Space radiation damage rescued by inhibition of key spaceflight associated miRNAs
Date
2024-06-11T00:00:00Z
Authors
McDonald, J. Tyson
Kim, JangKeun
Farmerie, Lily
Johnson, Meghan L.
Trovao, Nidia S.
Arif, Shehbeel
Siew, Keith
Tsoy, Sergey
Bram, Yaron
Park, Jiwoon
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nature Research
Abstract
Our previous research revealed a key microRNA signature that is associated with spaceflight that can be used as a biomarker and to develop countermeasure treatments to mitigate the damage caused by space radiation. Here, we expand on this work to determine the biological factors rescued by the countermeasure treatment. We performed RNA-sequencing and transcriptomic analysis on 3D microvessel cell cultures exposed to simulated deep space radiation (0.5 Gy of Galactic Cosmic Radiation) with and without the antagonists to three microRNAs: miR-16-5p, miR-125b-5p, and let-7a-5p (i.e., antagomirs). Significant reduction of inflammation and DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) activity and rescue of mitochondria functions are observed after antagomir treatment. Using data from astronaut participants in the NASA Twin Study, Inspiration4, and JAXA missions, we reveal the genes and pathways implicated in the action of these antagomirs are altered in humans. Our findings indicate a countermeasure strategy that can potentially be utilized by astronauts in spaceflight missions to mitigate space radiation damage.
Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
Article
Comments
This article is published as McDonald, J.T., Kim, J., Farmerie, L. et al. Space radiation damage rescued by inhibition of key spaceflight associated miRNAs. Nat Commun 15, 4825 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48920-y. Works produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted.