A network-based conditional genetic association analysis of the human metabolome.

Background: Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of loci that influence a wide variety of complex human traits; however, little is known regarding the biological mechanism of action of these loci. The recent accumulation of functional genomics ("omics"), including metabolomics data, has created new opportunities for studying the functional role of specific changes in the genome. Functional genomic data are characterized by their high dimensionality, the presence of (strong) statistical dependency between traits, and, potentially, complex genetic control. Therefore, the analysis of such data requires specific statistical genetics methods. Results: To facilitate our understanding of the genetic control of omics phenotypes, we propose a trait-centered, network-based conditional genetic association (cGAS) approach for identifying the direct effects of genetic variants on omics-based traits. For each trait of interest, we selected from a biological network a set of other traits to be used as covariates in the cGAS. The network can be reconstructed either from biological pathway databases (a mechanistic approach) or directly from the data, using a Gaussian graphical model applied to the metabolome (a data-driven approach). We derived mathematical expressions that allow comparison of the power of univariate analyses with conditional genetic association analyses. We then tested our approach using data from a population-based Cooperative Health Research in the region of Augsburg (KORA) study (n = 1,784 subjects, 1.7 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms) with measured data for 151 metabolites. Conclusions: We found that compared to single-trait analysis, performing a genetic association analysis that includes biologically relevant covariates can either gain or lose power, depending on specific pleiotropic scenarios, for which we provide empirical examples. In the context of analyzed metabolomics data, the mechanistic network approach had more power compared to the data-driven approach. Nevertheless, we believe that our analysis shows that neither a prior-knowledge-only approach nor a phenotypic-data-only approach is optimal, and we discuss possibilities for improvement.

A DNA methylation biomarker of alcohol consumption.

The lack of reliable measures of alcohol intake is a major obstacle to the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-related diseases. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may provide novel biomarkers of alcohol use. To examine this possibility, we performed an epigenome-wide association study of methylation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites in relation to alcohol intake in 13 population-based cohorts (ntotal=13 317; 54% women; mean age across cohorts 42-76 years) using whole blood (9643 European and 2423 African ancestries) or monocyte-derived DNA (588 European, 263 African and 400 Hispanic ancestry) samples. We performed meta-analysis and variable selection in whole-blood samples of people of European ancestry (n=6926) and identified 144 CpGs that provided substantial discrimination (area under the curve=0.90-0.99) for current heavy alcohol intake (⩾42 g per day in men and ⩾28 g per day in women) in four replication cohorts. The ancestry-stratified meta-analysis in whole blood identified 328 (9643 European ancestry samples) and 165 (2423 African ancestry samples) alcohol-related CpGs at Bonferroni-adjusted P<1 × 10-7. Analysis of the monocyte-derived DNA (n=1251) identified 62 alcohol-related CpGs at P<1 × 10-7. In whole-blood samples of people of European ancestry, we detected differential methylation in two neurotransmitter receptor genes, the γ-Aminobutyric acid-A receptor delta and γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor subunit 1; their differential methylation was associated with expression levels of a number of genes involved in immune function. In conclusion, we have identified a robust alcohol-related DNA methylation signature and shown the potential utility of DNA methylation as a clinically useful diagnostic test to detect current heavy alcohol consumption.

Mitochondrial genetic variants identified to be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Despite the fact that mitochondrial dysfunctions are increasingly recognized as key components in stress-related mental disorders, very little is known about the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mitochondrial variants. To identify susceptibility mitochondrial genes for PTSD, we analyzed a total number of 978 mitochondrial single-nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs) in a sample of 1238 individuals participating in the KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) study. Participants were classified with 'no PTSD', 'partial PTSD' or 'full PTSD' by applying the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale and the Impact of Event Scale. To assess PTSD-mtSNP association while taking heteroplasmy into account, we used the raw signal intensity values measured on the microarray and applied linear regression. Significant associations were obtained between full versus no PTSD and two mtSNPs; mt8414C->T (ß=-0.954±0.06, Padjusted=0.037) located in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase subunit 8 (MT-ATP8) and mt12501G->A (ß=-1.782±0.40, Padjusted=0.015) located in the NADH dehydrogenase subunits 5 (MT-ND5). Heteroplasmy for the two variants towards a larger number of the respective minor alleles increases the risk of having PTSD. NADH dehydrogenase and ATP synthase are both linked to the regulation of reactive oxygen species. Our results highlight the important role of the mitochondrial genome among the factors that contribute to the risk of PTSD. Mitochondrial genetic variants may be more important than has previously been assumed, leading to further insights regarding effects of existing medications, or even to the development of innovative treatments. As this is the first mitochondrial genome-wide association study for PTSDs, further analyses are needed to follow up on the present findings.

