This document proposes a Plant Genetic Assessment and Control Module to optimize plant growth in space environments. It would use microarray technology to measure plant gene expression under different conditions like microgravity and high CO2. The module would identify which genes are activated or deactivated in response to environmental stresses. This information could then be used to alter the environment or plant genes to improve plant growth and optimize life support systems in space. A Phase I project tested this approach on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Phase II would further develop the necessary technologies for a functional module.

1. A PLANT GENETIC ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEM
FOR SPACE ENVIRONMENTS
Drs. Terri Lomax and William Winner
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology
Oregon State University

2. Plants will play an important role in any long-term space exploration……..

3. .…colonization…..

4. …..or habitation

5. Challenges for Plants in Space:
Microgravity
Cosmic Radiation
Low Atmospheric
Pressure
High CO2
Temperature
????

6. Adaptable system to measure and optimize the response of plants to any unique space conditionPlant Genetic Assessment and Control
The Solution:
Plant Genomics
in Space Environments
Module

7. Plant Genetic Assessmentand Control ModuleResource Adjustments: BiologicalActivate GenesDeactivate GenesAlter GenesPhysicalChange lightChange waterChange gasesChange nutrientsPlant-CenteredLife-Support SystemLife Support Outputs: FoodMedicines VitaminsGas RecyclingWater RecyclingWaste RecyclingAesthetics/AvocationResource Inputs: BiologicalPlantsSeed/sporesMicrobesPhysicalLightWaterGasesNutrients

8. Plants respond to their environment by changing gene expressionPlant Genetic Assessment and Control Modulee.g. high CO2mRNA transcription from theRubiscogeneIncreasedRubiscoprotein Increased photosynthesisoutputs

9. 25,000to60,000+ EnvironmentalControl of GenesPhysiologicalProcessesLife SupportOutputsPlantGenes 123456789 PhotosynthesisRespirationNitrogenAssimilationAll otherprocessesFoodMedicinesVitaminsReduce CO2Generate O2Recycle WaterRecycle WastesCoolingHeatShadeAestheticsAvocationPlant GeneticAssessment Module-Microarray technologyChangeEnvironment

10. Basic Architecture for
Plant Genomics in Space EnvironmentsModify GenesModifyEcosystemGene/patternIdentificationOptimizedPerformanceModifyEnvironment
Space
Environmental
Condition
Test Plant
RNA
DNA
Microarrays

11. Arabidopsis thaliana:
•model plant system
2010 Project
•defined gravitropic response
•genome sequence complete
•small size
•rapid generation time
•space-flown

12. Basic Architecture for
Plant Genomics in Space
Space
Environmental
Condition
Test Plant
RNADNAMicroarrays

13. Plant Genomics
in Space Environments
Microarray Technology•temporal and spatial gene expression •Affymetrix Arabidopsisgene chips with over 8200 genes-next generation chipw/entire genomedue this summer•provides information on gene involvement in a process or pathway

14. Microarrays carry DNA representing 10,000s of gene

15. Measuring
Gene
Expression
with
Microarrays

16. Rat kidney cell cultures in the Biological Specimen
Temperature Controller
(BSTC) on STS-90
heat shock proteins
shear stress proteins
transcription factors
Courtesy Tulane Environmental Astrobiology Center

17. Basic Architecture for
Plant Functional Genomics
Space
Environmental
Condition
Test Plant
RNA
DNA
Microarrays
Gene
Identification

18. Data Mining:
Plant Genome Sequence Databases

19. Phase I -Issues & Accomplishments
√ Test plant Arabidopsis thaliana as model system to identify genes involved in the gravitropic response√ Optimize sample preparation for differentialexpression analysis√ AffymetrixMicroarrayanalysis√ Identify genes whose expression increases ArabidopsisDNAMicroarraysArabidopsisDatabaseArabidopsisRNA

20. Phase II -Plant Genetic
Assessment and Control
System
Based on unique
combination of systems:
•Rapid advances in plant genomics
•Microarraytechnology to measure
gene expression
•Bioinformatics
•Physiological monitoring

21. Plant Genomics in Space Environments
Phase II:
¾Continue testing feasibility of microarray
analysis
¾Introduce additional environmental conditi
¾space-flown plant material
¾high CO2

22. OSU Controlled Environment Chamb

23. Plant Genomics in Space Environments
Phase II:
¾Continue testing feasibility of microarray
analysis
¾Introduce additional environmental conditions
¾space-flown plant material
¾high CO2
¾Assess the key technology issues for developing
a Plant Genetic Assessment and Control
Module

24. Plant Genomics in Space Environments
Key Technology Issue -Size:

25. The Future: 2002-2020
¾Expand collaborations with
NASA, Affymetrix, and
AVI Biopharma(gene knockouts)
to develop remote technologies
¾Work with engineers to optimize module
for space flight/habitat
¾Adapt approach to additional plant systems
as data and technologies evolve

26. Acknowledgements:
Oregon State University:
TJ White
Rex Cole
The Center for Gene Research and Biotechnolo
Damon Taylor
Patrick Iverson
David Stein