NOTE: End date changed to 08/31/2023 per TRISH. Original end date was 07/31/2022. (Ed., 8/4/22)

Long-duration space flight will likely produce neurovestibular challenges that could have severe negative consequences on astronaut safety and mission success. Basic neurovestibular functions such as fine-motor and sensorimotor control are essential for vehicle control and operation of key scientific experiments. It is therefore imperative that astronauts are able to successfully adapt neurovestibular systems upon exposure to new challenging environments. However, the adaptation process can be adversely impacted by a variety of factors, including stressors from disruptions to sleep, the environment, having to perform, and engaging with new people, all of which are anticipated in a mission setting. The challenge to neurovestibular systems during space flight, compounded with other stressors, will impact the ability to maintain safe and effective space travel and eventual long-term habitation; yet this remains understudied.

When experiencing these compounding stressors, the physiological stress response may influence neurovestibular responses. Specifically, the level of stress may impact how well the neurovestibular system adapts to change. In addition, any such mission will have a crew, where a team of individuals are dependent on each other. NASA has conducted substantial research about the negative stress associated with interpersonal issues in isolation and confinement that contribute to compounded stressors. However, the positive factors of team support may dampen the negative effects of a greater stress response, with positive implications on the function of other physiological systems, including the vestibular system.

This project will study 1) how stress response can impact neurovestibular adaptation and 2) how social support may ameliorate the detrimental effects of stress response on neurovestibular adaptation. With these insights, we can develop countermeasures to mitigate space flight risks related to human health countermeasures and human factors and behavioral performance.

NOTE: End date changed to 08/31/2023 per TRISH. Original end date was 07/31/2022. (Ed., 8/4/22)

Long-duration space flight will likely produce neurovestibular challenges that could have severe negative consequences on astronaut safety and mission success. Basic neurovestibular functions such as fine-motor and sensorimotor control are essential for vehicle control and operation of key scientific experiments. It is therefore imperative that astronauts are able to successfully adapt neurovestibular systems upon exposure to new challenging environments. However, the adaptation process can be adversely impacted by a variety of factors, including stressors from disruptions to sleep, the environment, having to perform, and engaging with new people, all of which are anticipated in a mission setting. The challenge to neurovestibular systems during space flight, compounded with other stressors, will impact the ability to maintain safe and effective space travel and eventual long-term habitation; yet this remains understudied.

When experiencing these compounding stressors, the physiological stress response may influence neurovestibular responses. Specifically, the level of stress may impact how well the neurovestibular system adapts to change. In addition, any such mission will have a crew, where a team of individuals are dependent on each other. NASA has conducted substantial research about the negative stress associated with interpersonal issues in isolation and confinement that contribute to compounded stressors. However, the positive factors of team support may dampen the negative effects of a greater stress response, with positive implications on the function of other physiological systems, including the vestibular system.

This project will study 1) how stress response can impact neurovestibular adaptation and 2) how social support may ameliorate the detrimental effects of stress response on neurovestibular adaptation. With these insights, we can develop countermeasures to mitigate space flight risks related to human health countermeasures and human factors and behavioral performance.

iPSC-CMs from three different donors (comparable to astronaut demographics = Caucasian, male, 30s) were exposed to the different dose or X-rays radiation (0, 2, 5, 10 Gy) and various molecular parameters (viability, DNA-damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function) were measured at different times post irradiation (1 hour, 1 day, 3 day) and correlated the functional changes (beating rate, contraction velocity, relaxation velocity) at 14 days post irradiation. Prevailing mitochondrial dysfunction was observed at 3 days post irradiation and co-treatment with antioxidant significantly restored mitochondrial function in irradiated iPSC-CMs. Using oxidative stress as a primary screening parameter, we identified genistein or simvastatin robustly reversed ROS accumulation in iPSC-CMs following irradiation.

We will further validate the efficacy of genistein and/or simvastatin on advanced 3D culture system (engineered heart tissues) or in a mouse model of radiation induced heart disease in upcoming 2022-2023 TRISH year. A successful completion of this postdoctoral fellowship study will provide (i) study results of chronic space radiation exposure on human hearts and (ii) development of novel radioprotective countermeasure against space radiation-induced injuries. Reducing uncertainties in cardiovascular risks against space radiation will accelerate a humanity’s dream to travel space.

Long-duration space flight will likely produce neurovestibular challenges that could have severe negative consequences on astronaut safety and mission success. Basic neurovestibular functions such as fine-motor and sensorimotor control are essential for vehicle control and operation of key scientific experiments. It is therefore imperative that astronauts are able to successfully adapt neurovestibular systems upon exposure to new challenging environments. However, the adaptation process can be adversely impacted by a variety of factors, including stressors from disruptions to sleep, the environment, having to perform, and engaging with new people, all of which are anticipated in a mission setting. The challenge to neurovestibular systems during space flight, compounded with other stressors, will impact the ability to maintain safe and effective space travel and eventual long-term habitation; yet this remains understudied.

When experiencing these compounding stressors, the physiological stress response may influence neurovestibular responses. Specifically, the level of stress may impact how well the neurovestibular system adapts to change. In addition, any such mission will have a crew, where a team of individuals are dependent on each other. NASA has conducted substantial research about the negative stress associated with interpersonal issues in isolation and confinement that contribute to compounded stressors. However, the positive factors of team support may dampen the negative effects of a greater stress response, with positive implications on the function of other physiological systems, including the vestibular system.

This project will study 1) how stress response can impact neurovestibular adaptation and 2) how social support may ameliorate the detrimental effects of stress response on neurovestibular adaptation. With these insights, we can develop countermeasures to mitigate space flight risks related to human health countermeasures and human factors and behavioral performance.