DNA methylation dynamics associated with long-term isolation of simulated space travel, 2022, Hou et al.

DNA methylation dynamics associated with long-term isolation of simulated space travel
Fei Hou; Xu Zhou; Shunheng Zhou; Haizhou Liu; Yu-e Huang; Mengqin Yuan; Jicun Zhu; Xinyu Cao; Wei Jiang

Long-term isolation is one of the risk factors that astronauts will encounter in spaceflight. At present, few researches have explored DNA methylation dynamics during long-term isolation. In this study, using time series DNA methylation data from ‘‘Mars-500’’ mission, we conducted a multi-step analysis to investigate the characteristics and dynamic patterns of DNA methylation as well as their functional insights during long-term isolation.

The results showed that genome-wide methylation changes were minimal. In the six identified DNA methylation dynamic patterns, most of significantly fluctuating CpG sites could be returned to the baseline in post-isolation, and the remaining sites persistently decreased during isolation. Next, functional enrichment analysis of genes with each pattern revealed strong functional specificity. Some patterns were also significantly associated with nervous system diseases, digestive system diseases and cancers. In conclusion, the DNA methylation dynamics during long-term isolation have great functional significance, and might be helpful for protection of astronaut health.

Link | PDF (iScience)

 

See YouTube video - Mars500: one year inside.

Many of the spaceflight papers looking at immune (esp NK cell) dysfunction, herpesvirus reactivation, metabolic, gut microbiome and cardiovascular dysregulation seem to have overlap with ME findings. As with this paper, they put a lot of emphasis on the psychological effects of isolation.

I'm more interested in the role of reduced near infrared radiation absorption. Near infrared radiation is blocked by any electrically conducting material, eg aluminium foil, so won't get through the spacecraft's skin to the astronauts. In space cosmic and gamma radiation etc exposure would be increased and represent an alternative risk, but that wouldn't have been the case for Mars500, antarctic or underwater environments.