Optimized combination methods for exploring novel space environment-responsive genes and their roles: insights from space-flown C. elegans and their implications for astronauts.

Abstract

Purpose: By expanding the catalog of spaceflight-induced molecular signatures in Caenorhabditis elegans, we aim to identify key molecular features and potential mechanisms underlying space environment-induced health risks to astronauts using C. elegans as a model organism.

Methods and materials: We employed an optimized combination algorithm that integrated two co-expression network analysis methods and four machine learning-based models to identify space environment-responsive genes (SEGs) in space-flown C. elegans. The expression levels and associated biological processes of human orthologues of identified C. elegans genes were further analyzed using data from the JAXA CFE and NASA Twins studies.

Results: A total of 114 SEGs that were implicated in four biological processes, including DNA repair, metabolic process, reproductive and developmental process, and lifespan regulation in space-flown C. elegans. We obtained 19 SEGs as potential indicators associated with health risks of the space environment. Further, the human orthologues of C. elegans SEGs that also exhibited altered expression in the blood samples of astronauts.

Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind spaceflight-induced health risks and highlights potential mechanistic targets for preventive measures. The findings suggest a conserved genetic response to space conditions between C. elegans and astronauts, offering valuable targets for mitigating the health risks of space exploration.