Epigenetic and physiological alterations in zebrafish subjected to hypergravity.
Marcela Salazar1, Silvia Joly1, Guillem Anglada-Escudé2,3
1Department of Renewable Marine Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
Plos One
|May 22, 2024
Summary
Altered gravity, specifically hypergravity, significantly impacts zebrafish development and behavior. This study reveals hypergravity induces genome-wide hypermethylation, highlighting epigenetic changes in response to space-like conditions.
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Zebrafish Model Organisms
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Organisms are adapted to Earth's constant gravity.
- Space exploration necessitates understanding biological responses to altered gravity.
- Epigenetics explains how environmental factors influence gene function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of hypergravity on zebrafish development, behavior, and epigenetics.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying altered gravity responses.
- To assess the potential epigenetic hazards of space travel.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to hypergravity (approximately 3 g) for 5 days post-fertilization using a custom centrifuge.
- Developmental parameters (survival, hatching rate), physiological and morphological alterations (position, movement, swimming behavior) were assessed.
- Epigenetic changes, including genome-wide methylation and expression of epigenetic-related genes (dnmt1, dnmt3, tet1), were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hypergravity exposure led to a significant decrease in zebrafish survival at 2 days post-fertilization.
- Significant alterations in fish position, movement frequency, and swimming behavior were observed.
- Epigenetic analysis revealed significant genome-wide hypermethylation in zebrafish larvae subjected to hypergravity.
Conclusions:
- Altered gravity affects biological responses in zebrafish, including significant epigenetic modifications.
- Hypergravity induces hypermethylation and impacts zebrafish development and behavior.
- Findings provide insights into the potential epigenetic risks associated with living beyond Earth.
