Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32276: Fighting Neurological Disease from Orbit: Studying Parkinson’s and MS Using Microglial Models in Space

The brain is one of the most complex systems in the universe, and its diseases are among the most difficult to study and treat. But what happens when you take this research to space? The experiment 'The Effects of Microgravity on Microglia 3-Dimensional Models of Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis' aims to answer that question by investigating how microgravity impacts brain immune cells called microglia.

Led by researchers from Aspen Neuroscience and the New York Stem Cell Foundation, this experiment utilized 3D brain models to study how microglia behave under microgravity. Microglia are key players in the brain's immune system and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

In Earth-based laboratories, studying how these cells function in realistic 3D environments is already challenging. In space, however, microgravity can remove mechanical forces that influence cell shape and interaction, giving researchers a clearer picture of underlying biological processes.

Using bioreactor systems provided by Space Tango, these microglial models were cultured aboard the ISS, allowing scientists to observe changes in gene expression, inflammation responses, and cellular communication.

The findings could have profound implications. By identifying how microgravity alters microglial behavior, researchers can better understand disease pathways and potentially identify new drug targets. This knowledge can not only help astronauts remain healthy during long missions but also translate to better treatments for PD and MS patients on Earth.

The intersection of neuroscience and space science is opening entirely new frontiers—and this project is a stellar example.

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