Researchers introduced the gene encoding parathyroid hormone (PTH) into the DNA of lettuce, infecting the plant's cells
The study showed that modifiedlettuce form releases on average 10 to 12 mg of peptide hormone per kilogram of lettuce. This means that astronauts will need to eat about 380 grams of this lettuce per day.
To increase the stability of PTH in the body, scientistsa modified version of the hormone was used: a crystallizing fragment of immunoglobulin (Fc) was added to the protein. Previous studies have established that this modification increases the circulation time of the hormone in the blood and increases its effectiveness.
Analysis of the influence of weightlessness on astronautsshowed that on average they lose about 1% of bone mass during a month spent in space. This leads to the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis: decreased bone density and increased fragility.
“Now the astronauts at the InternationalThe space station has a certain set of exercises that allows you to partially preserve bone mass, says Kevin Yates, one of the researchers. “However, they usually stay in space for no more than six months.”
A one-way flight from Earth to Mars takes about 10 months, and another year will be spent exploring the planet. The total duration of the expedition will be about 3 years.
Scientists note that for the treatment of osteopenia there isa medicine containing PTH that can restore bone mass. However, it requires daily injections. To do this, expedition participants will need to take with them a large supply of medicine and syringes.
Instead, astronauts can usetransgenic seeds and grow lettuce as needed right on board the ship. Several thousand seeds can fit in a test tube the size of a thumb, the researchers note. And the ability to grow lettuce in space was demonstrated on the ISS back in 2020.
Scientists plan to conduct additional geneticexperiments aimed at increasing the amount of PTH produced in the leaves of transgenic lettuce. This will reduce the amount of lettuce that the astronauts will consume every day. In addition, the researchers intend to test how the new lettuce will grow on the ISS.
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