In vitro and in vivo assessment of direct effects of simulated solar and galactic cosmic radiation on human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

Leukemia. 2017 Jun;31(6):1398-1407. doi: 10.1038/leu.2016.344. Epub 2016 Nov 24.

Abstract

Future deep space missions to Mars and near-Earth asteroids will expose astronauts to chronic solar energetic particles (SEP) and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) radiation, and likely one or more solar particle events (SPEs). Given the inherent radiosensitivity of hematopoietic cells and short latency period of leukemias, space radiation-induced hematopoietic damage poses a particular threat to astronauts on extended missions. We show that exposing human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC) to extended mission-relevant doses of accelerated high-energy protons and iron ions leads to the following: (1) introduces mutations that are frequently located within genes involved in hematopoiesis and are distinct from those induced by γ-radiation; (2) markedly reduces in vitro colony formation; (3) markedly alters engraftment and lineage commitment in vivo; and (4) leads to the development, in vivo, of what appears to be T-ALL. Sequential exposure to protons and iron ions (as typically occurs in deep space) proved far more deleterious to HSC genome integrity and function than either particle species alone. Our results represent a critical step for more accurately estimating risks to the human hematopoietic system from space radiation, identifying and better defining molecular mechanisms by which space radiation impairs hematopoiesis and induces leukemogenesis, as well as for developing appropriately targeted countermeasures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Astronauts
  • Body Burden
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cosmic Radiation / adverse effects*
  • Exome / genetics
  • Female
  • Genome, Human
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / etiology*
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / metabolism
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / pathology
  • Splenomegaly / etiology*
  • Splenomegaly / pathology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Stem Cells / radiation effects
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured