Dr. Renard Thomas

Research Objective: The Effect of Radiation And Simulated Microgravity on Genomic Stability

Determine the effects or radiation on genomic stability under simulated microgravity environments. We hypothesize that both acute and chronic radiation exposure will reduce the stability of the genome by decreasing the DNA repair capacity of target cells (e.g. lymphocytes) and that this loss may be amplified by microgravity exposure. We will also investigate the mechanisms responsible for the attenuation of the DNA repair capacity, as well as determine whether cell in simulated microgravity environments are more susceptible to genotoxic compounds. (e.g. antimicrobial agents).

NASA Research Center For Biotechnology and Environmental Health

http://www.tsu.edu/academics/science/research/nasa.asp