Peyvan Systems

Automated Miniaturized Instrument for Measuring Gene Expression in a Microsatellite Environment

We developed a fully automated, miniaturized, and integrated system for the in situ measurement of gene expression of bacterial cultures under a four year program funded by the NASA Astrobiology group. The system is designed to be housed inside a microsatellite orbiting the planet over a six month period. Microsatellites provide a relatively inexpensive space vehicle to perform space-related research, but they also present a number of challenges. Most notably, the available cargo space in a microsatellite is less than two cubic liters, power supply is limited, and refrigeration of reagents is not an option.

Gene Expression Measurements:

Genetic information about a cell is encoded in DNA forming the genome. It is decoded through the production of messenger RNA (mRNA) that is transcribed from specific genes. Most mRNA is translated into proteins, and the level of each protein so generated is considered proportional to the amount of its RNA transcript. Translation and transcription are collectively called gene expression, and its measurement allows researchers to investigate an organism’s response to environmental conditions. The sequence of steps involved in the measurement of gene expression is illustrated in the diagram below

Gene expression experiments are routinely performed in traditional laboratory settings where power, space and gravity are not constraints that impede experimentation. Performing similar experiments in space introduces unique challenges that have never been faced before. A few of the major challenges include unattended operation of a highly complex experiment, limited available power and space, and lack of gravity.In close collaboration with NASA Ames research center we developed new sets of technologies, including methods and instrumentation, to respond to these challenges