Project description:In recent times, long-term stay has become a common occurrence in the International Space Station (ISS). However, adaptation to the space environment can sometimes pose physiological problems to the astronauts after their return. Therefore, it is important to develop healthcare technologies for astronauts. In this study, hair, an easy-to-obtain sample, was identified as the candidate. In order to investigate the genetic changes in human hair during space flight, the hair follicles of 10 astronauts were analyzed by DNA microarray and real time q-PCR analyses.
Project description:In recent times, long-term stay has become a common occurrence in the International Space Station (ISS). However, adaptation to the space environment can sometimes pose physiological problems to the astronauts after their return. Therefore, it is important to develop healthcare technologies for astronauts. In this study, hair, an easy-to-obtain sample, was identified as the candidate. In order to investigate the genetic changes in human hair during space flight, the hair follicles of 10 astronauts were analyzed by DNA microarray and real time q-PCR analyses. Space environment induced gene expression of hair follicles of astronaut was measured 6 differnent times included 2 in flight on orbit. Ten independent experiments were performed on differing astronauts. and the sampling day was differed for each astronaut because of their schedules.
Project description:The bone loss observed in astronauts and animal models after spaceflight is attributable to alterations in the bone tissue formation that depends from the continuous remodeling through the activities of bone-resorbing osteoclasts of hematopoietic lineage and bone-forming osteoblasts of mesenchymal origin. This disease is frequent in aged people, but develops much more rapidly in space. Our experiment, selected by ESA (European Space Agency), aimed to determine how human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) react and differentiate in real microgravity, on board the International Space Station, in approx. 2 weeks time.
Project description:The bone loss observed in astronauts and animal models after spaceflight is attributable to alterations in the bone tissue formation that depends from the continuous remodeling through the activities of bone-resorbing osteoclasts of hematopoietic lineage and bone-forming osteoblasts of mesenchymal origin. This disease is frequent in aged people, but develops much more rapidly in space. Our experiment, selected by ESA (European Space Agency), aimed to determine how human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) react and differentiate in real microgravity, on board the International Space Station, in approx. 2 weeks time.
Project description:The bone loss observed in astronauts and animal models after spaceflight is attributable to alterations in the bone tissue formation that depends from the continuous remodeling through the activities of bone-resorbing osteoclasts of hematopoietic lineage and bone-forming osteoblasts of mesenchymal origin. This disease is frequent in aged people, but develops much more rapidly in space. Our experiment, selected by ESA (European Space Agency), aimed to determine how human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) react and differentiate in real microgravity, on board the International Space Station, in approx. 2 weeks time.
Project description:Genome-wide transcriptional profiling shows that reducing gravity levels in the International Space Station (ISS) causes important alterations in Drosophila gene expression. However, simulation experiments on ground, without space constraints, show weaker effects than space environment. A global and integrative analysis using the “gene expression dynamics inspector” (GEDI) self-organizing maps, reveals a subtle response of the transcriptome using different populations and microgravity and hypergravity simulation devices. These results suggest that, in addition to behavioural responses that can be detected also at the gene expression level, the transcriptome is finely tuned to normal gravity. The alteration of this constant parameter on Earth can have effects on gene expression that depends both on the environmental conditions and the ground based facility used to compensate the gravity vector. Alternative and commons effects of mechanical facilities, like the Random Positioning Machine and a centrifuge, and strong magnetic field ones, like a cryogenically cooled superconductive magnet, are discussed.
Project description:Efficient generation of functional cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) is critical for their use in regenerative medicine and other applications. In this study, we evaluated the effect of space microgravity (µg) on the differentiation of hiPSC-derived cardiac progenitors compared with parallel 1g condition on the International Space Station. Cryopreserved 3D cardiac progenitors derived from hiPSCs were cultured for 3 weeks. Compared with 1g culture, the µg culture had larger sphere sizes, increased expression of proliferation markers, higher counts of nuclei, and higher cell viability. Highly enriched cardiomyocytes generated in µg had appropriate gene expression and cardiac structure as well as improved function including contractility and Ca2+ handling. RNA-seq analysis of 3-day cultures revealed that short-term exposure of cardiac progenitor spheres to space microgravity upregulated genes involved in cell proliferation, cardiac differentiation, and contraction. These results indicate that space microgravity increased survival and proliferation of hiPSC-CMs and improved their structures and functions.
Project description:Abstract Background The extraordinarily resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans withstands harsh environmental conditions present in outer space. Deinococcus radiodurans was exposed for one year outside the International Space Station within Tanpopo orbital mission to investigate microbial survival and space travel. In addition, a ground-based simulation experiment with conditions, mirroring those from Low Earth orbit, was performed. Methods We monitored Deinococcus radiodurans cells during early stage of recovery after Low Earth orbit exposure using electron microscopy tools. Furthermore, proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for the survival of Deinococcus radiodurans in Low Earth orbit. Results D. radiodurans cells exposed to low Earth orbit conditions do not exhibit any morphological damage. However, an accumulation of numerous outer-membrane associated vesicles was observed. On levels of proteins and transcripts, a multifaceted response was detected to alleviate cell stress. The UvrABC endonuclease excision repair mechanism was triggered to cope with DNA damage. Defense against reactive oxygen species is mirrored by the increased abundance of catalases and is accompanied by the increased abundance of putrescine which works as scavenging molecule. In addition, several proteins and mRNAs, responsible for regulatory and transporting functions showed increased abundances. The decrease in primary metabolites indicate alternations in the energy status, which is needed to repair damaged molecules. Conclusion Low Earth orbit induced molecular rearrangements trigger multiple components of metabolic stress response and regulatory networks in exposed microbial cells. Presented results show that the non-sporulating bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans survived long-term Low Earth orbit exposure if wavelength below 200 nm are not present, which mirrors the UV spectrum of Mars, where CO2 effectively provides a shield below 190 nm. These results should be considered in the context of planetary protection concerns and the development of new sterilization techniques for future space missions.