Title:
Engineering genetic countermeasures against ionizing radiation a human iPSC-based model for targeting oxidative stress DNA damage and cellular senescence
Agreement Number:
25HLSRM10
Agreement Value:
$174,500.00
Agreement Date:
Sep 3, 2025 - Jul 15, 2027
Description:
This project will develop a robust human cell culture-based pipeline for engineering innate radiation protection mechanisms. As opposed to traditional models which lack biological relevance, this proposal leverages the use of hPSCs and derived cells thereof, constituting both a sensitive and relevant approach. The project will identify potential gene therapy targets that can confer radioprotective phenotypes by effectively reducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell death responses whilst deepening our understanding of their underlying mechanisms. This approach could significantly advance efforts to protect human health in the challenging environment of space. The data generated herein is a potentially invaluable resource for the Canadian Space Agency and others for prediction of radiation resistance factors in living systems. Finally, this project will engineer gene therapy delivery vectors to demonstrate effective radiation protection in target cell culture models relevant for spaceflight environments.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Toronto, Ontario, CA M5S 1S8
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00091
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.