Transcriptomics, NF-κB Pathway, and Their Potential Spaceflight-Related Health Consequences

Area of Science:

• Space Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Astrobiology

Background:

• Spaceflight exposes astronauts to microgravity and radiation, causing health issues like bone loss and immune dysfunction.
• Understanding molecular mechanisms of spaceflight's impact is vital for risk assessment and developing countermeasures.
• The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) network is frequently affected by spaceflight conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review transcriptomics studies identifying NF-κB as a responsive pathway to simulated or true spaceflight.
• To summarize research on NF-κB's role in spaceflight-related health risks.
• To highlight the importance of NF-κB research for astronaut well-being.

Main Methods:

• Review of transcriptomics studies using human cell and animal models.
• Analysis of studies investigating NF-κB in specific cell types and organ tissues.
• Examination of NF-κB's involvement in immune dysfunction, bone loss, muscle atrophy, CNS dysfunction, and radiation risks.

Main Results:

• NF-κB pathway is consistently affected across various cell types under spaceflight conditions.
• NF-κB's activation or inhibition varies by cell type, but health impacts are consistently negative.
• NF-κB is linked to multiple spaceflight-induced health problems.

Conclusions:

• The NF-κB pathway is a significant molecular player in spaceflight's adverse health effects.
• Targeting NF-κB may offer potential countermeasures for astronaut health.
• Further research into the NF-κB pathway is essential for ensuring crew health during space missions.