Bone Proteomics (BOP)
Research Area: Cellular Biology
Expedition(s): 10 and 11
Principal Investigator(s): ● Aldaberto Costessi, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Bone Proteomics (BOP) investigates the possible role(s) of extracellular nucleotides in the
molecular response of osteoblast cells to weightlessness conditions. BOP is the first student
experiment from European Space
Agency’s (ESA) Space Station
Utilization Contest Calls for
European Student (SUCCESS)
initiatives program and flew on the
International Space Station (ISS) in
- Bone mass loss is a major
consequence of extended periods
of weightlessness. Many studies
performed on astronauts and
animals have shown that impaired
maturation of osteoblast cells as
well as a decrease of their bone-
synthesizing activity, play key roles
in bone mass loss in space.
RESULTS
Preliminary analysis indicated that
administration of ATP to MG-63
cells cultured in weightlessness conditions was able to increase extracellular-signal-regulated
kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Analysis of 2-D gels revealed several differentially regulated
proteins in response to ATP treatment. To the best of our knowledge, BOP is the first proteomic
study on mammalian cells cultured in space. The conclusion of the analysis will reveal new
aspects of osteoblast biology and provide new insights into the molecular responses of human
cells to weightlessness.
PUBLICATION(S)
Costessi A, Vascotto C, Pines A, et al. Bone Proteomics experiment (BOP): The first proteomic
analysis of mammalian cells cultured in weightlessness conditions. 57th International
Astronautical Congress, Valencia, Spain; October 7, 2006.
This investigation is complete and all results are published.
Adalberto Costessi winner of the SUCCESS competition in 2002
student contest making final preparations for Bone Proteomics
experiment prior to launch in 2005 on the Eneide Mission.
ESA/Adalberto Costessi image.