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Changes in the astronaut serum proteome during prolonged spaceflight.
Yayoi Kimura1, Yusuke Nakai1, Yoko Ino1
1Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
Proteomics
|January 7, 2024
Summary
Spaceflight alters astronauts' bone metabolism, indicated by changes in serum proteins. Specific bone metabolism markers identified could monitor astronaut health during long-duration missions.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Proteomics
- Astronaut health
Background:
- Molecular mechanisms of spaceflight adaptations are not well understood.
- Space travel can impact healthy tissue function, including bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal changes in astronaut serum proteome during prolonged spaceflight.
- To identify potential biomarkers for bone metabolism changes in astronauts.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative proteome analysis using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS).
- Analysis of serum samples from six astronauts before, during, and after a 6-month spaceflight mission.
Main Results:
- Identified 624 nonredundant serum proteins and their quantitative changes over time.
- Observed decreasing T-scores in astronauts, indicating bone density loss.
- Detected significant changes in serum protein profiles related to bone metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight induces abnormalities in astronaut bone metabolism.
- Serum proteins like ALPL, COL1A1, SPP1, and POSTN are responsive indicators of bone metabolism status.
- Findings advance understanding of molecular adaptations during long-duration spaceflight.
