DNA mutation found in astronauts' blood

Scientists from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai took blood tests of 14 NASA astronauts. The samples showed signs of somatic DNA mutations. They can increase their risk of developing cancer and heart disease.

On average, astronauts spent 12 days in space. They flew on shuttles in 1998-2001. Before the start and on the day of landing, doctors took blood from them. All this time, the samples were stored at -80°C.

“Astronauts work in extreme conditions, where many factors can lead to somatic mutations, primarily cosmic radiation. There is a risk that these mutations could disrupt hematopoietic processes,” lead author David Ghukasian said.

Most of all mutations occurred in the TP53 gene - it produces a protein that suppresses the tumor. Also in DNMT3A - this gene often mutates in acute myeloid leukemia.

The results of the study do not mean that astronauts will definitely get sick. The data must be taken into account when planning long-term expeditions to deep space.