The preliminary report of the first results of the MESSAGE experiment, conducted within the scope of Turkey's first human space mission, has been announced. Dr. Cihan Taştan, Lecturer, Director of Üsküdar Üniversitesi TRGENMER and Project Manager of the MESSAGE experiment, stated, “We have published the first results of the MESSAGE Science Mission, which we carried out within the scope of Turkey's first human space mission, as a preliminary report. We have determined the effect of space on astronauts' immune systems.”
The first findings of the MESSAGE (Microgravity Associated Genetics) Science Mission, one of the scientific studies conducted within the scope of Turkey's first human space mission, a historical step for the country, have been shared with the public.
Dr. Cihan Taştan, Lecturer, Director of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Transgenic Cell Technologies and Epigenetics Application and Research Center (TRGENMER) and Project Manager of the MESSAGE experiment, stated, “We have published the first results of the MESSAGE Science Mission, which we carried out within the scope of Turkey's first human space mission, as a preliminary report. We have determined the effect of space on astronauts' immune systems. We will soon publish two more studies focused on ‘Microgravity associated Longevity & Theoretical genes’. Our work on 8 Master's theses within the scope of the MESSAGE Science Mission is ongoing.”
Blood samples were used in the experiment conducted by the TRGENMER team
In the MESSAGE (Microgravity Associated Genetics) experiment conducted by the Üsküdar Üniversitesi TRGENMER team, the effects of microgravity conditions on the immune system and gene expression were investigated in a study carried out with blood samples brought by Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, from the International Space Station.
In the samples analyzed with the CRISPR/Cas system, immune responses, effects on cancer cells, and the activation of yet undiscovered genes were examined. The second phase of the experiment was carried out with the completion of the mission by the second Turkish astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever. The project, led by Dr. Cihan Taştan, aims to provide significant contributions to both space missions and health applications on Earth by presenting innovative findings in the field of space biology and medicine.