Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Gene Expression Profile and Biological Phenotype of Caenorhabditis Elegans
By: Tee Ling Fei (lingfei@live.com.my)
Ever wonder what is it like if there is no gravitational force on earth? To live and survive in a condition without gravity? And ever wonder how do worms feel and react when they are no longer under the influence of gravity? In this study we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity towards Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode commonly used as an animal model for studies in neuroscience. The nematodes (worms) were subjected to microgravity using a Desktop Random Positioning Machine (RPM, see attached photo) for about 50 hours, before their RNA were extracted for gene expression determination and phenotype observation. Interestingly, microgravity simulation did not cause much difference in the worm’s gene expression. They were also similar in phenotype (lifespan, locomotion and reproduction capability) with worms that were cultured under earth’s normal gravitational forces. Taking it all together, it seems that worms can thrive well under microgravity simulation…..will that be the same for humans?
