Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks
Abstract Space ionizing radiation is a major risk factor for astronauts, yet its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study employs an integrative approach to investigate the effects of space ionizing radiation on molecules, modules, biological functions, associated diseases, and pote...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | npj Microgravity |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00508-6 |
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| author | Mengqin Yuan Tao Zhang Haizhou Liu Min Long Quan Wang Wei Jiang |
| author_facet | Mengqin Yuan Tao Zhang Haizhou Liu Min Long Quan Wang Wei Jiang |
| author_sort | Mengqin Yuan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Space ionizing radiation is a major risk factor for astronauts, yet its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study employs an integrative approach to investigate the effects of space ionizing radiation on molecules, modules, biological functions, associated diseases, and potential therapeutic drugs. Using paired samples from five donors subjected to acute ex vivo 2Gy gamma-ray irradiation, we analyzed miRNA and gene expression profiles in human peripheral blood lymphocytes collected 24 h post-exposure, combined with heterogeneous network analysis, identifying 179 key molecules (23 transcription factors, 10 miRNAs, and 146 genes) and 5 key modules. Functional enrichment analysis revealed associations with processes such as cell cycle regulation, cytidine deamination, cell differentiation, viral carcinogenesis, and apoptosis. Radiation was also significantly linked to neoplasms and digestive system diseases. Furthermore, we predicted 20 potential therapeutic compounds, including small molecules (e.g., Navitoclax) and Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients (e.g., Genistin, Saikosaponin D), which may alleviate radiation-induced damage such as pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of space ionizing radiation and may contribute to developing effective strategies to protect astronaut health during space missions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d0b32b6907e84f4e8baeb83142e23dca |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2373-8065 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | npj Microgravity |
| spelling | doaj-art-d0b32b6907e84f4e8baeb83142e23dca2025-08-20T04:03:06ZengNature Portfolionpj Microgravity2373-80652025-07-0111111210.1038/s41526-025-00508-6Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networksMengqin Yuan0Tao Zhang1Haizhou Liu2Min Long3Quan Wang4Wei Jiang5Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical UniversityDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and AstronauticsFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical UniversityDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and AstronauticsDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and AstronauticsFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical UniversityAbstract Space ionizing radiation is a major risk factor for astronauts, yet its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study employs an integrative approach to investigate the effects of space ionizing radiation on molecules, modules, biological functions, associated diseases, and potential therapeutic drugs. Using paired samples from five donors subjected to acute ex vivo 2Gy gamma-ray irradiation, we analyzed miRNA and gene expression profiles in human peripheral blood lymphocytes collected 24 h post-exposure, combined with heterogeneous network analysis, identifying 179 key molecules (23 transcription factors, 10 miRNAs, and 146 genes) and 5 key modules. Functional enrichment analysis revealed associations with processes such as cell cycle regulation, cytidine deamination, cell differentiation, viral carcinogenesis, and apoptosis. Radiation was also significantly linked to neoplasms and digestive system diseases. Furthermore, we predicted 20 potential therapeutic compounds, including small molecules (e.g., Navitoclax) and Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients (e.g., Genistin, Saikosaponin D), which may alleviate radiation-induced damage such as pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of space ionizing radiation and may contribute to developing effective strategies to protect astronaut health during space missions.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00508-6 |
| spellingShingle | Mengqin Yuan Tao Zhang Haizhou Liu Min Long Quan Wang Wei Jiang Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks npj Microgravity |
| title | Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks |
| title_full | Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks |
| title_fullStr | Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks |
| title_short | Exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks |
| title_sort | exploring molecular and modular insights into space ionizing radiation effects through heterogeneous gene regulatory networks |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00508-6 |
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