Changes in astronaut immune cell function during exposure to microgravity will be investigated as part of the Polish technological and scientific mission IGNIS to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Immune Multiomics experiment, led by Dr. Alicja Trębińska-Stryjewska from the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, is one of 13 research projects included in the IGNIS mission. The mission will also feature Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, a Polish project astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA). The launch of the Ax-4 mission is scheduled for May 29.
Researchers aim to understand how spaceflight affects the human body’s ability to defend itself against infections. The experiment will analyze changes in gene expression in blood cells following short-term exposure to the microgravity environment aboard the ISS.
Dr. Trębińska-Stryjewska emphasized that space missions are highly stressful experiences for the human body. During a stay on the ISS, the body must adapt to reduced gravitational forces and other potentially harmful factors such as cosmic radiation.
As part of the Immune Multiomics experiment, scientists will examine alterations in gene expression and DNA methylation in circulating immune cells. Gene expression determines which genes are active or inactive depending on the condition of the cell and incoming signals. Active genes produce RNA molecules or proteins that perform specific cellular functions.
DNA methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, involves chemically altering the DNA molecule without changing its sequence. This can lead to long-lasting changes in gene activity. Researchers will use advanced sequencing techniques, such as RNA and DNA sequencing, to study these molecular processes.
Until now, similar studies have only been carried out on a small number of astronauts. “A deeper understanding of how the human immune system functions under such extreme conditions will help protect astronaut health during future missions—to the Moon, Mars, or beyond. It may also pave the way for new approaches to improving human health here on Earth,” said Dr. Trębińska-Stryjewska.
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