Investigating Ergothioneine as an Antioxidant Countermeasure to Microgravity-Induced Oxidative Stress in Tetrahymena thermophila
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Authors
Conway, Jack
Thomas, Kenna
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
As human space exploration advances, there is an increasing need to investigate the effects of microgravity on cellular health and metabolic function. While extensive research has focused on the effects of microgravity on physiological systems, such as the circulatory and skeletal systems, its impact at the cellular level remains less understood. Microgravity has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to elevated cellular oxidative stress characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These highly reactive molecules can induce cellular damage, compromising structural integrity and disrupting key metabolic processes. This study aimed to investigate the potential of ergothioneine, a stable antioxidant found in fungi, to decrease ROS in the cell and restore cellular metabolic function after exposure to microgravity. Using Tetrahymena thermophila as a model organism, the experiment assessed gene expression and cellular behavior changes in response to simulated microgravity, both with and without ergothioneine supplementation. Gene expression levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase), ATG8 (autophagy-related protein), and AAC1 (ATP/ADP translocase) were analyzed using RT-qPCR, while behavioral assays evaluated motility, ciliation, and phagocytosis. It was hypothesized that ergothioneine treatment decreases expression of SOD, ATG8, and AAC1, all while increasing motility, cilia regeneration, and decreasing phagocytosis. To test this hypothesis, cells were cultured in a microgravity simulator for 48 hours, with one group receiving ergothioneine treatment during the simulation. Additionally, a control group remained under normal gravity conditions without ergothioneine treatment; all groups underwent RNA extraction and RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis and behavioral assays.