In vivo fertilization and development in microgravity using pleurodele ("ZEUS" project)

Area of Science:

• Space Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Amphibian Research

Background:

• Microgravity poses unique challenges to reproductive processes and embryonic development.
• The Pleurodeles waltl amphibian is a suitable model for studying in vivo fertilization and development in space.
• Previous research has addressed technical challenges for space-based amphibian studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve natural fertilization and embryonic development of Pleurodeles waltl in microgravity.
• To optimize hormonal stimulation protocols for egg-laying in space.
• To establish methods for monitoring developmental kinetics and identifying relevant biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Frog Environmental Unit (FEU) for housing inseminated Pleurodeles waltl females.
• Employing hormonal stimulation to induce egg-laying during spaceflight.
• Conducting laboratory and parabolic flight experiments to refine procedures.
• Selecting cellular and molecular markers to track embryonic development.

Main Results:

• Successful resolution of technical challenges related to hormone stimulation timing and hormone selection for 95% success rate.
• Identification of critical factors influencing egg-laying in microgravity.
• Development of experimental protocols for studying phenotypic developmental kinetics.

Conclusions:

• Natural fertilization and embryonic development in microgravity are feasible using Pleurodeles waltl.
• Optimized hormonal protocols and environmental controls are crucial for successful space-based amphibian reproduction.
• This research lays the groundwork for future studies on developmental biology in space.