralized tissue in the notochordal septum. This technique holds promise as a sensitive approach to track the demineralization process in G0, given that the volume of calcification within the septum is limited, making it easy to detect even slight changes in mineral content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Bukreeva
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 53, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria I. Gulimova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, Tsyurupy Str. 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Yuri S. Krivonosov
- Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia (V.E.A.)
| | - Alexey V. Buzmakov
- Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia (V.E.A.)
| | - Olga Junemann
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, Tsyurupy Str. 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alessia Cedola
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Michela Fratini
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306/354, 00142 Roma, Italy
| | - Laura Maugeri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306/354, 00142 Roma, Italy
| | - Ginevra Begani Provinciali
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
- Physics Department, ‘Sapienza’ University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Laboratoire d’Optique Appliquée, CNRS, ENSTA Paris, Ecole Polytechnique IP Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Francesca Palermo
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Alessia Sanna
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Nicola Pieroni
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Rome Unit, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (O.J.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Victor E. Asadchikov
- Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia (V.E.A.)
| | - Sergey V. Saveliev
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, Tsyurupy Str. 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia;
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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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Proshchina A, Gulimova V, Kharlamova A, Krivova Y, Barabanov V, Saveliev S. Cytoskeleton Markers in the Spinal Cord and Mechanoreceptors of Thick-Toed Geckos after Prolonged Space Flights. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12010100. [PMID: 35054493 PMCID: PMC8781937 DOI: 10.3390/life12010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight may cause hypogravitational motor syndrome (HMS). However, the role of the nervous system in the formation of HMS remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of space flights on the cytoskeleton of the neuronal and glial cells in the spinal cord and mechanoreceptors in the toes of thick-toed geckos (Chondrodactylus turneri GRAY, 1864). Thick-toed geckos are able to maintain attachment and natural locomotion in weightlessness. Different types of mechanoreceptors have been described in the toes of geckos. After flight, neurofilament 200 immunoreactivity in mechanoreceptors was lower than in control. In some motor neurons of flight geckos, nonspecific pathomorphological changes were observed, but they were also detected in the control. No signs of gliosis were detected after spaceflight. Cytoskeleton markers adequately reflect changes in the cells of the nervous system. We suggest that geckos’ adhesion is controlled by the nervous system. Our study revealed no significant disturbances in the morphology of the spinal cord after the prolonged space flight, supporting the hypothesis that geckos compensate the alterations, characteristic for other mammals in weightlessness, by tactile stimulation.
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Cahill T, Cope H, Bass JJ, Overbey EG, Gilbert R, da Silveira WA, Paul AM, Mishra T, Herranz R, Reinsch SS, Costes SV, Hardiman G, Szewczyk NJ, Tahimic CGT. Mammalian and Invertebrate Models as Complementary Tools for Gaining Mechanistic Insight on Muscle Responses to Spaceflight. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179470. [PMID: 34502375 PMCID: PMC8430797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics approaches have proven useful in understanding biological responses to spaceflight. Spaceflight experiments remain resource intensive and rare. One outstanding issue is how to maximize scientific output from a limited number of omics datasets from traditional animal models including nematodes, fruitfly, and rodents. The utility of omics data from invertebrate models in anticipating mammalian responses to spaceflight has not been fully explored. Hence, we performed comparative analyses of transcriptomes of soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in mice that underwent 37 days of spaceflight. Results indicate shared stress responses and altered circadian rhythm. EDL showed more robust growth signals and Pde2a downregulation, possibly underlying its resistance to atrophy versus soleus. Spaceflight and hindlimb unloading mice shared differential regulation of proliferation, circadian, and neuronal signaling. Shared gene regulation in muscles of humans on bedrest and space flown rodents suggest targets for mitigating muscle atrophy in space and on Earth. Spaceflight responses of C. elegans were more similar to EDL. Discrete life stages of D. melanogaster have distinct utility in anticipating EDL and soleus responses. In summary, spaceflight leads to shared and discrete molecular responses between muscle types and invertebrate models may augment mechanistic knowledge gained from rodent spaceflight and ground-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (G.H.)
| | - Henry Cope
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2QL, UK;
| | - Joseph J. Bass
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2QL, UK; (J.J.B.); (N.J.S.)
| | - Eliah G. Overbey
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Rachel Gilbert
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (R.G.); (A.M.P.); (S.S.R.); (S.V.C.)
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD 21046, USA
| | - Willian Abraham da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (G.H.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Amber M. Paul
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (R.G.); (A.M.P.); (S.S.R.); (S.V.C.)
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Tejaswini Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas–CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sigrid S. Reinsch
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (R.G.); (A.M.P.); (S.S.R.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (R.G.); (A.M.P.); (S.S.R.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (G.H.)
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2QL, UK; (J.J.B.); (N.J.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Candice G. T. Tahimic
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (R.G.); (A.M.P.); (S.S.R.); (S.V.C.)
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Correspondence:
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Kharlamova A, Proshchina A, Gulimova V, Krivova Y, Soldatov P, Saveliev S. Cerebellar morphology and behavioural correlations of the vestibular function alterations in weightlessness. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:314-328. [PMID: 33766673 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans and other vertebrates, the range of disturbances and behavioural changes induced by spaceflight conditions are well known. Sensory organs and the central nervous system (CNS) are forced to adapt to new environmental conditions of weightlessness. In comparison with peripheral vestibular organs and behavioural disturbances in weightlessness conditions, the CNS vestibular centres of vertebrates, including the cerebellum, have been poorly examined in orbital experiments, as well as in experimental micro- and hypergravity. However, the cerebellum serves as a critical control centre for learning and sensory system integration during space-flight. Thus, it is referred to as a principal brain structure for adaptation to gravity and the entire sensorimotor adaptation and learning during weightlessness. This paper is focused on the prolonged spaceflight effects on the vestibular cerebellum evidenced from animal models used in the Bion-M1 project. The changes in the peripheral vestibular apparatus and brainstem primary vestibular centres with appropriate behavioural disorders after altered gravity exposure are briefly reviewed. The cerebellum studies in space missions and altered gravity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kharlamova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Victoria Gulimova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Krivova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Soldatov
- State Scientific Center of Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007, Khoroshevskoyoe Shosse, 76A, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Saveliev
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
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Abstract
Reptile behavior varies widely among the approximately 11,000 species of this class. The authors' objective is to allow practitioners to discriminate between normal and abnormal behaviors in reptiles. Some of the most common reasons for presentation of behavioral issues are discussed, including hyperactivity, self-mutilation, biting, repetitive behaviors, and postural abnormalities. Medical problems and suboptimal husbandry causing abnormal behaviors should be ruled out by attending veterinarians. Addressing behavior issues involves determining a differential diagnosis through a systematic approach, which then allows implementation of necessary environmental changes including enrichment, developing plans for behavior modification and biomedical training, and medication when appropriate.
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