Low-Intensity, Short-Duration Proton Irradiation Enhances Oxidative Stress Sensitivity of <i>Aspergillus nidulans</i>, with Transcriptomic Data Indicating Downregulation of Antioxidative Enzyme Genes.

ABSTRACT: Fungi regularly occur on spacecrafts, posing a serious risk to humans and equipment. In this study, we characterized how the model organism Aspergillus nidulans responds to low-intensity, short-duration proton irradiation designed to simulate a solar particle event, a common stress factor in space. The oxidative stress-sensitive ∆atfA mutant exhibited a lower survival rate than the wild-type strain. Pretreatment of the wild-type strain with menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB), which activates oxidative stress defense mechanisms, increased tolerance to proton beam radiation. These data are consistent with the idea that oxidative defense contributes to cellular responses to ionizing radiation. Unexpectedly, the applied radiation decreased the tolerance to MSB. To understand this u

SUBMITTER: Szarka M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12941786 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature