"Myo Lab": A JAXA Cell Biology Experiment in "Kibo (JEM)" of the International Space Station

Abstract

Skeletal muscle atrophy is an often-unavoidable response to a prolonged lack of muscle use or spaceflight (referred to as "unloading"), and presents a particular challenge for astronauts during spaceflight. An increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy may lead to the development of effective therapies to combat this widespread condition. In this project, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of microgravity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, especially physiological relevance of Cbl-b ubiquitin ligase. Japanese experimental module (JEM), "Kibo", in International Space Station has been constructed until June, 2009. This enables us to perform cell culture experiment, which is an easy system to observe direct effects of microgravity on the cell, in space for a long term. This project is called "Myo Lab", which means "Laboratory for Skeletal Muscle". This decal images our dream (space shuttle) that flight beyond Earth forward to "Kibo". In addition, the flame from shuttle means skeletal muscle.