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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The primary innovation for this CIF will be the ability to accomplish library preparation of isolated RNA that will enable transcriptional (RNA instead of DNA) sequencing on ISS. Along with optimization of the existing RNA extraction protocols, this will enable on-station whole transciptomic analysis of an organism via RNAseq library prep. The transcriptional sequencing steps can be summarized as follows: 1) RNA Extraction (isolation); 2) RNA conversion to cDNA and amplification of the cDNA (Pre-Amp); 3) Sequencing library preparation (providing genetic molecules of a maximum length of 5,000-8,000 base pairs (bp) and attaching ligation enzymes to the ends of the strands); 4) Sequencing run on the MinION
The NRC Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space has identified the need for in-situ microanalytical technologies - ...reporter-based polymerase chain reaction, high-throughput sequencing as a critical enabling technology for mammalian, microbial and plant research advances. Currently the ISS is an exposure facility where biological samples are brought to the ISS, but returned to the ground for analysis. Analysis capabilities are needed which can be utilized in the microgravity environment to use ISS as the National Lab is it intended for
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