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Radiation and the Immune SystemRadiation has profound effects on the immune system. This makes it particularly important to study in order to protect astronauts venturing into deep space and cancer patients considering radiotherapy treatments. Beyond the Earth's magentic field lies galactic cosmic radiation, which contains heavy ion based rays. Immune alterations in response to radiation depends on factors such as the type and amount of radiation, and potentially even the genes of the individual being exposed. In order to study the effects of cosmic radiation on the immune system, we are exposing primary human immune cells to various types and amounts of radiation. To measure sensitivity to radiation, we are quantifying the DNA damage within the cells before irradiation, 4 hours after irradiation, and 24 hours after irradiation. DNA damage is visualized by fluorescently staining for known DNA repair proteins, which get recruited to the site of damage within a cell. These results will be analyzed to search for correlations between immune cell responses and the type of radiation, amount of radiation, or any genetic markers present in the human blood donors. We will also be attempting to determine which specific immune cells are most suspectible to radiation damage. These correlations and discoveries will contribute to making long duration human deep space exploration a possibility, and can even be used to design more personalized and effective radiation treatments for cancer patients.
Document ID
20180007022
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Malkani, Sherina S.
(Blue Marble Space Seattle, WA, United States)
Date Acquired
October 29, 2018
Publication Date
August 16, 2018
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN60093
Meeting Information
Meeting: Young Scientist Program Night of Science
Location: Moffett Field, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 16, 2018
Sponsors: Blue Marble Space
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC18M0060
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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