[CERISE]
RNA interference and protein phosphorylation in space environment using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Biology and Biotechnology

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SCIENCE OBJECTIVES FOR EVERYONE

RNA Interference and Protein Phosphorylation in Space Environment Using the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (CERISE) evaluates the effect of microgravity on RNA interference and studies how the space environment effects protein phosphorylation and signal transduction in the muscle fibers of Caenorhabditis elegans.

SCIENCE RESULTS FOR EVERYONE

Ageing and space travel are hard on the muscles. This investigation studies how space living affects muscle fibers using nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans). The data show changes in muscle, bone, and cell proteins and help scientists understand how human muscle decline. Researchers treat the worms in a special way to block the activity of certain genes to stop degradation of muscle-specific proteins in both microgravity and normal gravity. The treatment may be effective in combating muscle loss and other problems on future long-duration space missions.

Experiment Description

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

RNA interference is an useful technique to artificially knock down a target gene expression. In this experiment we will examine RNA interference under space environment. We will also evaluate the effect of space environment on protein phosphorylation and signal transduction concerning muscle fibers formation using gene knock-downed C.elegans.

DESCRIPTION

Examine RNA interference under space environment and evaluate effect of space environment for protein phosphorylation and signal transduction concerning muscle fibers formation using gene knock downed C.elegans

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EARTH APPLICATIONS

The experimental data will provide the important information to clarify the muscle atrophy in space and also on the Earth. The results will be the first evidence that RNA interference will be a powerful technique in space experiment to investigate the effect of microgravity on gene expression.

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PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S)

HIGASHITANI Atsushi [Tohoku University]

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[CERISE]RNA interference and protein phosphorylation in space environment using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans