FY26 ARIA: Multi-Analyte Prediction of Bone Fracture

Proposed Goals/Objectives: There is a need for longitudinal monitoring of body’s physiological response, such as bone quality, to spaceflight. Traditional bone biomarkers have known limitations, thus the need for investigation of novel biomarkers of skeletal health. MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, noncoding sequences that regulate gene expression, including during osteoblast, osteocyte, and osteoclast differentiation. The objective of the continuation proposal is to expand the sample size and datasets to 1) develop a multi-analyte approach where we asses bone quality using circulating miRNAs, in combination with traditional bone turnover markers (BTMs), within the same sample, and 2) use machine learning models to distinguish effective from ineffective countermeasures against radiation-induced bone loss.

Deliverables: (1) Submitted abstract to ASGSR 2025. (2) Submitted HRP Omnibus and ROSES grants with preliminary data. (3) Plan to write up a manuscript with findings.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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