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. 2009 Oct 1;23(4):183-187.
doi: 10.2187/bss.23.183.

C. elegans RNAi space experiment (CERISE) in Japanese Experiment Module KIBO

Atsushi Higashitani  1 , Toko Hashizume, Tomoko Sugimoto, Chihiro Mori, Kanako Nemoto, Timothy Etheridge, Nahoko Higashitani, Takako Takanami, Hiromi Suzuki, Keiji Fukui, Takashi Yamazaki, Noriaki Ishioka, Nathaniel Szewczyk, Akira Higashibata
Affiliations

C. elegans RNAi space experiment (CERISE) in Japanese Experiment Module KIBO

Atsushi Higashitani et al. Biol Sci Space. .

Abstract

We have started a space experiment using an experimental organism, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, in the Japanese Experiment Module, KIBO, of the International Space Station (ISS). The specimens were boarded by space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-129 which launched from NASA Kennedy Space Center on November 16, 2009. The purpose of the experiment was several-fold: (i) to verify the efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) in space, (ii) to monitor transcriptional and post-translational alterations in the entire genome in space, and (iii) to investigate mechanisms regulating and countermeasures for muscle alterations in response to the space environment. In particular, this will be the first study to utilize RNAi in space.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Decal for the CERISE experiment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Experimental equipments and culture bags. The bags were made of polyethylene with heat shielding. Two compartments were separated with U-pin. Crew member removes the U-pin in space, and cultures are started in CBEF.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
GFP recombinant strains used in this study to monitor RNAi activity and muscle structures. Nuclei of Oocytes and embryos are visualized in AZ212 (left panel). Nuclei and mitochondria of muscles are visualized in PD4251 (Right panel).
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