This RNA is heading to the ISS!
Dr. Aleks Radakovic, Dr. Ally Huang, and Dr. Burcu Minsky finish prepping samples for Genes in Space-11
The next Genes in Space student investigation is expected to launch this fall aboard NASA's Space X Crew-9 mission. The experiment, designed by 2023 Genes in Space winner Isabel Jiang, aims to validate a novel technique to study the effects of space conditions on certain genetic elements called retrotransposons. RNA samples that will make their way to the International Space Station were recently prepared and shipped to Kennedy Space Center for the launch.
Validating the samples using the Genes in Space Toolkit
The sample preparation, which took place at New England Biolabs, was done by Dr. Ally Huang, Lead Research Scientist at miniPCR bio, Dr. Burcu Minsky, Applications and Product Development Scientist at New England Biolabs, and Dr. Aleks Radakovic, Genes in Space Mentor and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Chicago.
Once validated, the samples were packed with dry ice for transportation to Kennedy Space Center
The goal of the Genes in Space-11 investigation is to develop a simple and rapid method to measure retrotransposon activation using equipment that is already in use on the ISS. Retrotransposons are DNA sequences that, if activated, can cause genetic mutations and lead to diseases like cancer. The method relies on the detection of retrotransposon RNA and could be easily adapted to detect other RNAs, including those of viruses that can cause illness. Understanding how and when retrotransposons are activated will help manage the health risks astronauts face during long-term space missions. Check out some additional photos below:
