Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Angeline Nichols, Freshman Enoch Tonkin, Freshman Ana Lobaton, Freshman Jahzara Hope, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Angeline Nichols
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Emel Sen Kilic
Abstract
Long-duration space missions expose astronauts to microgravity and chronic low-dose radiation, both greatly impacting skeletal health. While mechanical unloading in microgravity is a well-known driver of bone loss, recent evidence indicates that radiation independently contributes to bone deterioration by increasing osteoclast activity, which remodel bone faster, and suppress osteoblast differentiation. H2AX, a histone protein that rapidly phosphorylates into y-H2AX in response to the double strands of DNA breaking, has emerged as a sensitive biological marker for radiation exposure. This project aims to determine the efficacy of H2AX in the presence of radiation-induced DNA damage in bone marrow, compared to microgravity alone. Using a cell line model, y-H2AX levels will be measured using Western blotting technique. Understanding the specificity and reliability of H2AX in these conditions can validate its use for monitoring the skeletal health of astronauts. This research provides a foundation for future clinical trials and enhances the risk assessment necessary for successful long duration space missions.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Using H2AX as a Biological Indicator to Assess Radiation-Induced bone loss in Microgravity Environments
Long-duration space missions expose astronauts to microgravity and chronic low-dose radiation, both greatly impacting skeletal health. While mechanical unloading in microgravity is a well-known driver of bone loss, recent evidence indicates that radiation independently contributes to bone deterioration by increasing osteoclast activity, which remodel bone faster, and suppress osteoblast differentiation. H2AX, a histone protein that rapidly phosphorylates into y-H2AX in response to the double strands of DNA breaking, has emerged as a sensitive biological marker for radiation exposure. This project aims to determine the efficacy of H2AX in the presence of radiation-induced DNA damage in bone marrow, compared to microgravity alone. Using a cell line model, y-H2AX levels will be measured using Western blotting technique. Understanding the specificity and reliability of H2AX in these conditions can validate its use for monitoring the skeletal health of astronauts. This research provides a foundation for future clinical trials and enhances the risk assessment necessary for successful long duration space missions.