Living systems are affected by exposure to gravity, thus, changing gravity influences biological life and processes. Currently, the effect of microgravity on breast cancer development, e.g. inhibition or progression, is not fully understood. Prof. Cheng’s research is focused on the search for new treatments for breast cancer that are not only effective on earth but also in space. Currently his group is studying the effects of microgravity on biological processes and breast cancer.
Briefly, his proposal aims to understand the development and progression of breast cancer in microgravity by using primary cells and patient-derived organoids in the context of mammographic density, which is considered the third risk factor behind BRCA mutation and aging. ” We are motivated to understand what impacts breast cancer development in microgravity” said Prof. Cheng. The success of the project will lead us to gain new knowledge to supplement our current understanding of the impact of gravity on biological life and processes. Novel treatments and countermeasures that targets breast cancer would also be identified and validated in future investigations.