Microgravity alleviates low-dose radiation-induced non-targeted carcinogenic effects

Area of Science:

• Space biology
• Cancer research
• Genomics

Background:

• Astronauts face significant health risks in space, including increased cancer risk.
• The mechanisms by which space hazards like microgravity and radiation induce cellular carcinogenesis remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined effects of simulated microgravity (SMG) and space radiation on cellular genomic instability (GI) and carcinogenic transformation.
• To identify key genes involved in these radiation-induced cellular changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simulated microgravity (SMG) and various doses of X-rays and carbon ions.
• Performed transcriptomic sequencing and KEGG analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• Analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and used AREG knockdown/overexpression cell lines for validation.

Main Results:

• Radiation increased GI and carcinogenic transformation in SMG, but reduced damage in bystander cells at lower doses.
• Five DEGs related to carcinogenesis were identified, with AREG showing a strong link to lung cancer.
• Abnormal AREG expression was significantly correlated with increased genomic instability.

Conclusions:

• AREG plays a critical role in genomic instability and carcinogenic transformation induced by SMG and radiation exposure.
• Understanding AREG's function is crucial for mitigating cancer risks for astronauts.