Low penetrance susceptibility to glioma is caused by the TP53 variant rs78378222.

BACKGROUND: Most of the heritable risk of glioma is presently unaccounted for by mutations in known genes. In addition to rare inactivating germline mutations in TP53 causing glioma in the context of the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, polymorphic variation in TP53 may also contribute to the risk of developing glioma. METHODS: To comprehensively evaluate the impact of variation in TP53 on risk, we analysed 23 tagSNPs and imputed 2377 unobserved genotypes in four series totaling 4147 glioma cases and 7435 controls. RESULTS: The strongest validated association signal was shown by the imputed single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs78378222 (P=6.86 × 10(-24), minor allele frequency ~0.013). Confirmatory genotyping confirmed the high quality of the imputation. The association between rs78378222 and risk was seen for both glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and non-GBM tumours. We comprehensively examined the relationship between rs78378222 and overall survival in two of the case series totaling 1699 individuals. Despite employing statistical tests sensitive to the detection of differences in early survival, no association was shown. CONCLUSION: Our data provided strong validation of rs78378222 as a risk factor for glioma but do not support the tenet that the polymorphism being a clinically useful prognostic marker. Acquired TP53 inactivation is a common feature of glioma. As rs78378222 changes the polyadenylation signal of TP53 leading to impaired 3'-end processing of TP53 mRNA, the SNP has strong plausibility for being directly functional contributing to the aetiological basis of glioma.

Integrative genetic and metabolite profiling analysis suggests altered phosphatidylcholine metabolism in asthma.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many risk loci for asthma, but effect sizes are small, and in most cases, the biological mechanisms are unclear. Targeted metabolite quantification that provides information about a whole range of pathways of intermediary metabolism can help to identify biomarkers and investigate disease mechanisms. Combining genetic and metabolic information can aid in characterizing genetic association signals with high resolution. This work aimed to investigate the interrelation of current asthma, candidate asthma risk alleles and a panel of metabolites. METHODS: We investigated 151 metabolites, quantified by targeted mass spectrometry, in fasting serum of asthmatic and nonasthmatic individuals from the population-based KORA F4 study (N = 2925). In addition, we analysed effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 24 asthma risk loci on these metabolites. RESULTS: Increased levels of various phosphatidylcholines and decreased levels of various lyso-phosphatidylcholines were associated with asthma. Likewise, asthma risk alleles from the PDED3 and MED24 genes at the asthma susceptibility locus 17q21 were associated with increased concentrations of various phosphatidylcholines with consistent effect directions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the potential of metabolomics to infer asthma-related biomarkers by the identification of potentially deregulated phospholipids that associate with asthma and asthma risk alleles.

Effectiveness of four electronic apex locators to determine distance from the apical foramen.

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EAL) in the apical region (0-3 mm short of the foramen) and to compare the precision of the readings on the display with the real position of the file in the root canal. METHODOLOGY: Twenty single-rooted extracted teeth with round root canals were used. The canal orifices were preflared, and the length to the major foramen was determined visually under a microscope. Canals were enlarged, so that a size 15 file fitted well inside the canal. Teeth were mounted in acrylic test tubes filled with physiologic saline solution. Electronic length was determined in the region between the major foramen and 3 mm short of it in 0.5 mm steps with the Dentaport ZX, Root ZX mini, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and Raypex 5 using files of size 10 and size 15. The data were analysed using linear regression between true length and EAL reading, Bland-Altman plots and nonparametric tests at a significance level of alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: The major foramen was detected by all EALs. With a measurement file positioned directly at the major foramen, meter readings were equivalent to a position 0.01-0.38 mm away. For the Dentaport ZX, a better accuracy using the size 15 file for the area 0-1.5 mm short of the apex was found. The differences in measurements between the two files were smaller for the other EALs. In linear regression, a good linearity for Dentaport ZX and Root ZX mini and moderate linearity for Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and Raypex 5 were found. The slope of the measurement curve was too low (0.37-0.57) for the Raypex 5 and almost optimal for the Dentaport ZX (1.01-1.05). The Root ZX mini and the Elements Obturation Unit produced lower slope values and especially the Elements Obturation Unit revealed much higher SDs at the different measurement levels. CONCLUSION: Amongst the four EALs, the Dentaport ZX and Root ZX mini had the best agreement between true lengths and meter readings. For the Raypex 5, an interpretation of the colour-coded zones as distance to the foramen cannot be recommended and might lead to erroneous interpretations.

