Fischer Rat Thyroid Low Serum 5 (FRTL5)
Research Area: Cellular Biology
Expedition(s): 10 and 11
Principal Investigator(s): ● Francesco Curcio, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Fischer Rat Thyroid Low Serum 5 (FRTL5) assesses the effects of microgravity and radiation
on rat thyroid cells. This experiment should provide further indications that may help in
understanding why the sensitivity of the cells to radiation damage is related to their cell cycle
and to the kinetics of the radiation. Furthermore, it will help improve our knowledge of the
effect of the space environment on the human body, especially on long-duration missions.
RESULTS
Overall cell number was lower in the cultures exposed to space environment as compared to
the ground controls reproducing the temperature conditions during the ENEIDE mission. This
phenomenon was most likely related to a slower growth rate in proliferative state. This slow
growth rate was reversible, as demonstrated by the results of the growth curves, the plating
and cloning efficiencies measured on the samples once they were returned to our laboratory in
Udine; and mostly related to space effects as indicated by additional control in a clinostat. More
experiments of this kind are needed to verify and validate these data and to investigate the
molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon.
PUBLICATION(S)
Albi E, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Villani M, et al. Thyroid cell growth: Sphingomyelin metabolism
as non-invasive marker for cell damage acquired during spaceflight. Astrobiology.
2010;10(8):811-820. doi: 10.1089/ast.2010.0461.
Meli A, Perrella G, Toller M, et al. Ambesi-Impiombato FS, FRTL-5 experiment during ENEIDE
mission. Microgravity Science and Technology. September 2007;19(5-6):175-179. doi:
10.1007/BF02919476.
This investigation is complete and all results are published.