Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32364: Studying Gene Expression in Space: The EPICON Mission

Have you ever wondered how space travel affects our DNA? Not the structure, but how genes are turned on or off in response to extreme environments. The STaARS BioScience-8-Gene Control Prime-EPICON experiment aimed to unravel that mystery.

Led by Dr. Oliver Ullrich of the University of Zurich, this experiment focused on gene expression—specifically how certain genes are activated or silenced in the absence of gravity. On Earth, gravity constantly applies force on our bodies. But in space, that pressure vanishes, prompting cells to react in surprising ways.

Gene expression is like a conductor leading an orchestra. While all the musicians (genes) are present, the conductor (expression) determines who plays and when. EPICON was designed to observe how microgravity influences that conductor’s choices.

Using human cell cultures, researchers monitored the behavior of eight selected genes. These genes were chosen for their known roles in stress response, immunity, and cell function. The goal? To see if spaceflight induces changes that could compromise human health—or point to new treatment strategies.

The data from EPICON not only helps scientists prepare astronauts for long missions, but also provides insights into diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, where gene expression plays a key role. Imagine using space research to develop drugs that better target these gene behaviors.

With each orbit around Earth, the ISS serves as a floating lab offering new knowledge about how life responds to the cosmos.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in 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.