Biologists from Oklahoma State University presented the results of observations of cellular reactions,
SUMO is an abbreviation that is used fordesignations of the group of modifier proteins. In normal gravity, they respond to stress and play a key role in many cellular processes, including repair of DNA damage, regulation of the cytoskeleton, cell division and protein metabolism, the scientists explain.
Researchers have studied on yeast cellsthe effect of microgravity on the two types of chemical bonds by which SUMOs interact with other proteins: non-covalent bonds with binding partners or covalent bonds with target lysines. They examined cells that went through six stages of division in either normal Earth gravity or microgravity simulations.
Biologists have compared protein expression levels forcells that were in each state to determine how microgravity stress affected cellular processes. They then used mass spectroscopy to more precisely identify which proteins interact with SUMO to determine what causes these protein changes.
The analysis revealed 37 proteins thatinteracted with SUMO in cells exposed to microgravity and showed expression levels that were more than 50% different from those in control cells exposed to normal gravity. Among them were those important for repairing DNA damage, producing energy and proteins, maintaining cell shape, cell division, and transporting proteins within cells.
Biologists will continue research to establish how these changes affect human health in order to develop a protective strategy for long-term space travel.
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Cover image: Askeuhd, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons