Determining changes in gene expression from microgravity through qRT-PCR
Start Date
August 2025
End Date
August 2025
Location
ALT 307
Abstract
The effects of microgravity and their impacts on the human body continue to be an important area of research as the process of advancing space exploration continues forward. Skeletal muscles play a substantial role in human health and are greatly impacted by the effects of microgravity. Sialic acid is known to play a crucial role in muscle function and is involved in some muscle loss disorders such as GNE Myopathy. This study aims to determine one possible mechanism of muscle atrophy when exposed to microgravity during spaceflight. The study aims to determine if exposure to microgravity, simulated by hind limb unloading in rats, reduces sialic acid in skeletal muscles, and therefore plays a role in the muscle atrophy experienced by astronauts. To assess muscle sialyation in these rats, qRT-PCR was used to measure the gene expression of several sialidase and sialyltransferase enzymes which regulate sialylation. Although this project is still in progress, we have been able to troubleshoot and refine our protocols greatly and are looking forward to continuing this research in the future.
Determining changes in gene expression from microgravity through qRT-PCR
ALT 307
The effects of microgravity and their impacts on the human body continue to be an important area of research as the process of advancing space exploration continues forward. Skeletal muscles play a substantial role in human health and are greatly impacted by the effects of microgravity. Sialic acid is known to play a crucial role in muscle function and is involved in some muscle loss disorders such as GNE Myopathy. This study aims to determine one possible mechanism of muscle atrophy when exposed to microgravity during spaceflight. The study aims to determine if exposure to microgravity, simulated by hind limb unloading in rats, reduces sialic acid in skeletal muscles, and therefore plays a role in the muscle atrophy experienced by astronauts. To assess muscle sialyation in these rats, qRT-PCR was used to measure the gene expression of several sialidase and sialyltransferase enzymes which regulate sialylation. Although this project is still in progress, we have been able to troubleshoot and refine our protocols greatly and are looking forward to continuing this research in the future.
