Topic Editors

Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), Università di Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Italian Space Agency (ASI), Department of Science and Research, Via del Politecnico, 00133 Rome, Italy

Advances in Astrobiology

Abstract submission deadline
30 June 2024
Manuscript submission deadline
30 November 2024
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1729

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Astrobiology is defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This Topic seeks to collect papers that aim to answer some fundamental questions about the beginning and evolution of life on Earth (including the geological records of biosphere evolutions), possible existence of extraterrestrial life, and the future of life on Earth and other moons and planets. This Special Issue is particularly addressed to those scientists that study the emergence of life on Earth, determine how early life on Earth interacted and evolved with its changing environment, understand the evolutionary mechanisms and environmental limits of life, and explore habitable environments in our solar system and search for life, as well as those scientists that contribute to understanding the nature and distribution of habitable environments in the universe. We also seek papers aimed at recognizing signatures of life on early Earth and on other worlds, studying the nonbiological origin of organic compounds and the boundaries of habitable zones, bioregenerative life support systems, and the environmental limits of life. Finally, we seek papers focusing on the challenges posed by human presence in both low Earth orbit (e.g., ISS) and extraterrestrial orbiting stations (e.g., the Moon Space Gateway) or planetary bases, and the effect of space-related factors, such as altered gravity and magnetic fields, radiation, confinement, altered circadian rhythms, limited social interactions, high labor charge, psychological pressure, and limited or no access to fresh food.

Prof. Dr. Massimo Maffei
Dr. Barbara Cavalazzi
Dr. Marta del Bianco
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • origin and evolution of life
  • exobiology
  • biological life support systems
  • biogeochemistry
  • geochemistry
  • planetary sciences
  • astrochemistry
  • evolutionary biology

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
5.6 7.8 2000 16.8 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Pharmaceutics
pharmaceutics
5.4 6.9 2009 17 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Cells
cells
6.0 9.0 2012 18.8 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Biomolecules
biomolecules
5.5 8.3 2011 19.2 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Plants
plants
4.5 5.4 2012 15.3 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Universe
universe
2.9 3.6 2015 17.6 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Cancers
cancers
5.2 7.4 2009 18.2 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Antioxidants
antioxidants
7.0 8.8 2012 14.4 Days CHF 2900 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Article
YAP Inhibition Alleviates Simulated Microgravity-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence via Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Antioxidants 2023, 12(5), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12050990 - 24 Apr 2023
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Abstract
Weightlessness in space leads to bone loss, muscle atrophy, and impaired immune defense in astronauts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play crucial roles in maintaining the homeostasis and function of the tissue. However, how microgravity affects the characteristics MSCs and the related roles in [...] Read more.
Weightlessness in space leads to bone loss, muscle atrophy, and impaired immune defense in astronauts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play crucial roles in maintaining the homeostasis and function of the tissue. However, how microgravity affects the characteristics MSCs and the related roles in the pathophysiological changes in astronauts remain barely known. Here we used a 2D-clinostat device to simulate microgravity. Senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the expression of senescent markers p16, p21, and p53 were used to evaluate the senescence of MSCs. Mitochondrial membrane potential (mΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ATP production were used to evaluate mitochondrial function. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the expression and localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). We found that simulated microgravity (SMG) induced MSC senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mito-TEMPO (MT), a mitochondrial antioxidant, restored mitochondrial function and reversed MSC senescence induced by SMG, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction mediates SMG-induced MSC senescence. Further, it was found that SMG promoted YAP expression and its nuclear translocation in MSCs. Verteporfin (VP), an inhibitor of YAP, restored SMG-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in MSCs by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear localization. These findings suggest that YAP inhibition alleviates SMG-induced MSC senescence via targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, and YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of weightlessness-related cell senescence and aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Astrobiology)
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