Space worms experiment reveals gravity affects genes

Living at low gravity affects cells at the genetic level, according to a study of worms in space.

Genetic analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans worms on the International Space Station showed “subtle changes” in about 1,000 genes.

Stronger effects were found in some genes, especially among neurons (nervous system cells).

The study, by the University of Exeter and the NASA GeneLab, aids our understanding of why living organisms—including humans—suffer physical decline in space.

“We looked at levels of every gene in the worms’ genome and identified a clear pattern of genetic change,” said Dr. Timothy Etheridge, of the University of Exeter.

“These changes might help explain why the body reacts badly to space flight.

“It also gives us some therapy targets in terms of reducing these health effects, which are currently a major barrier to deep-space exploration.”

The study exposed worms to low gravity on the International Space Station, and to high gravity in centrifuges.

The high-gravity tests gave the researchers more data on gravity’s genetic impacts, and allowed them to look for possible treatments using high gravity in space.

“A crucial step towards overcoming any physiological condition is first understanding its underlying molecular mechanism,” said lead author Craig Willis, of the University of Exeter.

“We have identified genes with roles in neuronal function and cellular metabolism that are affected by gravitational changes.

“These worms display molecular signatures and physiological features that closely mirror those observed in humans, so our findings should provide foundations for a better understanding of spaceflight-induced health decline in mammals and, eventually, humans.”

Dr. Etheridge added: “This study highlights the ongoing role of scientists from Europe and the UK in space flight life sciences research.”

The paper, published in the journal iScience, is entitled: “Comparative transcriptomics identifies neuronal and metabolic adaptations to hypergravity and microgravity in Caenorhabditis elegans.”