[Neuro Rad]
Biological Effects of Space Radiation and Microgravity on Mammalian Cells

Biology and Biotechnology

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ISS Science for Everyone

SCIENCE OBJECTIVES FOR EVERYONE

Biological Effects of Space Radiation and Microgravity on Mammalian Cells (NeuroRad) studies the effects of space radiation on the human neuroblastoma cell (nerve cell containing a tumor) line in microgravity.

SCIENCE RESULTS FOR EVERYONE

Space travel is rough on human cells. Studying human nerve cells with tumors, and changes in their genetic materials, show that short- and long-term cultures of these cells on the space station grow faster and generate more reactive oxygen species, along with increased heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes than those cultured on Earth, meaning that toxic stress occurs in the microgravity cells. Results could advance new treatments and preventative measures for the effects of radiation on humans in space and for related diseases and aging on Earth.

Experiment Description

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

NeuroRad will investigate the biological effects of space radiation on mammalian nerve cells using SK-N-SH (human neuroblastoma cell line).
NeuroRad will evaluate the risk factors of long-term space flight by investigating the ability to recover from radiation damage aquired in microgravity. NeuroRad will also evaluate the effects of radiation accumulation as a result of long-term space flight missions.
NeuroRad will focus on changes in the mitochondria-related gene expression, since the mitochondria is well known for having a crucial role in apotosis (programmed cell death).
After recovery, the effects of radiation in microgravity will be comprehensively analyzed using the following techniques: nuclear DNA microaray, western blotting, and mutation assays.

DESCRIPTION

Eggs of silkworm Bombyx mori on the Earth in the customized egg cases. After the launch at 5 degrees C, the eggs are kept cooled in MELFI at 2 degrees C for diapause. A day before recovery STS docking, eggs are incubated using CBEF at 20 degrees C for 8 days, then stored in MELFI at +2 degrees C and -95 degrees C, then recovered at +5 degrees C and at -20 degrees C. One control egg case are kept at 2 degrees C without incubation. After recovery, eggs are germinated and analyzed for radiation effects with mutation assay, genetic assay and biochemical assays.

Applications

EARTH APPLICATIONS

Radiation effects are critical for biological creatures. The data collected during this investigation may lead a greater understanding of how the radiation defense system is affected by different factors from space radiation and microgravity environment. The data could be applied to develop new treatments and preventative measures for the effects of radiation, and to further investigate the effects of human long-duration stays in space.

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PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S)

MAJIMA Hideyuki [Kagoshima University]

JAXA’s Utilization Themes List

[Neuro Rad]Biological Effects of Space Radiation and Microgravity on Mammalian Cells