Table4_Variations in DNA methylation and the role of regulatory factors in rice (Oryza sativa) response to lunar orbit stressors.xlsx

Deep space flight imposes higher levels of damage on biological organisms; however, its specific effects on rice remain unclear. To investigate the variations in DNA methylation under deep space flight conditions, this study examined rice seeds carried by Chang’e-5. After 23 days of lunar orbital flight, the samples were planted in an artificial climate chamber and subjected to transcriptome and DNA methylation sequencing during the tillering and heading stages. The methylation patterns in the rice genome exhibited variability in response to lunar orbital stressors. DNA methylation alters the expression and interaction patterns of functional genes, involving biological processes such as metabolism and defense. Furthermore, we employed single-sample analysis methods to assess the gene expression and interaction patterns of different rice individuals. The genes exhibiting changes at the transcriptional and methylation levels varied among the different plants; however, these genes regulate consistent biological functions, primarily emphasizing metabolic processes. Finally, through single-sample analysis, we identified a set of miRNAs induced by lunar orbital stressors that potentially target DNA methylation regulatory factors. The findings of this study broaden the understanding of space biological effects and lay a foundation for further exploration of the mechanisms by which deep space flight impacts plants.

深空飞行会对生物有机体造成更为严重的损伤，但目前其对水稻的具体影响仍不明确。为探究深空飞行环境下DNA甲基化（DNA methylation）的变化规律，本研究对由嫦娥五号搭载的水稻种子展开了相关实验。经23天月球轨道飞行后，这些样本被种植于人工气候箱中，并分别在分蘖期与抽穗期进行转录组与DNA甲基化测序。水稻基因组的甲基化模式在响应月球轨道胁迫因素时呈现出显著差异。DNA甲基化会改变功能基因的表达模式与互作网络，涉及代谢、防御等多种生物学过程。此外，本研究采用单样本分析方法，对不同水稻个体的基因表达模式与互作网络进行了评估。尽管不同植株间在转录与甲基化水平上发生变化的基因存在差异，但这些基因所调控的生物学功能却具有一致性，主要集中于代谢过程。最后，通过单样本分析，本研究鉴定出了一组由月球轨道胁迫因素诱导产生的microRNA（miRNA），其潜在靶点为DNA甲基化调控因子。本研究的发现加深了人们对空间生物学效应的认知，并为进一步探究深空飞行影响植物的分子机制奠定了基础。