Typical signs of acute appendicitis in ultrasonography mimicked by other diseases?

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pediatric patients is difficult. There are patients with positive ultrasonography without clinical or histological confirmation of acute appendicitis. It is essential to recognise these patients to avoid unnecessary surgery. METHODS: During 1 year, we compared the patients with 'false-positive' ultrasonography with those with 'true-positive' and those with 'true-negative' ultrasonography. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were admitted to our inpatient ward for suspected appendicitis. Ultrasonography was performed on 68 patients. In sixteen cases, the ultrasonography showed typical signs of acute appendicitis though the patients turned out to be negative for acute appendicitis either by an observation period (n = 13) or by negative histology (n = 3). We could not find any significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender or laboratory inflammation markers, though the latter tended to be elevated in patients with confirmed appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: There are patients with clearly visible typical signs of acute appendicitis that do not need surgery and cannot be distinguished from others by age, gender or laboratory values. In conclusion, the clinical presentation still is the determining indicator for need of surgery. The underlying cause of the visible changes of the appendiceal area remains unclear, but there are several presumptions.

PALB2 mutations in European familial pancreatic cancer families.

Recently, PALB2 was reported to be a new pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene as determined by exomic sequencing, as truncating PALB2 mutations were identified in 3 of 96 American patients with familial pancreatic cancer (FPC). Representing the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Familial Pancreatic Cancer (EUROPAC) and the German National Case Collection for Familial Pancreatic Cancer (FaPaCa), we evaluated whether truncating mutations could also be detected in European FPC families. We have directly sequenced the 13 exons of the PALB2 gene in affected index patients of 81 FPC families. An index patient was defined as the first medically identified patient, stimulating investigation of other members of the family to discover a possible genetic factor. None of these patients carried a BRCA2 mutation. We identified three (3.7%) truncating PALB2 mutations, each producing different stop codons: R414X, 508-9delAG and 3116delA. Interestingly, each of these three families also had a history of breast cancer. Therefore, PALB2 mutations might be causative for FPC in a small subset of European families, especially in those with an additional occurrence of breast cancer.

No significance of the COMT val158met polymorphism in restless legs syndrome.

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val(158)met polymorphism, which codes for the substitution of valine (val) by methionine (met) leading to a reduced COMT activity in homo- or heterozygous individuals, is associated with individual pain sensitivity and dopaminergic responses in Parkinson's disease as well as with various chronic painful diseases. Recent investigations support the notion of an alteration of the medial pain pathway as well as of the descending inhibitory control system in restless legs syndrome (RLS), that both involve dopaminergic transmission as well. Thus, the distribution of the COMT val(158)met polymorphism was assessed in 298 RLS patients and compared with 135 healthy controls in relation to sex, age of onset and family history. The data revealed no significant differences in the distribution of the COMT val(158)met polymorphism in RLS patients compared with the control group, also when the heterozygous and the homozygous group containing the (158)met allele were combined. In addition, sex, age of onset and family history were not associated with the COMT val(158)met polymorphism in this German population of RLS patients. The present study adds to previous mostly negative investigations on the genetic determination of dopaminergic transmission in RLS, which have - so far - only detected an association of the MAO-A activity and RLS in females in a French-Canadian population. Further investigations assessing the different COMT haplotypes and experimental and clinical parameters are nevertheless warranted.

Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 6q14-q24 is associated with poor outcome in children and adolescents with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Deletions of chromosome 6q have been reported in several hematological malignancies, but data are not conclusive regarding their biological and prognostic impact. Therefore, we focused on pediatric patients diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) treated uniformly according to the NHL-BFM95 protocol. We used loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of 25 microsatellite markers located on chromosome 6q14-q24. Fragment-length analysis was performed on ABI-PRISM3100 Genetic-Analyzer. Eligibility criterion was > or =3 informative markers. Between April 1995 and March 2003, 185 T-LBL patients were treated according to the NHL-BFM95 protocol. Five-year event-free (EFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 79+/-3 and 87+/-3% (median follow-up 4.7 [1.2-10.1] years). Sixty-one patients were evaluable for LOH analysis, including 18 out of 23 patients with relapse. EFS and DFS were 67+/-6 and 69+/-6% for these 61 patients. Testing of 853 markers in the 61 patients identified the presence of LOH in 19 patients (31%): 13 of the 18 relapse patients and five of the 41 in complete remission (odds ratio 18.7, 95% confidence interval 4.7-75.3). One LOH-positive patient died from treatment-related toxicity. We conclude that LOH on chromosome 6q14-q24 may have conferred a high risk of relapse on our group of children with T-LBL treated according to the NHL-BFM95 protocol.

A genome-wide screen on the genetics of atopy in a multiethnic European population reveals a major atopy locus on chromosome 3q21.3.

BACKGROUND: Dissecting complex diseases in underlying distinct traits and studying these for their genetic basis might enhance the power as well as the specificity, of detection of disease genes. These phenotypes are known as intermediate phenotypes. OBJECTIVE: We were interested in the atopic basis of asthma, and used the sensitization to mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) allergens as a pathophysiologically important intermediate phenotype. METHODS: This time we performed a genome-wide scan based on the same already used multiethnic European population consisting of 82 nuclear families with at least two affected siblings. We carried out nonparametric as well as parametric MOD-score analyses based on the genotypes of 603 microsatellite markers. RESULTS: In comparison with our first genome-wide candidate region search three novel regions additionally appeared to be significant. We obtained significant results for the region 2p12 with a MOD score of 3.35 and for the region 16q21 with a MOD score of 4.18. The most significant result was found for the region 3q21.3 with the same microsatellite marker, which showed significant linkage to atopic dermatitis (AD) in another study with a MOD score of 4.51 and an nonparametric linkage analysis (NPL) of 4.00. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that atopy, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and AD on the one hand are distinct traits on both the clinical and genetic basis, but on the other hand, our results also underline that these traits are closely related diseases concerning the atopic basis of the traits.

[Current treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. Surgical treatment and treatment of malperfusion syndrome]. / Prise en charge actuelle des dissections aortiques de type A. Traitement chirurgical et traitement des syndromes de malperfusion.

Acute type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency. Treatment is based on dissected ascending aortic replacement and correction of an associated aortic insufficiency. Catheterization of the axillary artery, open distal anastomosis and systematic resection of the intimal tear are the main surgical evolutions of the last years. They allowed to significantly reduce intraoperative mortality rate particularly due to bleeding. Thirty days mortality rate of operated aortic dissection is about 20 to 30%. Visceral malperfusion syndromes induced by aortic dissection represent an important cause of postoperative death. An early diagnosis and treatment appears necessary. Thoracoabdominal CT scan allows understanding mechanisms inducing malperfusion. Aortography and an emergency endovascular procedure allow restoring arterial blood flow before renal or mesenteric irreversible ischemia. Collaboration between radiologist, anesthesiologist and surgeon is necessary to optimize survival of acute type A aortic dissection.

Survival of microorganisms in space protected by meteorite material: results of the experiment 'EXOBIOLOGIE' of the PERSEUS mission.

During the early evolution of life on Earth, before the formation of a protective ozone layer in the atmosphere, high intensities of solar UV radiation of short wavelengths could reach the surface of the Earth. Today the full spectrum of solar UV radiation is only experienced in space, where other important space parameters influence survival and genetic stability additionally, like vacuum, cosmic radiation, temperature extremes, microgravity. To reach a better understanding of the processes leading to the origin, evolution and distribution of life we have performed space experiments with microorganisms. The ability of resistant life forms like bacterial spores to survive high doses of extraterrestrial solar UV alone or in combination with other space parameters, e.g. vacuum, was investigated. Extraterrestrial solar UV was found to have a thousand times higher biological effectiveness than UV radiation filtered by stratospheric ozone concentrations found today on Earth. The protective effects of anorganic substances like artificial or real meteorites were determined on the MIR station. In the experiment EXOBIOLOGIE of the French PERSEUS mission (1999) it was found that very thin layers of anorganic material did not protect spores against the deleterious effects of energy-rich UV radiation in space to the expected amount, but that layers of UV radiation inactivated spores serve as a UV-shield by themselves, so that a hypothetical interplanetary transfer of life by the transport of microorganisms inside rocks through the solar system cannot be excluded, but requires the shielding of a substantial mass of anorganic substances.

A genome screen for genes predisposing to bipolar affective disorder detects a new susceptibility locus on 8q.

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), also known as manic depressive illness, is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression. It has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1% in all human populations. In order to identify chromosomal regions containing genes that play a role in determining susceptibility to this psychiatric condition, we have conducted a complete genome screen with 382 markers (average marker spacing of 9.3 cM) in a sample of 75 BPAD families which were recruited through an explicit ascertainment scheme. Pedigrees were of German, Israeli and Italian origin, respectively. Parametric and non-parametric linkage analysis was performed. The highest two-point LOD score was obtained on 8q24 (D8S514; LOD score = 3.62), in a region that has not attracted much attention in previous linkage studies of BPAD. The second best finding was seen on 10q25-q26 (D10S217; LOD score = 2.86) and has been reported in independent studies of BPAD. Other regions showing 'suggestive' evidence for linkage localized to 1p33-p36, 2q21-q33, 3p14, 3q26-q27, 6q21-q22, 8p21, 13q11 and 14q12-q13. In addition, we aimed at detecting possible susceptibility loci underlying genomic imprinting by analyzing the autosomal genotype data with the recently developed extension of the GENEHUNTER program, GENEHUNTER-IMPRINTING. Putative paternally imprinted loci were identified in chromosomal regions 2p24-p21 and 2q31-q32. Maternally imprinted susceptibility genes may be located on 14q32 and 16q21-q23.

BAFF-R, a newly identified TNF receptor that specifically interacts with BAFF.

B cell homeostasis has been shown to critically depend on BAFF, the B cell activation factor from the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. Although BAFF is already known to bind two receptors, BCMA and TACI, we have identified a third receptor for BAFF that we have termed BAFF-R. BAFF-R binding appears to be highly specific for BAFF, suggesting a unique role for this ligand-receptor interaction. Consistent with this, the BAFF-R locus is disrupted in A/WySnJ mice, which display a B cell phenotype qualitatively similar to that of the BAFF-deficient mice. Thus, BAFF-R appears to be the principal receptor for BAFF-mediated mature B cell survival.

Structure of CD40 ligand in complex with the Fab fragment of a neutralizing humanized antibody.

BACKGROUND: CD40 ligand (CD40L or CD154), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, plays a critical role in both humoral and cellular immune responses and has been implicated in biological pathways involving epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and platelets. Such a pathway is T cell-mediated B cell activation, a process that occurs through the interaction of CD40L with CD40 receptor expressed on B cells. It results in various B cell responses, including immunoglobulin isotype switching and B cell differentiation and proliferation. These responses can be inhibited by the monoclonal antibody 5c8, which binds with high affinity to CD40L. RESULTS: To understand the structural basis of the inhibition, we determined the crystal structure of the complex of the extracellular domain of CD40L and the Fab fragment of humanized 5c8 antibody. The structure shows that the complex has the shape of a three-bladed propeller with three Fab fragments bound symmetrically to a CD40L homotrimer. To further study the nature of the antibody-antigen interface, we assessed the ability of 23 site-directed mutants of CD40L to bind to 5c8 and CD40 and analyzed the results in the context of the crystal structure. Finally, we observed via confocal microscopy that 5c8 binding to CD40L on the cell surface results in the formation of patches of clustered complexes. CONCLUSIONS: The structure reveals that 5c8 neutralizes CD40L function by sterically blocking CD40 binding. The antigenic epitope is localized in a region of the surface that is likely to be structurally perturbed as a result of genetic mutations that cause hyper-IgM syndrome. The symmetric trimeric arrangement of the Fab fragments in the complex results in a geometry that facilitates the formation of large clusters of complexes on the cell surface.

A possible susceptibility locus for bipolar affective disorder in chromosomal region 10q25--q26.

In an attempt to identify susceptibility loci for bipolar affective disorder, we are currently conducting a systematic genome screen with highly polymorphic microsatellite markers at an average marker spacing of 10 cM in a series of 75 families, comprising 66 families from Germany, eight families from Israel, and one family from Italy. The families were ascertained through index cases with bipolar affective disorder. The distribution of diagnoses is as follows: 126 individuals with bipolar I disorder, 40 with bipolar II disorder, 14 with schizoaffective disorder of the bipolar type, 40 individuals with recurrent unipolar depression, 51 with a minor psychiatric diagnosis, and two individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. One hundred and seventy-one individuals are unaffected. Here, we present results from chromosome 10. Linkage analyses using a total of 33 microsatellite markers with parametric and non-parametric methods provided evidence for linkage at chromosomal region 10q25--q26. The highest two-point LOD score (2.86, theta = 0.05) was obtained for D10S217 using a dominant genetic model and a broad definition of affection status. The GENEHUNTER program localized the putative susceptibility locus within a ca 15-cM interval between markers D10S1483 and D10S217 with a maximum NPL(all) score of 3.12 (P = 0.0013). Positive linkage findings that have been reported by two independent studies further support the hypothesis of a susceptibility gene for bipolar affective disorder on 10q25-q26.

Linkage analysis of asthma and atopy including models with genomic imprinting.

Asthma and atopy are two closely related, common complex traits in which a number of genetic and environmental factors are suspected to play a role. We have performed parametric and nonparametric multi-marker linkage analysis for the Busselton data set, which is part of problem 1 of Genetic Analysis Workshop 12. In particular, we have focused on the dichotomous trait atopy, as well as on dichotomized versions of the quantitative traits RASTI and loge slope. The lod score analysis with adequate modeling of a parent-of-origin effect, by use of the program GENEHUNTER-IMPRINTING, was a special interest. The most prominent findings are a multipoint mod score of 3.12 at D13S153 for RASTI, and a multipoint mod score of 4.32 at the same locus for atopy, both with four-penetrance imprinting models that point to a gene subject to maternal imprinting. In addition, there are marked differences between imprinting and non-imprinting mod scores. These results corroborate earlier findings of linkage between atopy and D13S153, but add the aspect of paternal gene expression. Furthermore, suggestive evidence for linkage to atopy is found near D6S291, D7S530, and D14S74. The best-fitting models for chromosome 6 and 14 may suggest that genomic imprinting takes plae at these two loci as well.

Protection of bacterial spores in space, a contribution to the discussion on Panspermia.

Spores of Bacillus subtilis were exposed to space in the BIOPAN facility of the European Space Agency onboard of the Russian Earth-orbiting FOTON satellite. The spores were exposed either in dry layers without any protecting agent, or mixed with clay, red sandstone, Martian analogue soil or meteorite powder, in dry layers as well as in so-called 'artificial meteorites', i.e. cubes filled with clay and spores in naturally occurring concentrations. After about 2 weeks in space, their survival was tested from the number of colony formers. Unprotected spores in layers open to space or behind a quartz window were completely or nearly completely inactivated (survival rates in most cases < or = 10(-6)). The same low survival was obtained behind a thin layer of clay acting as an optical filter. The survival rate was increased by 5 orders of magnitude and more, if the spores in the dry layer were directly mixed with powder of clay, rock or meteorites, and up to 100% survival was reached in soil mixtures with spores comparable to the natural soil to spore ratio. These data confirm the deleterious effects of extraterrestrial solar UV radiation. Thin layers of clay, rock or meteorite are only successful in UV-shielding, if they are in direct contact with the spores. The data suggest that in a scenario of interplanetary transfer of life, small rock ejecta of a few cm in diameter could be sufficiently large to protect bacterial spores against the intense insolation; however, micron-sized grains, as originally requested by Panspermia, may not provide sufficient protection for spores to survive. The data are also pertinent to search for life on Mars and planetary protection considerations for future missions to Mars.