NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Protein crystal growth and the International Space StationProtein structural information plays a key role in understanding biological structure-function relationships and in the development of new pharmaceuticals for both chronic and infectious diseases. The Center for Macromolecular Crystallography (CMC) has devoted considerable effort studying the fundamental processes involved in macromolecular crystal growth both in a 1-g and microgravity environment. Results from experiments performed on more than 35 U.S. space shuttle flights have clearly indicated that microgravity can provide a beneficial environment for macromolecular crystal growth. This research has led to the development of a new generation of pharmaceuticals that are currently in preclinical or clinical trials for diseases such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, influenza, stroke and other cardiovascular complications. The International Space Station (ISS) provides an opportunity to have complete crystallographic capability on orbit, which was previously not possible with the space shuttle orbiter. As envisioned, the x-ray Crystallography Facility (XCF) will be a complete facility for growing protein crystals; selecting, harvesting, and mounting sample crystals for x-ray diffraction; cryo-freezing mounted crystals if necessary; performing x-ray diffraction studies; and downlinking the data for use by crystallographers on the ground. Other advantages of such a facility include crystal characterization so that iterations in the crystal growth conditions can be made, thereby optimizing the final crystals produced in a three month interval on the ISS.
Document ID
20040120441
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
DeLucas, L. J.
(University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0005 United States)
Moore, K. M.
Long, M. M.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Gravitational and space biology bulletin : publication of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1089-988X
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-40189
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC8-126
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
STS Shuttle Project
short duration
Flight Experiment
manned

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available