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4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2025

Methodologies for Mitochondrial Omic Profiling During Spaceflight.

To be able to understand how spaceflight can affect human biology, there is a need for maximizing the amount of information that can be obtained from experiments flown to space. Recently there has been an influx of data obtained from astronauts through multi-omics approaches based on both governmental and commercial spaceflight missions. In addition to data from humans, mitochondrial specific data is gathered for other experiments from rodents and other organisms that are flown in space. This data has started to universally demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction is the key regulator associated with increasing health risks associated with spaceflight. This mitochondrial dysfunction can have influence downstream on immune suppression, inflammation, circadian rhythm issues, and more. Due to the space environment, standard methodologies have to be altered for performing mitochondrial specific analysis and in general sample collection for omics. To perform mitochondrial specific analysis and data collection from samples flown to space we will outline the current sample collection methods, processing of the samples, and specific analysis. Specifically we will highlight the different mitochondrial methodologies and challenges involved with research associated with spaceflight.

Space Flight↗
PubMed2026

Selective saccular plasticity under microgravity links peripheral transcriptomic remodeling to postflight vestibular dysfunction.

Long-duration exposure to microgravity disrupts human balance and spatial orientation, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying vestibular adaptation to spaceflight remain poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the saccule, the primary gravity-sensing otolith organ, undergoes selective remodeling during spaceflight and contributes to transient postflight postural instability. Using a cross-species approach, we combined transcriptomic analysis of mouse otolith organs with physiological assessments in astronauts. Laser microdissection-based RNA sequencing of mouse otolith sensory epithelia after a 35-d spaceflight revealed pronounced, organ-specific transcriptomic remodeling in the saccule, whereas the utricle remained stable. Principal component and clustering analyses demonstrated that the saccular transcriptome shifted toward an utricle-like profile under microgravity, accompanied by changes in genes related to synaptic and neuronal function. Promoter motif analysis identified NFAT-associated transcriptional networks, suggesting Ca2+-dependent regulation of synaptic plasticity as a potential molecular substrate of gravity-dependent adaptation. In parallel, vestibular testing in astronauts following long-duration missions (157 to 328 d) revealed selective attenuation of saccule-mediated cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials and increased postural sway immediately after return to Earth, while utricle-mediated responses and semicircular canal function were preserved. Both saccular function and postural stability recovered within approximately 10 d. Notably, early postflight postural instability was partially mitigated by noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation, consistent with stochastic resonance-mediated sensory enhancement. Together, these findings identify the saccule as a plastic gravity sensor and establish a mechanistic link between peripheral molecular remodeling and functional balance deficits after spaceflight, providing a framework for developing countermeasures to facilitate vestibular readaptation during human space exploration.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

PIEZO1 Mediates Myoblast Proliferation Under Simulated Microgravity.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a major health risk of prolonged spaceflight, yet how microgravity reshapes muscle cells through mechanotransduction remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the mechanosensitive cation channel PIEZO1 in myoblast proliferation under simulated microgravity. Using a two-dimensional clinostat combined with Hi-C-based 3D genomics, transcriptomics, and functional assays, we found that simulated microgravity promotes C2C12 myoblast proliferation and upregulates Piezo1. Piezo1 mRNA knockdown reduced both proliferation and depolarization-induced Ca2 + influx, each partially restored under simulated microgravity, consistent with PIEZO1 being a central mediator of the response. Simulated microgravity also drove extensive 3D genome reorganization alongside changes in proliferation-related gene expression. Integrating chromatin architecture with transcriptomics, we found that PIEZO1 inhibition increased Elavl2 mRNA expression, PIEZO1 activation suppressed Elavl2 mRNA expression, and Elavl2 mRNA knockdown enhanced cell proliferation. These findings define a PIEZO1-ELAVL2 mechanotransduction axis, coupled to 3D chromatin remodeling, that regulates myoblast proliferation under simulated microgravity, and thus may be a target for countering spaceflight-associated muscle dysfunction.

Cell Proliferation↗
PubMed2026

Beyond Earth: Recent Advancements in Microgravity Biomedical and Genetic Research in Saudi Arabia.

Microgravity research has emerged as a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of space medicine, genomics, biotechnology, and precision medicine. Exposure to the space environment induces complex physiological and molecular adaptations that affect multiple biological systems, including immune regulation, metabolism, musculoskeletal function, and gene expression. Recent advances in genomics, multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering have substantially improved our understanding of biological adaptation to spaceflight and expanded opportunities for translational biomedical research. This review summarizes recent advances in genetic and biomedical research under microgravity conditions, with particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms, omics technologies, genome editing, microbiome research, regenerative medicine, and personalized healthcare approaches. Major experimental platforms, landmark spaceflight studies, and translational applications in infectious diseases, cancer biology, aging, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical development are discussed. The review also highlights Saudi Arabia's emerging contributions to genomic medicine and space biosciences through initiatives such as the Saudi Human Genome Program, the Saudi Pangenome Project, the Saudi Space Agency, and the BioGravity Initiative. Recent Saudi participation in human spaceflight and microgravity-associated biomedical research is discussed within the context of Vision 2030 and national investments in biotechnology and precision medicine. Collectively, advances in microgravity research are expected to contribute to the advancement of precision medicine and facilitate the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies with significant implications for both human space exploration and terrestrial healthcare.

Humans↗