Student: Brandon Cooley, Undergraduate Student in Biology, University of Iowa
Research Mentor: Donna A. Santillan
Effects of Microgravity on Vasopressin Receptor Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Our lab will be studying the effects of microgravity on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). We will be able to simulate microgravity by utilizing rotating cell culture vessels adjusted at a speed that counterbalances the force of gravity. We will specifically be looking at vasopressin receptor expression from the PBMCs in normal vs microgravity conditions. Following this experiment, we will be looking at vasopressin receptor expression in normal vs microgravity conditions again, only this time in specific lymphocytes (T and B cells, natural killer cells).