Microgravity and Chronic Radiation Downregulate Mir6236 and Mir6240, Amplifying Tumor Progression Pathways
Date of Award
1-23-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Biology
First Reader
Dr. Nathan Reyna
Second Reader
Dr. Christin Pruett
Third Reader
Professor Jennifer Pittman
Abstract
Prolonged spaceflight exposes astronauts to chronic irradiation and microgravity, inducing oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study identified two significantly downregulated microRNAs, Mir6236 and Mir6240, in murine skeletal muscle following simulated space conditions. Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed these microRNAs likely regulate key ROS-associated genes and pathways, including FN1, EZR, TRX2, and MAP2K1. Their dysregulation suggests a role in tumor progression and oxidative stress response. These findings underscore the need to further investigate microRNA-mediated gene regulation under space-like conditions to better understand the long-term health risks associated with extended space travel.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Orr, Carly, "Microgravity and Chronic Radiation Downregulate Mir6236 and Mir6240, Amplifying Tumor Progression Pathways" (2025). Honors Theses. 983.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/983
Comments
The research for this thesis was done in cooperation with Dr. Nathan Reyna. The presentation is embargoed until May 2029.