![]() ![]() We first needed develop the ability to transform and genetically engineer organisms in space. This color shift allowed the astronauts in our study to report back that the technique was working, which they later confirmed with molecular tools (PCR and DNA sequencing).ĭid you encounter any challenges in the development process? ![]() CRISPR allows us to target the DNA damage to a particular gene that, when disrupted and repaired, results in a visible color change in the cells. The elegance of this study is that astronauts can trigger DNA lesions in a controlled manner using the CRISPR gene editing system. How does the system work – and how did you modify it for space? We wanted to overcome these limitations by designing an experiment that would allow scientists to damage DNA and observe it repairing itself entirely in space. After coming across the Genes in Space competition online and reading about the NASA Twin Study, the group became interested in studying DNA damage and repair in space – and thought that CRISPR/Cas9 would be the perfect tool.ĭuring background research, the students and I found that previous studies on the effects of microgravity on DNA repair were limited to using simulated microgravity or inducing breaks on Earth before studying repair in space. One of them, David Li (now an undergraduate student at MIT), was working with CRISPR/Cas9. While still in high school, the students conducted biology research at the University of Minnesota. The idea was developed by a team of high school students who participated in the 2018 Genes in Space competition, in which young students propose their ideas for a DNA experiment that will help advance space exploration. What inspired you to develop a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system for use in space? Researchers have now developed a system that can study DNA repair in yeast cells in space (1) – so we spoke to senior researcher, Sebastian Kraves, to find out more. CRISPR/Cas 9 in space: the final frontier? With more astronauts embarking on space explorations (and an obsession for commercial space travel in billionaire circles), there is a growing need to tackle the risk of DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation outside the Earth’s protective atmosphere. ![]()
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