The effectiveness of RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans is maintained during spaceflight.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Overcoming spaceflight-induced (patho)physiologic adaptations is a major challenge preventing long-term deep space exploration. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising therapeutic for combating diseases on Earth; however the efficacy of RNAi in space is currently unknown.

Methods

Caenorhabditis elegans were prepared in liquid media on Earth using standard techniques and treated acutely with RNAi or a vector control upon arrival in Low Earth Orbit. After culturing during 4 and 8 d spaceflight, experiments were stopped by freezing at -80°C until analysis by mRNA and microRNA array chips, microscopy and Western blot on return to Earth. Ground controls (GC) on Earth were simultaneously grown under identical conditions.

Results

After 8 d spaceflight,

SUBMITTER: Etheridge T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3105993 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature