Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Health & Life Sciences Data and Sample Mining (DM) or Research Models (RM)

A comprehensive "-omics" database for space-related research utilizing both ground and space biological and radiation data.

• Public data accessible for immediate download and use.

The GenBank sequence database is an open access, annotated collection of all publicly available nucleotide sequences and their protein translations.

• Public data accessible for immediate download and use.

A longitudinal study that tracks various health-related parameters in Canadians between 45-85 years old.

• CLSA data and biospecimens can only be used by investigators affiliated with a public sector research organization
• Research projects must have received Research Ethics Board (REB) approval prior to the release of CLSA data and/or biospecimens.

The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories offer a tissue bank from the Life Span Study that aims to investigate the relative biological effectiveness of ingested tritium vs exposure to Co-60 gamma rays on the tumorigenesis and latency in mice.

• Samples requests must be submitted to this email address.

Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), the biobank is designed to produce a nationally representative cohort to facilitate the progress of new and innovative health research projects. The biobank currently holds biospecimens (blood, urine, and DNA) collected from over 22,000 consenting Canadians between the ages of 3 to 79 years.

• Researchers submit a completed application form to use CHMS biospecimens.
• An application evaluation including a feasibility assessment and Biobank Advisory Committee review is required.

After obtaining all necessary approvals, a letter of agreement is signed between the researcher and Statistics Canada.

Dryad is an international disciplinary repository of data underlying scientific and medical publications. Dryad is a curated general-purpose repository that makes data discoverable, freely reusable, and citable.

• Public data accessible for immediate download and use.

Data Mining

University of Waterloo – Richard Hughson

Extracting novel information from Canadian space life science astronaut data

The current project will provide an opportunity for young, highly talented Canadian scientists to engage in data mining exercise that will leverage data collected from the CSA-supported projects BP Reg and Vascular. Novel hypotheses developed since these original studies can utilize spaceflight data to provide insights into blood pressure regulation and the effects of stiffer arteries on blood flow to the brain. Our results set the stage for applications of the CSA Bio-Monitor and advanced ultrasound technology to benefit astronauts in future long-duration exploration missions; and, they open opportunities to benefit health in the aging population on Earth.

$70,000

Data Mining

University of Montreal – Frédéric Pitre

Impacts of long-term space travel upon astronaut health: analysis of MARS500 crew microbiomes using improved Metagenomics

The microbiome is intricately involved in human health. One concern in spaceflight is the potential negative impact of long-term habitat confinement upon microbiome health. The MARS500 project investigated this by sampling the microbiome of six astronauts over the longest ground-based confined habitat experiment conducted to-date. The project objective is to determine common microbiome changes in the crew of the MARS500 experiment. Improved metagenomic assessment technologies mean that significant differences in microbiome species can be identified over the 520-day experiment. Findings should reveal insight into the long-term impacts of spaceflight upon astronaut health and provide a unique view of confined environments.

$69,999

Research Models

Unity Health Toronto – Yeni Yucel

Disturb Fluid drainage Around Eye: An important Missing Piece in the Puzzle of Vision Loss in Astronauts?

Vision loss due to Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) is observed in many astronauts, is poorly understood and remains one of the most feared hazards of space flight. The loss of gravity causes fluid shifts and these disturbances around the eye may be an important piece of the puzzle. Novel non-invasive techniques will be used to examine eye and lymphatic fluid changes for the first time in a model of SANS. Discovering impaired entry and exit of fluid in and from around the eye will be an important step toward understanding and preventing vision loss from SANS in astronauts.

$149,944

Research Models

McGill University – Svetlana Komarova

Understanding relative contributions of fluid flow and mechanical strain to bone adaptation in altered gravity.

