Development of the Western Blot Process for Sialic Acid Content Comparison in Models of Microgravity
Start Date
August 2024
End Date
August 2024
Location
ALT 208
Abstract
During spaceflight, astronauts face numerous challenges, one of which is muscle atrophy. Previous research has shown that exercise alone is insufficient to combat muscle weakness in microgravity. Therefore, alternative targets for addressing muscle atrophy should be explored. Sialic acid (SA) has been linked to muscle degeneration, as it plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells. Sialic acid is located on the glycan chains surrounding skeletal muscle cells and is placed by an enzyme called sialyltransferase and removed by the enzyme sialidase. Preliminary data indicated reduced sialic acid levels in muscle exposed to microgravity; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aim to examine the abundance of various sialidases and sialyltransferases using western blot analysis in a rat model of microgravity where the rat’s hindlimbs are suspended for two weeks. Here we show the development of the methods we used to compare the amount of SA between the simulated microgravity exposed and control groups. This study is important as it could lead to pharmacological therapies to help space-bound astronauts maintain their muscle mass during spaceflight.
Development of the Western Blot Process for Sialic Acid Content Comparison in Models of Microgravity
ALT 208
During spaceflight, astronauts face numerous challenges, one of which is muscle atrophy. Previous research has shown that exercise alone is insufficient to combat muscle weakness in microgravity. Therefore, alternative targets for addressing muscle atrophy should be explored. Sialic acid (SA) has been linked to muscle degeneration, as it plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells. Sialic acid is located on the glycan chains surrounding skeletal muscle cells and is placed by an enzyme called sialyltransferase and removed by the enzyme sialidase. Preliminary data indicated reduced sialic acid levels in muscle exposed to microgravity; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aim to examine the abundance of various sialidases and sialyltransferases using western blot analysis in a rat model of microgravity where the rat’s hindlimbs are suspended for two weeks. Here we show the development of the methods we used to compare the amount of SA between the simulated microgravity exposed and control groups. This study is important as it could lead to pharmacological therapies to help space-bound astronauts maintain their muscle mass during spaceflight.
