Molecular mechanisms related to DNA damage, apoptosis and inflammation in fibroblasts and endothelial cells subjected to space simulated conditions

In a space environment, the human body undergoes many different stresses leading to health alterations at various levels (bone and muscle integrity, immune and vascular system deficiency, vestibular and circadian rhythm disturbances, etc.). In this PhD, two major space stresses are addressed at an in vitro level (radiations and microgravity), simulated with two ground based facilities available at SCK•CEN that are routinely used: the Random Positioning Machine (RPM) for microgravity simulation and the irradiation facilities (X-rays for optimization of the protocols and Cf-252 source for the simulation of the low LET radiations measured in the International Space Station, ISS). This PhD is involved in the context of two ongoing contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) and addresses effects of simulated space conditions on the human cardiovascular system and the possible development of vertebrates in a space environment, with the mouse as a model.