Bone loss in astronauts is a major challenge for long-duration space exploration. In weightlessness, muscles are used less often, thus providing less stimulation of bone. Microgravity also induces fluid shift from the lower body towards the head, the role of which in bone loss is unclear. We aim to develop imaging, computational and pharmacological tools to examine contributions of fluid flow and mechanical strain to bone adaptation to mechanical environment using mouse models of mechanical loading and immobilization-induced unloading. Understanding the links between microgravity and bone adaptation will help to prevent bone loss in long-duration human space flights.

$150,000

Research Models

Mount Saint Vincent University – Tamara Franz-Odendaal

Understanding microgravity-induced bone loss through in vivo simulated microgravity experiments

Following a space mission, astronauts experience severe bone thinning and increased risks of fracture when back on Earth. This anomaly is due to microgravity exposure. The aim of this study is to reproduce and expose fish larvae to a simulated microgravity on Earth, and to analyse the effects on the cells of the skeleton. Fish bones strongly resemble human bones in structure. They utilize similar cell types to secrete, mineralize and degrade bone matrix, and similar signaling pathways for cell-cell communication. Thus, fish are a good model to understand the causes underlying the microgravity-induced bone fragility observed in astronauts

$150,000

Research Models

University of Ottawa – Odette Laneuville

An animal model to prevent shoulder injuries in microgravity

Shoulder's muscles and tendons combine their activities to provide mobility and stability when we move our arms. On Earth, shoulder muscles must counteract gravity to maintain in position the shoulder. In space, only muscle forces act and astronauts develop shoulder overuse injuries. Our ability to detect early signs of shoulder overuse is limited. As such, soft tissue tears develop unnoticed until they cause pain and serious functional deficits. We propose to study the shoulders of mudskippers, an amphibious fish, as a natural model that mirrors the dramatic changes in motions, gravitational forces experienced by astronauts' shoulders

$150,000

Human Analogues

Simon Fraser University – Andrew Blaber

Effect of individualized Artificial Gravity Training on Cardiovascular and Cerebral Responses in Males and Females during Supine to Stand tests

Wobbly legs, dizzy spells and even fainting experienced by astronauts on return to Earth are serious health and safety concerns. One solution may be to provide artificial gravity from a centrifuge in space. Our group has shown that artificial gravity training on Earth increases standing tolerance, but the reasons behind this increase are not well understood, particularly for women who have not been included as often in previous studies. We will look the posture, cardiovascular and brain blood flow responses to an individualized artificial gravity program in men and women to better understand and use this technique to protect astronauts.

$99,340

Human Analogues

York University – Laurence Harris

CSA Smug: Self-motion under gravity

When humans move from the normal constant one gravity environment found on earth a range of different perceptual systems must operate under unusual conditions resulting the systematic errors in fundamental measures including the perception of self-motion. Understanding how humans integrate cues to their self-motion under such circumstances is critical for humans to operate safely and effectively off earth. In collaboration with German partners and the DLR, the CSASMUG project is building a model of how humans integrate gravity and other cues to estimate their self-motion and is developing countermeasures and display technology based on this model.

$147,840

Data Mining

University of Waterloo – Richard Hughson

Cerebrovascular pulsatility and compliance following spaceflight: integrated insights from arterial and venous function

This project provides an opportunity for young, talented Canadians to engage in research by using previously collected information. We will answer new questions investigating the link between blood vessel function and brain health. The project is designed to determine how well brain blood vessels soften the pulses coming from the heart. We will also test whether an astronaut s exercise routine protects their brain. The results will increase understanding of the link between blood vessel health and cognition in older adults on Earth, and help to protect astronauts during future missions, which will extend for longer durations and deeper into space.

$70,000

Data Mining

University of Calgary – Steven Boyd

TBONE – Advanced analysis of bone structural trajectories in long-duration spaceflight

Astronauts lose bone mass rapidly while in space. Some bone may recover after returning to Earth, but bone structure may be permanently changed. The ends of long bones are made of porous bone connected by thin rods and plates called trabeculae. When bone is lost, trabeculae thin and separate from one another, reducing the strength of the bone. With advances in high-resolution bone imaging, we can now measure bone on a scale finer than a human hair and assess changes in individual trabeculae. This study will discover how individual trabeculae change in response to microgravity and whether these structures recover after returning to Earth.

$70,000

Data Mining

Université Laval – Simon Duchesne

The Astronaut Brain Health Data Mining project

Spaceflight is harsh: astronauts are exposed to radiation and microgravity, isolated and confined for weeks and months. Eventually their cognition, sensation, movement, and coordination changes, affecting their performance. We will study brain images from previous astronauts to determine how their brain health was affected by the spaceflight using methods that we developed to track the effect of aging. An increased understanding of the impact of space travel will allow us to better evaluate the effect of countermeasures, which could be applied here on Earth to different clinical population, including patients affected by brain degeneration such as Alzheimer's disease.

$149,944

Research Models

McGill University – Svetlana Komarova

Understanding relative contributions of fluid flow and mechanical strain to bone adaptation in altered gravity.

Bone loss in astronauts is a major challenge for long-duration space exploration. In weightlessness, muscles are used less often, thus providing less stimulation of bone. Microgravity also induces fluid shift from the lower body towards the head, the role of which in bone loss is unclear. We aim to develop imaging, computational and pharmacological tools to examine contributions of fluid flow and mechanical strain to bone adaptation to mechanical environment using mouse models of mechanical loading and immobilization-induced unloading. Understanding the links between microgravity and bone adaptation will help to prevent bone loss in long-duration human space flights.

$70,000

Research Models

Northern Ontario School Of Medicine – David Alexander MacLean

Investigating the role of a mutli-targeted dietary supplement on attenuating radiation and microgravity induced tissue damage

Reducing the risks to human health is critical for long-duration space flight. Space radiation and micro-gravity can negatively impact health, yet the combined effects of these factors remain unclear. Our project seeks to understand how the combined effects radiation and microgravity interact and damage healthy tissue such as muscles, bones, eyes, and brains using a model that simulates space flight. We will then determine if a dietary supplement can counteract these effects and protect tissues. This study will provide us with a clear understanding of how the body is affected by space travel and begin exploring meaningful countermeasures.

$150,000

Research Models

Laurentian University of Sudbury – Douglas Boreham

Investigating the radiation response during anhydrobiosis in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and applications for future space biosciences research

Yeast is an ideal model system for space biosciences research because they can be maintained in a dry desiccated state for prolonged periods of time without the need for water or nutrients. However, we still lack a complete understanding of how this desiccated state impacts their natural response to ionizing radiation. This research project will examine the effects of different types of radiation on the cellular and molecular response in desiccated yeast. Overall, this research will provide the foundational knowledge that will enable the use of desiccated yeast as a model system for future long duration space missions.

$149,500

Research Models

Queen's University – Rachel Holden

Dietary Phosphate as a Sex-Specific Mediator of Bone Loss in Spaceflight

Astronauts lose substantial amounts of bone during space missions. Abnormalities in the way the body handles phosphate has been linked to bone loss on Earth. Astronauts on the ISS consume high levels of phosphate, but it is unknown whether this contributes to bone loss during space travel. In this study, we will determine whether phosphate metabolism is altered and whether dietary phosphate contributes to bone loss in microgravity. The results of this study could inform optimal nutrient contents of astronaut diets and may have implications for people on Earth who are at risk for bone loss.

$149,975

Research Models

University of Ottawa – Bernard Jasmin

The RNA-binding protein Staufen1 as a novel therapeutic target for skeletal muscle atrophy

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a health concern for human on Earth and for astronauts involved in space flight due to decrease in muscle size and strength which increwses fatigability and frailty. The success of long-term space flight is partly limited by the health concerns and risks to the astronauts involved in these missions. The focus of this project is to: i) better understand how muscle atrophy occurs; and ii) eventually design novel therapeuthic interventions to counteract the devastating impact of atrophy on Earth and in space.

$150,000

Research Models

Brock University – Val Fajardo

Inhibiting GSK3 to preserve musculoskeletal and cognitive health during spaceflight

Canada has committed efforts to push humanity further into the solar system beyond the ISS to more distant destinations like the Moon and Mars. However, travelling with the astronauts on these longer-duration missions are risks for muscle loss and weakness, bone fragility and cognitive decline, all of which will compromise astronaut well-being and the mission at hand. Our research seeks to determine whether stopping an enzyme called glycogen synthase kinase 3 can slow the functional decline of our muscles, bone, and brain not only in space but also here on Earth, providing novel therapeutic strategies for human health.

$150,000

Research Models

University of Montreal – Matthew D. Regan

Harnessing hibernation: evaluating the translational potential of hibernation-related mechanisms of muscle atrophy resistance

This project aims to translate a hibernation-related mechanism of muscle atrophy resistance to astronauts. The microgravity conditions of space invariably lead to profound loss of skeletal and cardiac muscle mass and performance, a phenomenon called spaceflight-induced disuse atrophy. However, hibernating mammals are remarkably resistant to muscle atrophy, and we have recently identified a gut microbiome-based process that facilitates this resistance by building muscle protein. Here, we use proteomics techniques to determine which muscle proteins this process helps build and whether they will counter spaceflight-induced atrophy. The ultimate goal is to create a hibernation-like probiotic to facilitate atrophy resistance in astronauts.

$149,040

Research Models

McGill University – Bettina M. Willie

Role of circadian rhythms in mechanical unloading-related bone loss

Bone loss in astronauts is a major challenge for long-duration space exploration. In weightlessness, muscles are used less often, thus providing less stimulation of bone. In addition, astronauts often have disrupted ccircadian rhythms. It is known that night and rotating shift workers display an increased incidence of bone fractures. Molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-induced bone loss are still unclear. We aim to determine how circadian rhythms contribute to mechanical unloading-related bone loss using mouse models. Understanding the links between circadian rhythms, microgravity and bone adaptation will help to prevent bone loss in long-duration human space flights.

$150,000

Data Mining

Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging – Andrew Robertson

Cerebrovascular factors involved in postural control in older adults and astronauts – insights from the recent CIHR-CSA bed rest study

Light-headedness and fainting occurs when the cardiovascular system is unable to maintain arterial pressures during rapid changes in posture, such as standing up from a horizontal position. Some astronauts experience such symptoms after returning to Earth from space and the underlying factors are still poorly understood. The research team will analyze data from the recent CIHR-based Bed Rest Study of 55-65-year-old men and women wich they propose can provide information on how the blood supply to the brain is related to fainting. The results will be an important step towards the prevention of fainting in astronauts and people on Earth.

$70,000

Data Mining

Unity Health Toronto – Yeni Yucel

Mining data from a previous CSA-funded study to test new hypotheses about astronauts' eye and brain health

Vision loss due to Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) is observed in many astronauts, is poorly understood, and remains one of the most feared hazards of space flight. The loss of gravity causes shift of fluids, including blood to the upper body, and these disturbances around the eye, especially in the choroid, the most vascularized tissue in the body, may be an important piece of the puzzle. Novel non-invasive eye imaging techniques will be used to examine blood vessel changes in the choroid for the first time in a model of SANS. Discovering biomarkers of excess and persistent blood and fluid entry into the eye will be an important step toward understanding and predicting SANS and preventing vision loss from SANS in astronauts.

$70,000

Data Mining

Elisabeth Bruyère Research Institute – Mark Campbell

Evaluating the use of artificial gravity to counter the risk of Achilles tendon rupture following prolonged bedrest and spaceflight

The Achilles tendon is critical to walking, yet can be impaired after long period of immobility or lack of gravity, in space or on earth. Our study aims to investigate whether artificial gravity can reduce the effect from lack of gravity on the Achilles tendon, and explore whether male or female respond differently to artificial gravity.

$70,000

Research Models

University of Manitoba – Lorrie Kirshenbaum

Circadian Regulation of Cardiometabolic Function in Space Flight

It is well-recognized that astronauts experience profound physiological changes that adversely affect the heart owing in part to the effects of changes in the normal circadian light/dark cycle. Furthermore, new compelling data from our laboratory suggests that accumulation of damaged organelles resulting from impaired cellular quality control processes is an underlying defect contributing to cardiac cell-death and dysfunction following circadian disruption. The relationship between circadian disruption and heart health during spaceflight is not well-studied. Hence, we propose to delineate how circadian disruption influences autophagy, cell-viability and cardiac dysfunction in females versus males in response to altered light/dark cycle during spaceflight.

$150,000

Research Models

University of Montreal – Frédéric Pitre

MARSCROP Martian Regolith Salix Co-cropping for Perchlorate

Findings from Viking and Phoenix Mars landers have revealed the widespread presence of perchlorates in Mars regolith at concentrations that are toxic to humans and plants. The MARSCROP project will explore the use of perchlorate reducing bacteria associated with willow roots to mitigate regolith toxicity as well as determine the potential for co-cropping of willow with tomato and soybean to produce safe fresh food for astronauts on the surface of Mars. The project findings will hope to exploit multisystem biology which has evolved on earth to help solve complex challenges and safeguard astronaut health on the Martian surface.

$150,000

Research Models

The Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish general Hospital – Colin Crist

Global Changes in mRNA Translation Underlying the Unique Mechanisms of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy on Earth and in Space

Muscle wasting occurs in consequence to pathological conditions, including aging (sarcopenia). In space, healthy astronauts experience severe wasting of the anti-gravity muscles, the muscles that are normally engaged on Earth to maintain posture. Adjunct therapies are required to mitigate the risk of muscle wasting to enable human exploration of space. In this proposal, we use genetic tools in the mouse to reveal how protein synthesis, a major determinant of muscle mass, is remodeled in aging mice. Understanding how protein synthesis is remodeled under conditions of muscle wasting on Earth and in space is the first step towards identifying drug targets.

$150,000

Research Models

University of Alberta – Adetola Adesida

Mechanogenomic suppression of microgravity induced chondrocyte hypertrophy in bioengineered human cartilage

Space's low gravity leads to bone and muscle loss which can compromise astronauts' missions. Previous work showed that the knee cartilage of mice breakdown after a period in space's low gravity. But little is known about the effect of low gravity on human cartilage. We will use human stem cells from adult females and males to make cartilage to study the effect of low gravity on cartilage. We will use an instrument designed by NASA to replicate low gravity. We hope our work will shed new light into osteoarthritis, a common disease in Canadians with cartilage breakdown at its core.

$149,442.40

Research Models

Mount Saint Vincent University – Tamara Franz-Odendaal

Deciphering simulated microgravity and vibration effects on bone tissue in vivo

Following a space mission, astronauts experience severe bone thinning and increased risks of fracture when back on Earth. This bone anomaly is due to the exposure to an environment with reduced gravitational forces, namely microgravity. The aim of this study is to reproduce the microgravity environment on Earth using a ground-based instrument. Researchers will expose fish larvae to a simulated microgravity environment and analyse the effects on bone cells in the skeleton. The counter measure of vibration will also be examined separately and in combination with microgravity. The objectives of the study are to understand the cellular responses to these treatments in order to understand the microgravity induced bone loss observed in astronauts and to understand how to reduce these effects with vibration exposures. Fish bones strongly resemble human bones, in that the same cells are present, therefore these results will be relevant to humans. This project builds on from the foundational groundwork we established in our soon-to-end existing CSA project in which we optimised conditions for analysing zebrafish larval and adult bones after SMG and vibration exposure.

$150,000

Data Mining

Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging – Richard Hughson

Development of next generation assessment algorithms for Bio-Monitor datasets – interrogating fitness sleep and cardiovascular health aboard the ISS

This project will analyze pre-existing data collected by the Bio-Monitor biometric shirt in 9 astronauts (2 women) before, during and after missions to the ISS. Specific goals of this project include the un-intrusive assessment of astronaut sleep, fitness and blood pressure continually over long-duration (48-hour) recordings. Sleep is paramount to astronaut health, with numerous pre-existing reports of impaired sleep during flight. By assessing how sleep changes over the course of a mission with previously validated analyses, strategies to improve sleep quality could be developed. Astronaut fitness can be measured from Bio-Monitor signals Finally, these analyses will allow for improved understandings of changes to astronaut health over the course of 6-month missions; they will also support the use of the Canadian-produced Bio-Monitor shirt for future missions to the moon.

$75,000

Data Mining

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute  – Guy Trudel

Polaris neocytolysis assessed by mining blood and air samples

The Polestar payload aims to address outstanding questions on the mechanism of space anemia. Polestar will test three key hypotheses: 1. Older red blood cells (RBC) are preferentially destroyed in space; 2. Space can induce a shift from adult to fetal hemoglobin; and 3. Space induces RBC morphological changes, causing RBC dysfunction. Using blood and air samples collected from the SpaceX Polaris Dawn 5-day mission, Polestar will measure the effect of high-altitude space and space radiation on space hemolysis in 4 astronauts compared to 4 age-related and sex-matched ground controls. Polestar will investigate the subpopulation of hemolyzed RBCs, hemoglobin gene-switching, and RBC anomalies, using state-of-the-art methods often applied for the first time to space samples. Polestar leverages private space missions to speed up critical space life science advances.

$74,700

Data Mining

Simon Fraser University – Andrew Blaber

Exploring space health solutions through multiomic analysis of existing human spaceflight and analogue data

Spaceflight produces deleterious effects on multiple physiological systems (e.g., cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory, and postural controls) with astronauts in isolation and confinement (IC) in a microgravity environment. IC studies conducted on the ISS and the ground generally demonstrated altered neuro-immunomodulated responses, whose mechanisms may be related to chronic stress dysregulating the central nervous system (CNS). However, the effects of IC on CNS insult and multiomic responses are yet to be investigated. We propose to analyze datasets of previous flight experiments from NASA's OSDR and Vivaldi 1 & 2 transcriptomic data from dry immersion analogue study . We aim to generate new knowledge and understanding of human spaceflight risks associated with CNS dysfunctions and contribute to evidencebased, prophylactic countermeasure development to mitigate the adverse risks associated with current spaceflight. Moreover, this research aims to translate this understanding to improve the health of Canadians on Earth who may be affected by related adverse effects.

$75,000

Data Mining

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières – Jean-Philippe Leduc-Gaudet

Integrated RNA Sequencing to Understand Skeletal Muscle Atrophy During Bed Rest

The loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is a major public health concern, reducing quality of life and independence for many individuals. Both on Earth and during spaceflight, muscle unloading leads to atrophy, loss of strength, and glucose intolerance. Our project aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms driving muscle atrophy during unloading and inactivity, such as prolonged bed rest, using advanced RNA-sequencing technologies. Furthermore, we will also investigate the underlying protective effects of an exercise countermeasure. By performing long-read RNA-seq analyses on a wellcharacterized cohort of participants, we will generate valuable scientific knowledge that could pave the way for new treatments to prevent or combat muscle atrophy and weakness. These findings will not only help astronauts stay healthy during space missions but also benefit people on Earth who experience muscle loss due to immobilization, critical illnesses, or chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

$74,475

Data Mining

University of Ottawa – Odette Laneuville

Machine-learning algorithms for integrating HDT bed rest data and measuring the deconditioning of physiological systems.

During spaceflight, astronauts experience deconditioning; the simultaneous reduction of the functional capacity of multiple body systems leading to weakness and inability to perform activities. Impairments span multiple systems from cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, to immunity all contributing to deconditioning. The scarcity of astronauts' biological samples combined with technical challenges in space hampers our ability to monitor how the human body copes with space hazards. However, HDT bed rest studies represent an Earth-based analogue to microgravity and an opportunity to decipher the molecular mechanisms leading to deconditioning. Our Team secured access to European Space Agency (ESA) data collected for the monitoring of participants. We will apply machine-learning algorithms to integrated ESA data and gene expression data collected from the same participants by our Team. Results will reveal predictor and physiological responses for early detection of deconditioning and for the design of interventions to prevent the negative effects of microgravity.

$75,000

Data Mining

Bruyère Research Institute – Mark Campbell

Determining the effectiveness of Artificial gravity with Cycling or vibration Exercise on Achilles tendon changes following 60 days of bedrest – An MRI-based analysis of the BRACE and BRAVE RandomIzed Control trials – The Achilles ACE MAVERIC study

Injury or complete tear to the Achilles tendon happens often after being in bed for a long time (e.g. if one needs to stay in bed for a long time because one is very sick). Astronauts in space have the same problem because being in low gravity is like being in bed. This project will find out whether providing a treatment with artificial gravity (using a human centrifuge!) combined with either cycling while in bed or exercising while the whole body is being vibrated can help stop an Achilles injury after bedrest. We will also find out if there is a difference in the effect of resting in bed in men versus women.

$75,000

Data Mining

University of Montreal – Guido Simonelli

Sleep problems in Isolated Confined and Extreme Environment – a story of latitude or lived experience or physiology

Leveraging data from over 20 Antarctic campaigns and a control study in an Arctic community, we propose to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at unravelling the complex interplay of factors that impact sleep in isolate confined extreme environments and to examine fatigue and fatigue prediction in this context, which would support the developing potential countermeasures for health risks in human spaceflight as well as potential performance-enhancing measures. By applying Earth-based analogs, our study will provide insights directly relevant to the risks of future Canadian investigations on the ISS or Lunar Gateway.

$75,000

Research Models

University of Toronto – Michael Garton

Engineering genetic countermeasures against ionizing radiation a human iPSC-based model for targeting oxidative stress DNA damage and cellular senescence

This project will develop a robust human cell culture-based pipeline for engineering innate radiation protection mechanisms. As opposed to traditional models which lack biological relevance, this proposal leverages the use of hPSCs and derived cells thereof, constituting both a sensitive and relevant approach. We will identify potential gene therapy targets that can confer radioprotective phenotypes by effectively reducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell death responses whilst deepening our understanding of their underlying mechanisms. This approach could significantly advance efforts to protect human health in the challenging environment of space. The data generated herein is a potentially invaluable resource for CSA and others for prediction of radiation resistance factors in living systems. Finally, this project will engineer gene therapy delivery vectors to demonstrate effective radiation protection in target cell culture models relevant for spaceflight environments.

$174,500

Research Models

University of Alberta – Adetola Adesida

Understanding the molecular and functional heterogeneity of human meniscus fibrochondrocytes and microtissue models under simulated microgravity and hypergravity

The pair of menisci in each knee joint protects the cartilage of the joint from excessive stress and enables humans to walk or run with stable knees. However, the meniscus is prone to traumatic tears, especially during sports-related activities, with very little ability to repair itself and presenting a major risk for developing knee osteoarthritis. Recent work in our lab shows that the cells making up the meniscus are diverse. Some cells exhibit features that can repair the meniscus, some display osteoarthritis-like response to space's low gravity and others show superior ability to make the proteins that support meniscus' mechanical function in the knee. We will study the diverse population of human meniscus cells after exposure to low and high gravity conditions of spaceflight missions using a specialized machine to replicate the gravity conditions of spaceflight missions. We hope our work will shed light on meniscus repair and osteoarthritis.

$179,010.70

Research Models

University of Alberta – Svetlana Komarova

Quails in space: a new model to study physiological effects of space radiation for safe exploration and food security for Lunar Gateway

Space exploration radiation risks remain a major challenge for long-duration missions. In collaboration with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories we will develop a space radiation protocol simulating heavily shielded environment of Lunar habitats predicted to exhibit high levels of neutron radiation. We propose to use quail (Coturnix coturnix) as a novel non-human research model and to assess the effects of gamma and neutron radiation on skeletal, calcium homeostasis and cardiovascular systems. Similar to humans and rodents, spaceflight experiments with quail eggs showed altered calcium homeostasis and bone loss, demonstrating that quail egg is a valid research model to study fundamental biological questions relevant to spaceflight risks to humans. Moreover, quail meat and eggs have nutritional value and are potentially useful as sustainable food supply for Lunar bases. These studies will pave the way for assessing countermeasures necessary to eliminate the identified risks of the chronic exposure to radiation relevant to Lunar exploration.

$180,000

Research Models

University of Ottawa – Avmeric Ravel-Chapuis

Targeting the RNA-binding protein Staufen1 with FDA-approved drugs to prevent skeletal muscle atrophy

Muscle atrophy is a condition characterized by the shrinking and weakening of muscles impacting everyday activities. It can occur during extended periods in space due to reduced gravity, as well as in various conditions on Earth, including inactivity, aging, injuries, and diseases. In our previous research, we identified a protein called Staufen1 that plays a key role in the early stages of muscle atrophy across various conditions, including ground-based human and mouse models of microgravity. Our current research aims to determine if muscle atrophy can be reduced or prevented by modulating Staufen1 levels. In addition, we aim to identify FDA-approved drugs targeting Staufen1. The results of this study have the potential to accelerate the development of new treatments and countermeasures to effectively combat muscle atrophy in diverse conditions.

$180,000

Research Models

McGill University – Richard Leask

Vascular simulator for variable gravity mechanobiology

The objective of this proposal is to design and test a vascular simulator for variable gravity mechanobiology to be used in future space missions. It will build upon a portable vascular simulator used to study the impact of variable gravity in a parabolic flight campaign of the carotid bifurcation. The simulator is being designed to study fundamental knowledge gaps in the biomechanics and mechanobiology of vascular adaptation and deconditioning. The vascular cell culture simulator will be used to expose human endothelial cells, blood cells and blood components to fluid and tissue stresses created during space flight to identify cellular response, adaptation and blood/drug interactions. The simulator will advance the development and testing of new countermeasures to limit cardiovascular risk in space flight. The vascular simulator developed will provide a platform to help answer specific research questions associated with endothelial cell response, inflammation and thrombosis formation.

$180,000

Pass
The application demonstrates proof of access to the required data or samples.

Failure
The application does not demonstrate access to required data or samples.

Pass
The organization is an eligible recipient for a grant as described in Section 3.1 of this AO.

Fail
The organization is not an eligible recipient for a grant as described in Section 3.1 of this AO.

Pass
The project is eligible for a grant as described in Section 3.2 of this AO.

Fail
The project is not eligible for a grant as described in Section 3.2 of this AO.

Pass
The proposal clearly demonstrates that the research objectives directly address one (1) or more risks of human space flight as described in Table 2.

Fail
The research does not address a risk of human space flight as described in Table 2 or only indirectly addresses a risk.

Pass
The proposal clearly demonstrates how the project will contribute to support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA, and that it will foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and HQP in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA.

Fail
The proposal does not demonstrate how the project will contribute to support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA or that it will foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and HQP in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA.

Pass
The proposal meets program funding provisions described in Section 6.1.

Fail
The proposal does not meet program funding provisions described in Section 6.1.