Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32084: Gene Therapy for Dry Macular Degeneration in Microgravity Conditions

Dry macular degeneration (DMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, particularly in aging populations. However, the effects of spaceflight on DMD have not been widely studied until recently. The experiment 'Preclinical Validation of a Modifier Gene Therapy to Prevent Spaceflight Associated Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Microgravity Mouse Model of Dry Macular Degeneration' aims to investigate how microgravity affects this condition. Led by Dr. Hema Ramkumar of Oculogenex, Inc., and developed in collaboration with NASA Ames Research Center, this experiment focuses on using gene therapy to prevent the oxidative stress and cell death associated with DMD in the unique environment of microgravity. Using a mouse model, researchers will test the effectiveness of a gene therapy designed to protect the retinal cells from the damage induced by spaceflight. The results of this study could not only advance our understanding of how space travel impacts vision but could also lead to groundbreaking treatments for age-related macular degeneration and other vision-related diseases. Space-based research into the molecular mechanisms of diseases offers a new frontier in medical science, and this experiment plays a key role in bridging the gap between space exploration and healthcare advancements.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.