About the Project

NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program (RGSFOP)

Our Study:
Change in myocytic and osteoblastic cellular shapes due to response of nuclear movement in microgravity conditions

Current Agenda:

• Fly our experiment!

Abstract:
The mechanisms of cellular responses directly due to microgravity conditions have not been concretely identified in previous research. Knowledge of such cellular responses to microgravity is crucial to the greater understanding of the present concerns of muscle atrophy and loss of bone density during extended exposure to microgravity conditions. Through our study, we will investigate one possible mechanism in which gravity directly affects cellular machinery through a shift in the position of the cell nucleus. Loss of gravitational forces in the cell would cause a shift in the positions of the cellular organelles, including the nucleus, to a more energetically favorable state than with gravity. We predict that the cell nucleus in myocytes and osteoblasts will move in response to microgravity conditions and that this movement will change the overall shape of the cell via direct connections between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton. Such changes in cell shape may have ramifications in the overall function or behavior of the cell. Overall, the results of this experiment will enhance our understanding of possible mechanisms through which gravity may act to directly affect cellular behavior.

Test Objectives:
The aim of this study is to detect and observe a possible mechanism through which gravity may have a direct and relatively macroscopic effect on cellular morphology after minimal exposure to microgravity. Experimental evidence has shown that cell shape is responsible for influencing factors such as cell proliferation, gene expression (Vico et al, Bone. 22(5) May 1998 Supplement:95S-98S), and general cellular metabolism (Tairbekov, Doklady Biological Sciences. 375 2000:660-62), suggesting the importance of such a direct effect of gravity on cell structure. Specifically, we hypothesize that a minimal time spent in microgravity conditions would directly cause noticeable movement and deformation of the cell nucleus and thus cause a change in overall cell shape through its connections with the cytoskeleton.

Overview:
The NASA RGSFOP provides students with the chance to design and perform a study on the effects of microgravity (nearly zero-g) on a subject of their own choosing. Flights aboard the KC-135A (the famous NASA "Vomit Comet") will simulate approximately thirty seconds of nearly zero-gravity conditions, allowing for unique tests and insights on the effects of microgravity.

Thie purpose of this website is to provide information about our research and activities in this program, as well as inform the public of the valuable educational opportunities and services provided by NASA.

Introduction:
Our team consists of four Juniors from Duke University: John Fang, Isaac Chan, Dan Choi, and Gary Sing. We are advised by Dr. George Truskey of the Biomedical Engineering Department.

Future updates to this site will reflect our progress in both the experimental and outreach portions of our project.

Experimental
We have developed our methods for fixing cells while spinning in a centrifuge and are currently measuring the distance from the slide to the nucleus with a confocal microscope. Our primary piece of equipment is an open air centrifuge. Using fluorescent dye, we are able to obtain very clear images of our cell samples.

Outreach
Lakewood Elementary: We presented an activity emphasizing scientific curiosity and emphasized the necessity of NASA in exploring science.

E.K. Powe: We presented our experimental instruments (centrifuge) and displayed the RGSFOP video for viewing during a "Science Night" for K-6 students.