MESSAGE

The MESSAGE (Microgravity Associated Genetics Research Group) project from the TÜBİTAK UZAY portfolio on Ax-3 is interested in assessing microgravity-associated changes in gene expression in human immune system T-cells collected from an astronaut. After flight, the project will use CRISPR gene editing technologies to knock out genes in T-cells found to be upregulated by space travel. The researchers will also aim to produce immune cells with the observed microgravity-associated gene changes by using an acoustic levitation device on the ground to mimic microgravity and explore the cells' changes in proliferation, survival, and stress responses at a cellular level. By better understanding the response of the immune system to the stress of microgravity, the project aims to identify potential space travelers who may be more suited to long duration spaceflight missions due to the resilience of their immune system.