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.
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