Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have announced the commencement of an innovative Protein Crystal Growth Experiment (PCG) aboard the International Space Station. UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi played a crucial role in installing the experiment on June 7th, 2023, as part of the ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Japan.
The PCG experiment focuses on the protein molecule GIRK2, which plays a vital role in regulating heart rate and is linked to conditions such as epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, and addiction. The objective is to develop high-quality crystals of GIRK2 to gain a better understanding of its structure, facilitating the development of targeted treatments for related conditions. The experiment was proposed by a research team from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in collaboration with Harvard Medical School.
Mr. Adnan AlRais, Manager of UAE Astronaut Program, stated that, “This initiative represents a significant achievement in UAE’s contribution to global space science. It underscores our commitment to strengthening international scientific partnerships and propelling our understanding of complex biological systems for the betterment of humanity.”
Astronaut Mr. AlNeyadi carefully installed the PCG samples into JAXA’s experimental equipment in the Kibo module, ensuring their viability throughout the experiment. After about a month on the ISS, the samples will be returned to Earth for X-ray diffraction data collection in Japan. The data will then be provided to the UAE research team for further analysis, promoting ongoing international collaboration.
During the past three months, Mr. AlNeyadi and the Expedition 69 crew have made significant progress in microgravity research, conducting various scientific investigations encompassing cardiovascular systems, plant biology, material science, fluid science, and sleep analysis.
The UAE Astronaut Program is managed by MBRSC as part of the country’s National Space Program. It is funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which supports research and development in the UAE’s ICT sector, aiming to enhance the country’s global integration.