Search for gravity-responsive genes by PCR-based mRNA differential display in human cells

Mechanisms of molecular responses of human cells to gravity change and/or space radiation are one of the most important physiological problems in space science. We have previously reported that expression levels of several genes are changed in cultured human cells after UVC irradiation, and a few of those genes are responsible for UVC sensitivity. In this study, to find candidates for genes that play roles in susceptibility of human cells to gravity stressors, including those responsible for genetic stability in humans, we analyzed genes expressed differentially after gravity stress in human cells, using a PCR-based mRNA differential display (D.D.) method. Cells used were RSa and its variant cell lines, with discrepant sensitivity to radiation cell-killing and mutagenicity [correction of mutagenecity].