Epigenetics involves changes in gene activity without altering the underlying DNA sequence. NASA says such changes can follow outside stimuli and may reverse when a stimulus is removed; some are beneficial or essential, while others can harm health or behavior. [S1]
For astronauts, bone loss on extended missions is associated with epigenetic alterations. An Italian Space Agency investigation called SERISM used stem cells derived from human blood to model bone-cell formation in microgravity; researchers reported specific epigenetic changes in cells in space. [S1]
Plants offer another view of adaptation. Space station experiments on Arabidopsis thaliana found widespread changes in gene expression and epigenetic changes; in APEX-04, a plant whose ability to make those epigenetic changes was disrupted struggled more in space. NASA says this research could help scientists breed plants better adapted to space and harsh environments on Earth. [S1]
The station's MinION DNA sequencer can reveal epigenetic changes such as methylation without the prior sample processing NASA says traditional sequencers require for that detail. The agency says such tools can give scientists real-time snapshots of changes as they happen. [S1]
Source documents
- Station Science 101: Epigenetics Research in Spacehttps://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/station-science-101-epigenetics-research-in-space/