Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and exosome profiling from a year-long human spaceflight reveals circulating biomarkers Journal Article


Authors: Bezdan, D.; Grigorev, K.; Meydan, C.; Pelissier Vatter, F. A.; Cioffi, M.; Rao, V.; MacKay, M.; Nakahira, K.; Burnham, P.; Afshinnekoo, E.; Westover, C.; Butler, D.; Mozsary, C.; Donahoe, T.; Foox, J.; Mishra, T.; Lucotti, S.; Rana, B. K.; Melnick, A. M.; Zhang, H.; Matei, I.; Kelsen, D.; Yu, K.; Lyden, D. C.; Taylor, L.; Bailey, S. M.; Snyder, M. P.; Garrett-Bakelman, F. E.; Ossowski, S.; De Vlaminck, I.; Mason, C. E.
Article Title: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and exosome profiling from a year-long human spaceflight reveals circulating biomarkers
Abstract: Liquid biopsies based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or exosomes provide a noninvasive approach to monitor human health and disease but have not been utilized for astronauts. Here, we profile cfDNA characteristics, including fragment size, cellular deconvolution, and nucleosome positioning, in an astronaut during a year-long mission on the International Space Station, compared to his identical twin on Earth and healthy donors. We observed a significant increase in the proportion of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) inflight, and analysis of post-flight exosomes in plasma revealed a 30-fold increase in circulating exosomes and patient-specific protein cargo (including brain-derived peptides) after the year-long mission. This longitudinal analysis of astronaut cfDNA during spaceflight and the exosome profiles highlights their utility for astronaut health monitoring, as well as cf-mtDNA levels as a potential biomarker for physiological stress or immune system responses related to microgravity, radiation exposure, and the other unique environmental conditions of spaceflight. © 2020 The Author(s) Space Medicine; Omics © 2020 The Author(s)
Keywords: omics; space medicine
Journal Title: iScience
Volume: 23
Issue: 12
ISSN: 2589-0042
Publisher: Cell Press  
Date Published: 2020-12-18
Start Page: 101844
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101844
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC7756145
PUBMED: 33376973
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 February 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Kenneth Ho-Ming Yu
    163 Yu
  2. David P Kelsen
    537 Kelsen