mRNA response and stability in Space

This set of experiments investigates the inflammatory response of human immune cells in microgravity, specifically the changes in mRNA decay – a process that regulates gene expression changes in cells and can influence the effects of inflammation. In this experiment, a type of white blood cells will be sent to the ISS and, in parallel with experiments on the ground, cells will be treated with a substance that stimulates an inflammatory response. The changes in mRNA expression and decay will be studied and compared between experimental conditions to learn about mRNA expression changes, which could lead to better understanding of the immune system and uncover biomarkers or potential therapies for inflammatory diseases both in space and on Earth. The project is funded by SSA, where one of their astronauts will perform the experiments at the ISS.