The Genes in Space competition challenges students in 7-12th grades to design an experiment that can solve a space exploration problem through DNA analysis. This session will present the results from last year's winning experiment that tested the polymerase chain reaction to study epigenetic changes aboard the ISS.

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Agenda
8:05 Genes in Space Overview Scott Copeland, Boeing
8:10 PCR Science & Technology Ezequiel Alvarez Saavedra Ph.D., miniPCR
8:15 My Experiment in Space Anna-Sophia Boguraev, 2015 Winner

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An idea is born on
Boston Drydock

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Genes in Space

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DNA Technology has transformed our world
PCR
Text
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Forensics
Food and
agriculture
Consumer
genomics
Molecular
diagnostics
Personalized
medicine
Human
evolution
Text Text
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7-12th graders explore a real-world question

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miniPCR: Part of the Space Exploration toolkit

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If I were an
astronaut…

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Spaceflight impairs astronauts’ immune response
• Overall immune depression
• Decreased Interferonγ (Ifnγ):Interlukin-10 (IL-10) ratio
 T-helper 2 (Th2) shift
Naïve CD4+
Precursor
Th1
Th2
Promotes Cell-Mediated Immunity:
lFNγ
IL-2
TNFβ
Promotes Humoral Immunity:
IL-4
IL-10
IL-6
Background

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Background
Epigenetics: external DNA modifications
DNA methylation
• CG dinucleotides
Source: http://www-medchem.ch.cam.ac.uk/lab_rotations/murrell.php

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Promoter DNA methylation silences gene transcription
DNA methylation aids Th cell differentiation
Previous research indicated spaceflight-associated changes in
DNA methylation
Naïve CD4+
Precursor
Th1
Th2
CNS-6 INFγ
IL-4 P1 IL-4
CNS-6 INFγ
IL-4 P1 IL-4
CNS-6 INFγ
IL-4 P1 IL-4
Background

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Can we amplify DNA in space?
Can we amplify bisulfite converted DNA in space?
Can we use these techniques to assay immune related genes?
Goals

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Results

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Lateral gene
transfer in bacterial
biofilms, MA
2016 Genes in Space Finalists
Measuring telomere
length, NY
Genetic drift in
microgravity, OK
Viral reactivation
during spaceflight,
MA
Monitor oxidative
stress on-orbit, MI