Although the first manned space missions occurred almost 50 years ago, the toxic effects of the space environment on humans continue to surprise and challenge us. Crewmembers in a microgravity environment routinely experience certain deleterious effects, including immune system dysregulation and loss of bone and muscle. Microorganisms, obligate co-travelers in any system involving living organisms, present dangers of infection to crew members and longer term problems from exposure to toxic waste byproducts and contamination of life support systems. Exposure to low-dose radiation is additive and has the potential to be carcinogenic in the long term. With plans for extended human space habitation not only in Space Station Freedom, but in trips back to the moon, to Mars, and beyond, it is increasingly important to understand the basic mechanisms involved in these toxic effects and to devise realistic strategies to protect human space travelers. With the availability of exciting new tools in molecular biology and nanotechnology, scientists in the NASA Research Center for Biotechnology and Environmental Health can help to make this goal a reality.

FOCUS AREA

The overall goals, associated with the two focus areas of microorganism and genotoxicology, are to identify "space genes" that may affect human adaptation in the space environment and to measure oxidative stress and DNA damage in human and mammalian cells.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Identification of Major Space Genes". This project will identify major genes and major cellular pathways that are altered by microgravity.
• Utilization of Antimicrobial Natural Products for Management of Microorganisms in Space Life Support System": This project will investigate the possibility of embedding natural antimicrobial chemicals into materials and fabrics, including membrane and filter materials for water purification, to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Molecular modeling will be used to enhance the selectivity and potency of the natural products.
• Studies with alpha -Tocopherol on Microgravity-induced Oxidative Stress": This project will use both in vitro and in vivo systems to investigate the effect of antioxidants on microgravity-induced oxidative stress.
• Management of Microorganisms in a Closed Environment": This project will focus on yeast cells as a model for nanotechnology and functional genomic studies. Information gained will be used to devise methods to identify and manage microorganisms in the space travel environment.
• The Effect of Radiation and Microgravity on the DNA Repair Capacity of Lymphocytes": This project will use the host-cell reactivation assay to determine the effects of radiation on DNA repair capacity in both G1 and microgravity environments.

RESEARCH TEAM/FACULTY

OLufisayo Jejelowo, Ph.D., Center Director

Brandi Butler, Program Coordinator

Renard Thomas, Ph.D. Investigator

Jade Clement, M.D., Ph.D. Investigator

Govindarajan Ramesh, Ph.D. Investigator

James Briggs, Ph.D. Investigator

Mahmoud Saleh, Ph.D. Investigator

James DuMond, Ph.D. Investigator

Center Faculty and Staff Contact Information

RCBEH Internship Program

For more information:

Dr. Olufisayo Jejelowo, Center Director

NASA Research Center for Biotechnology and Enviromental Health

Texas Southern University

Cleburne Street

Houston Texas 77004

Phone:  713-313-7841 

Fax: 713-313-7932

Email: jejelowo_oa@tsu.edu