MSU faculty and students sending research into space

An experiment on smooth muscle tissue conducted by an MSU faculty member and Craft Academy students will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in November.

Dr. Michael Fultz, associate professor of biology at MSU, has been conducting research on the ability of smooth muscle tissue to generate and maintain force with a reduction in energy expenditure. Fultz, along with his Undergraduate Research Fellows, proposes that two actin cytoskeletal components within smooth muscle tissue, alpha-actin and beta-actin, reorganize during muscle contraction. This reorganization might explain some of the unique properties of smooth muscle tissue and Fultz says the research could have an impact on the treatment of diseases.

“If we better understand the mechanism of smooth muscle contraction, we may better apply that knowledge to such diseases as hypertension and the invasiveness of smooth muscle cells observed during cardiovascular disease,” he said.

The experiment being sent to the ISS will explore the effects microgravity has on the reorganization of the smooth muscle tissue components. Fultz said no such studies have as of yet been conducted.

“It will be interesting to see if there’s a difference in the contraction itself, as well as the specific remodeling of the cytoskeleton,” he said.

Fultz has had a number of students involved in the research project during his time at MSU. Previously, six Undergraduate Research Fellows and one graduate research assistant have worked on the project and, currently, two students from the Craft Academy, Danielle Gibson and Will Casto, are working as Undergraduate Research Fellows on the project. Fultz said he expects Gibson and Casto to present their research findings at scientific conferences later this school year.

Fultz is just one of numerous MSU faculty members who involve students in active research projects through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. Opportunities are available in a wide number of degree programs across campus. The program allows students to be involved in important academic research while they earn their degrees, giving them real-world experience before they graduate.

For more information :

• Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/undergradresearch.
• Department of Biology & Chemistry at MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/biochem
• Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy.