HRR - Task - An Integrated Framework for Characterization of the Noncoding Genome and Epigenome in Astronauts (Mason)

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An Integrated Framework for Characterization of the Noncoding Genome and Epigenome in Astronauts (Mason) (Completed)

Last Published: 03/26/21 03:34:00 PM (Central)

Task Book: Entry
Principal Investigator: Mason, Christopher

Short Title: Epigenome in twin astronauts

Responsible HRP Element: Human Health Countermeasures

Collaborating Org(s):

Funding Status: Completed - Task completed and produced a deliverable

Procurement Mechanism(s):

Solicited

Aims:

Create a web-based framework for integrating non-coding genomic variation and differential epigenetic states. This EpiSuite interface and set of machine-learning algorithms will help ongoing work with the NASA Twins study and aid future investigations that leverage multi-omics data sets from astronauts. These data will also be linked to gene expression data to gauge the impact of genetic

and epigenetic changes on specific biological networks.

Validate the altered chromatin states in cells from space travel and measure the proportion of cells changed with single-cell ATAC-seq using an assay called single cell (scATAC-seq), which can measure the sites of open and closed chromatin on a cell-by-cell basis. This will validate the sites where epigenetic changes are observed and also provide the first estimate of the proportion of

cells epigenetically impacted by space travel.

Resources (None Listed)

Deliverables (1)

Category: Technology or Tool
Subcategory: Computational Models or Simulations

Description:

This proposal will produce two public resources and one novel data set. First, provide an

updated set of code for existing bioinformatics tools in genome annotation and epigenetic analysis

(HUGE-seq, methylKit, eDMR, r-make). Second, connect these existing tools with other new

tools in epigenetics research (methclone and ENCODE-based MongoDB) and place these into a web

interface for NASA grantees and other scientists. Finally, use these tools to highlight the sites

and regions of the astronaut genomes that are epigenetically impacted by space travel, and then create single-cell chromatin state data (ATAC-seq) to validate these areas and measure the proportion of cells impacted by these changes – the first ever of such data to be created.

Internal Customers:
None External Customers:
None

Mappings

Risk of Acute (In-flight) and Late Central Nervous System Effects from Radiation Exposure