CGAS/STING Pathway Mediates Accelerated Intestinal Cell Senescence and SASP After GCR Exposure in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Long-duration space missions expose astronauts to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), a complex spectrum of high-charge, high-energy (HZE) ions that pose significant risks of chronic tissue injury. To model these effects, we examined intestinal outcomes in wild-type mice 5 months after low-dose (50 cGy) 33-ion mixed-field GCR simulation (GCRsim). GCRsim induced sustained DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and oxidative stress, as shown by elevated γH2AX foci and 4-HNE staining. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) exhibited pronounced senescence, marked by increased SA-β-gal activity, p16 upregulation, LaminB1 loss, and induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) cytokines (Cxcl10, IL-6, IL-1β, Icam1). GCRsim also elevated circulating LINE-1 DNA and re

SUBMITTER: Kumar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12651403 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature