How to obtain an integrated picture of the molecular networks involved in adaptation to microgravity in different biological systems?

Periodically, the European Space Agency (ESA) updates scientific roadmaps in consultation with the scientific community. The ESA SciSpacE Science Community White Paper (SSCWP) 9, "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments", focusses in 5 main topic areas, aiming to address key community-identified knowledge gaps in Space Biology. Here we present one of the identified topic areas, which is also an unanswered question of life science research in Space: "How to Obtain an Integrated Picture of the Molecular Networks Involved in Adaptation to Microgravity in Different Biological Systems?" The manuscript reports the main gaps of knowledge which have been identified by the community in the above topic area as well as the approach the community indicates to address the gaps not yet bridged. Moreover, the relevance that these research activities might have for the space exploration programs and also for application in industrial and technological fields on Earth is briefly discussed.

How are cell and tissue structure and function influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms?

Progress in mechanobiology allowed us to better understand the important role of mechanical forces in the regulation of biological processes. Space research in the field of life sciences clearly showed that gravity plays a crucial role in biological processes. The space environment offers the unique opportunity to carry out experiments without gravity, helping us not only to understand the effects of gravitational alterations on biological systems but also the mechanisms underlying mechanoperception and cell/tissue response to mechanical and gravitational stresses. Despite the progress made so far, for future space exploration programs it is necessary to increase our knowledge on the mechanotransduction processes as well as on the molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-induced cell and tissue alterations. This white paper reports the suggestions and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community for the elaboration of the section of the European Space Agency roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments" focusing on "How are cells and tissues influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms?" The knowledge gaps that prevent the Science Community from fully answering this question and the activities proposed to fill them are discussed.

How do gravity alterations affect animal and human systems at a cellular/tissue level?

The present white paper concerns the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community to make progress in filling the gaps of knowledge that prevent us from answering the question: "How Do Gravity Alterations Affect Animal and Human Systems at a Cellular/Tissue Level?" This is one of the five major scientific issues of the ESA roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments". Despite the many studies conducted so far on spaceflight adaptation mechanisms and related pathophysiological alterations observed in astronauts, we are not yet able to elaborate a synthetic integrated model of the many changes occurring at different system and functional levels. Consequently, it is difficult to develop credible models for predicting long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment, as well as to implement medical support plans for long-term missions and a strategy for preventing the possible health risks due to prolonged exposure to spaceflight beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). The research activities suggested by the scientific community have the aim to overcome these problems by striving to connect biological and physiological aspects in a more holistic view of space adaptation effects.

Characterisation of the early events in atypical tomato root colonisation by a biocontrol agent, Pythium oligandrum.

The specific oomycete-plant relationship established between a biological agent, Pythium oligandrum, and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants was examined over the first 48 h after inoculation of tomato roots with the antagonist. One of the most significant effects was the quick colonisation of cortical and vascular root areas by P. oligandrum (until 9 h post-inoculation); it was similar to invasions by the major pathogens of Pythium genus, and much faster than those by Pythium-minor pathogens. Despite the multiplication of hyphae in the root areas, fungal colonisation was associated with neither host wall disruption nor host cell alterations. The colonising hyphae looked healthy till the ninth hour after inoculation, then, they progressively became highly vacuolated. Cytological observations showed that, over the first 14 h of experiment, oomycete invasion was accompanied with rare host-induced defence reactions. Biochemical analysis evidenced an accumulation of phenolic compounds starting 3 h after inoculation. The 14th hour corresponded to the beginning of rishitin (phytoalexin) synthesis. Accumulation of biochemical host defence compounds was concomitant with early signs of hyphae alterations. During the next 34 h several host reactions were regularly amplified as evidenced by the plugging of invaded host cells with heterogeneous osmiophilic or high electron-dense (ED) materials. Fungal cell decay was accompanied with the formation of oogonia in the cortex, vascular parenchyma and xylem vessels. All these early events suggest a peculiar relationship established between P. oligandrum and the plant.

The neutral red lysosomal retention assay and Comet assay on haemolymph cells from mussels (Mytilus edulis) and fish (Symphodus melops) exposed to styrene.

Despite the extensive transport of chemicals at sea, there is current lack of knowledge of the fate and effects of many of them on the marine biota. The current regulation that follows the GESAMP-MARPOL classification is mainly based on ecotoxicity assessment from fresh water based studies. Repetitive spills in marine coastal environment from tanker ship loaded with several thousand tonnes of chemicals raised concern about whether the existing freshwater data location can be used to predict the behaviour and the environmental effects of contaminants in marine surroundings. There is a general lack of information of the fate of chemicals at sea. A deviating pattern in marine environment from that in freshwater may have significant consequences for the counteracting actions taken to fight the spill, on staff working on the site of spill as well as on marine life present in the vicinity of the accident. In the present article, an environmental effect study of styrene was conducted as part of the ECOPEL program. We report some biological effects of styrene in laboratory-exposed marine organisms. Styrene was continuously supplied at a nominal concentration of 2mg L(-1) over 7 days to both mussels (Mytilus edulis) and fish (Symphodus mellops). At the end of this period, DNA damage was assessed by the Comet assay performed on blood (fish) and haemolymph (mussel) cells. In mussels, the lysosomal membrane stability was additionally assessed by the neutral red retention time assay (NRRT). Significant biological responses were observed over the studied period in both organisms with these two tests. Hence, the results favour the use of a biomarker-based approach to assess the health conditions in case of spill.