Understanding vertebrate embryonic development under conditions present in outer space

The ability of humans to survive, thrive, and sustain life in outer space requires that human embryos develop normally under conditions such as microgravity. We are using the zebrafish model system due to the fact that they share similarities with humans during development. The larval zebrafish will be used to assess embryonic and neural development under simulated microgravity conditions, with specific focus on neural development which has not been well studied. Before performing these experiments, it is critical that histological procedures, including cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry, are up and running in our lab for stages of early zebrafish development. This includes immunohistochemistry for the neuronal marker HuC/D (commonly used to label neurons in zebrafish), and RNA-binding proteins Rbfox1l and Rbfox2 (label neuronal populations). Cryosectioning of 7 day post-fertilization (dpf) larval zebrafish was performed, followed by immunohistochemistry for HuC/D in conjunction with Rbfox labeling, and samples will be imaged on a compound fluorescent microscope to determine whether the protocol is working. Our work aims to better understand vertebrate embryonic development under conditions present in outer space.