Determining the role of programmed apoptosis (cell death) in loss of white blood cells (originating in the thymus) in microgravity.

ISS In Vitro Experiment in KUBIK incubator, examining T-lymphocyte activation in spaceflight. Activity of 5-LOX enzyme which regulates programmed cell death was increased significantly in microgravity. This provides further insight into the molecularprocesses which could underlie immune dysfunction observedduring space missions and also could act as a marker for immune function. On earth Increased 5-LOX activity is also observed is some neurodegenerative diseases and the enzyme can be the target of therapeutic intervention.