Unraveling the role of glia cells in the space brain: Response of primary astrocytes to ionizing radiation exposure

Kurzfassung

Introduction: Exposure to space radiation is a major limiting factor for crewed space exploration. Astronauts encounter different types of space radiation (high-energy protons, He and heavy ions), which may cause a cognitive decline that manifests amongst others as learning difficulties, and also elevated anxiety and depression. Due to its limited regenerative potential, the central nervous system (CNS) is vulnerable towards radiation-induced damage. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells of the CNS, have different crucial functions in the CNS, e.g. maintaining normal brain function. In this work, the response of astrocytes towards low linear energy transfer (LET) X-rays and high-LET heavy ions was compared to unravel possible specific effects of space-relevant high-LET radiation.