CHROMOSOMAL ABBERATIONS IN BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES OF ASTRONAUTS (CHROMOSOME-1)
Research Area: Radiation Impacts on Humans
Expedition(s): 5, 7, 8, 10, 11
Principal Investigator(s): ● Günter Obe, PhD, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen,
Germany
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Chromosomal Aberrations in Blood Lymphocytes of Astronauts-1 (Chromosome-1) studies
space radiation on humans, providing an insight into the exact chromosome from which
particular mutations arise. From this study scientists may be able to better assess risk factors
for genetic damage in space and help develop new methods for protecting crew members
through strategies such as radiation shielding, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical
intervention, etc. Understanding and reducing the risk of radiation is important for safe long-
duration space exploration.
SPACE BENEFITS
From this study, scientists
may be able to better
assess risk factors for
genetic damage in space
and help develop new
methods for protecting
crew members.
Understanding and
reducing the risk of
radiation is important for
safe long-duration travel in
space, including stays on
the moon and travel to
Mars.EARTH BENEFITS
The knowledge gained
from this investigation will
give scientist's insight into
the exact chromosome
from which particular
mutations arise.
RESULTS
The lymphocyte cultures from the blood samples of the 4 short-duration crew members grew
well and gave good preparations for scoring of chromosomal aberrations. The analyses of the
blood samples of the 4 short-duration crew members revealed no overall increase of
aberrations. For comparison, the mean values of 11 long-duration flight crew members were
Multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) metaphase with a
complex translocation pattern. Translocations are present between
chromosome 3 and the X-chromosome; chromosomes 7 and 21, and
chromosomes 7, 12, and 15. Image courtesy of University of Duisburg-
Essen.