Summary
This collaborative Exosome-Based Biomarkers Project, led by @kykamal explores how spaceflight alters exosome-mediated intercellular communication, with a specific focus on sex-specific physiological adaptations. Exosomes, as small extracellular vesicles (30–200 nm) enriched in proteins, RNAs, and lipids, reflect the physiological state of their tissue of origin and respond dynamically to environmental changes. This positions them as promising non-invasive biomarkers for real-time monitoring of astronaut health. The project directly supports NASA’s goals to develop precision health monitoring and individualized countermeasures for long-duration space missions.
Project Objectives
This initiative leverages cross-species, multi-omics approaches to understand how exosomal content changes under spaceflight-like conditions, using rodent analog models and astronaut-derived samples. Key objectives include:
Characterize sex- and organ-specific changes in exosomal RNA and protein cargo in response to space-relevant stressors using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis.
Compare exosomal signatures between rodents and astronauts to identify conserved biomarkers and pathways of physiological adaptation and vulnerability.
Conduct sex-stratified multi-omics analyses to map biological processes and tissue-specific contributions to exosome release and signaling.
Integrate organ-enriched proteome databases to infer tissue origins of exosomal cargo and better understand systemic communication under space stress.
Develop a validated panel of circulating exosomal biomarkers for non-invasive, real-time assessment of physiological stress, inflammation, and tissue remodeling during space missions.
Interest to Join
For those interested in joining this exciting effort, please reach out or join the upcoming GeneLab AWG forum discussion.
Thanks for the message. My apologies for not getting back to you late last week. I had professional deadlines needing attention. I’m certainly interested in joining your subgroup and would like to discuss possible research directions with you and others.
The Exosome_Subgroup Porjcet introductory meeting on Thursday, May 1st at 11:00 AM CDT . This will mark the start of our biweekly group meetings , where we will discuss project goals, ongoing tasks, and future directions.
Hi Khaled,
I find your project very interesting and would like to join your subgroup. Please feel free to contact me, juliososa77@gmail.com
Thanks
Julio
Thank you for sharing this valuable and thought-provoking topic. Exosomes represent a highly promising frontier in biomedical research with immense therapeutic potential. I did my master’s degree in studying the ameliorative effect of Exo on the Ovarian cells. I’m particularly interested in exploring the molecular engineering of exosomes to enhance their specificity for targeted cell delivery.
Can we manipulate the exosomal membrane or cargo to selectively target specific cell types or pathological environments?
This is an area I’m passionate about, and I’m keen to connect with others working in or interested in exosome-based therapeutics. Please feel free to reach out if you’re open to future collaboration.
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