Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31321: MESSAGE (Ax-3): Decoding Genetic Responses to Spaceflight

The MESSAGE experiment, part of the Ax-3 mission, aims to uncover how spaceflight affects human gene expression. Spearheaded by Dr. Cihan Taştan from Üsküdar University and supported by TÜBİTAK, this human research initiative examines how being in space alters genetic messages within our cells.

When astronauts venture into microgravity, their bodies undergo complex changes, from fluid shifts to muscle atrophy. But what happens at the genetic level? MESSAGE investigates these changes by collecting and analyzing blood samples before, during, and after spaceflight.

The experiment uses transcriptomics—a technique that looks at RNA molecules to understand which genes are turned on or off. This helps researchers identify biological pathways influenced by microgravity, such as those related to immunity, inflammation, and DNA repair.

Preliminary findings reveal that spaceflight triggers stress responses in certain genes while downregulating others involved in cellular maintenance. These insights are vital for developing countermeasures to keep astronauts healthy on long missions.

Moreover, the knowledge gained can benefit Earth-bound medicine, particularly in understanding how extreme environments impact our biology.

MESSAGE sets a new standard in personalized astronaut care, aligning space research with real-world healthcare improvements.

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