Fig. 1: The JAXA mouse project using Nrf2-KO mice.
From: Nrf2 contributes to the weight gain of mice during space travel
a Overview of the MHU-3 study. Six wild-type mice (WT) and six Nrf2-KO mice (KO) in the C57BL/6J background were launched by SpX14 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 2, 2018. After 31 days of habitation on the ISS, the mice splashed down in Pacific Ocean near Southern California on May 5. The mice were transported to a laboratory for behavioral observations and the other analyses two days later. b Representative images of onboard habitation for WT and Nrf2-KO mice. c Overview of the blood collection procedure. All steps are carried out while in orbit: (1) transfer each mouse to a restraining device (covered by a disposable heat pad prior to transfer); (2) use a tail clipper to cut off a 1 mm tip of the mouse tail; (3) collection of blood into a capillary tube inserted into a centrifuge tube, followed by centrifugation; and (4) hemostasis of the tail by applying pressure using a hemostat. d Representative pictures of blood samples of flight and ground controls. Arrowheads indicate the plasma fraction with the absence of hemolysis.
