Spatially resolved multiomics on the neuronal effects induced by spaceflight in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Space Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) impairment is a major risk for astronauts on long space missions.
• Understanding spaceflight's effects on the brain is crucial for astronaut health and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of spaceflight on the female mouse brain using integrated single-cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics.
• To identify specific brain regions and cellular processes affected by spaceflight.

Main Methods:

• Integration of single-cell transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility, and spatial transcriptomics.
• Comparative analysis of brain tissue from ground control and spaceflight-exposed female mice.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and synaptic transmission were observed in the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and neuroendocrine structures.
• Evidence of astrocyte activation and immune dysfunction in spaceflight-exposed mice.
• Spaceflight-induced brain changes show similarities to neurodegenerative disorders, including oxidative stress and protein misfolding.

Conclusions:

• Integrated spatial multiomics provides a detailed view of spaceflight-induced CNS impairments at regional and cellular levels.
• Findings provide a baseline for future spaceflight research and highlight potential health risks for astronauts.
• All study datasets are publicly available via an interactive portal and NASA OSDR.