MeF1 Preflight Imagery

Preflight ground image of cultured megakaryocytes (precursor cells which produce platelets). The fixed cells were stained using WGA (binding sialic acid, magenta), phalloidin (actin binding, green), beta-tubulin antibody (yellow), and nuclei (DAPI, light blue). Proplatelet extensions, which function as assembly lines for platelets, are highlighted by arrows. Megakaryocyte Flying-One (MeF1) investigates how environmental conditions affect development and function of platelets and megakaryocytes, cells found in bone marrow. Results could provide clarify the risks of changes in inflammation, immune responses, and clot formation in spaceflight and on the ground. Image courtesy of the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory.

jsc2024e043736 (5/23/2024) --- Preflight ground image of cultured megakaryocytes (precursor cells which produce platelets). The fixed cells were stained using WGA (binding sialic acid, magenta), phalloidin (actin binding, green), beta-tubulin antibody (yellow), and nuclei (DAPI, light blue). Proplatelet extensions, which function as assembly lines for platelets, are highlighted by arrows. Megakaryocytes Orbiting in Outer Space and Near Earth: The MOON Study (Megakaryocyte Flying-One (MeF1)) investigates how environmental conditions affect development and function of platelets and megakaryocytes, cells found in bone marrow. Results could provide clarify the risks of changes in inflammation, immune responses, and clot formation in spaceflight and on the ground. Image courtesy of the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory.