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Murad Tairbekov (1937 — 2006) – a prominent scientist in the field of space biology and biotechnology, one of the leading experts in gravitational cell biology. He is the author of a number of modern working hypotheses that explain the molecular and cellular mechanisms of gravitational sensitivity in biological systems. Personally and with his participation was made a number of experimental studies on board spacecrafts and in laboratory conditions when modeling the effects of altered gravity. Analysis of the results of years of research has allowed to establish the patterns of growth, development and structural-functional status of different cell types and cellular associations in altered gravity, to formulate several working hypotheses on the mechanisms of perception and realization of the gravity stimulus in living systems at the cellular level. The experimental evidence of the theoretical assumption that change gravity in the range of values from 10-5 to 5 g is not a barrier to the implementation of fundamental processes, transport of substances, the course of biochemical reactions, the formation of intracellular organelles, growth and cell division was obtained.

Due to the wide application of modern methods of morphology, biochemistry, biomechanics, and molecular biology studies, performed under the guidance of M. Tairbekov, opened a new direction in gravitational biology associated with the study of the role of intracellular signaling systems in the gravitational sensitivity of cells. It was shown that the gravitational momentum generated by the modified gravity is perceived by the mechanoreceptors located on the surface of the cell membrane with subsequent transfer of the signal into the intracellular continuum, with the active participation of second messengers of G-proteins and CA++ ions. At the basis of the cell molecular mechanism of gravitational reception underlies reversible mechanical deformations of the cytoskeleton occurs when the contact interaction with the cell organelles under the influence of gravitational momentum that ultimately leads to a shift in the overall energy pool of the cell and the restructuring of metabolic processes.

M. Tairbekov took an active part in the creation and implementation on space biology and physiology national research program carried out at the specialized satellites of “Cosmos” series, manned orbital stations “Salyut” and “Mir”. He was the initiator and direct participant in the development and creation of onboard research equipment for experiments in space cell biology on manned and unmanned spacecrafts.

Using onboard devices “Biofixation”, “Biocalorimetry”, “Biobox” in space flight under the guidance of M. Tairbekov experiments on vegetable cells, populations of various single-celled organisms, cell cultures of animals and plants were prepared and carried out. Аt the same time the studies on various biological objects in laboratory conditions on earth with modeling of altered gravity (Hypo – and hypergravity) were performed. As a result of these studies, it was revealed inhibition of the processes of growth, division and differentiation, change the shape and size of the meristem cells of shoots of plants developed from seed in space flight conditions. It was established, that under microgravity conditions the stimulation of the rate of growth and division of unicellular organisms occur, whereas the hypergravity significantly inhibits these processes. It is shown that the gravitational sensitivity of single-celled organisms clearly correlates with the level of their metabolic activity and, mainly, not depend on the size of the cells. On this significant adjustments were made to the basic postulate of gravitational biology that gravitational sensitivity (tolerance) of living organisms is the function of their mass and size. In research, different cultures of connective tissue and osteogenic cells were used. According to the results of experimental studies it was revealed that the main cause of the adverse effects of space flight environment on cell culture growing on solid substrate is the reduction in the adhesive activity of cells (adhesion strength with the substrate) as one of the leading growth factors. Based on these data suggested probable mechanisms underlying changes in the cells of supporting organs of animals and plants in microgravity.

M. Tairbekov made significant contribution in the implementation of international scientific programs. He has prepared and conducted together with specialists from USA and European countries the number of unique experiments in cell biology and biotechnology. The success of these programs was largely determined by his abilities of skilled and experienced organizer of scientific studies, which can formulate the central research problem, prove its relevance and appropriateness of the development, provide the ways of implementation and mobilize the scientific team on its successful solution.

Research performed under the supervision of M. Tairbekov, are also of considerable practical interest. In particular, it is shown that, by varying the force of gravity as a variable, one can control the division rate and intensity of growth culture of single celled organisms. Specific methods developed in the laboratory are of great interest for practical applications in space biology and biotechnology. In addition, the peculiarities of the growth of cell cultures of fibroblasts and osteoblasts in terms of mechanical unloading (micro gravity) must be taken into account in the development of methods for the treatment of trauma and healing under conditions of prolonged space flight.

For his great contribution to scientific and methodological support of the biological experiments performed in space, M. Tairbekov awarded 5 medals of ENEA, has received commendations from various agencies and other insignia.
M. Тairbekov for several years was the Deputy head of the “Gravitational biology” sub-commission of the International Committee on space research (COSPAR), a member of a number of integrated working groups on space biology and medicine, repeatedly acted with reports at many international conferences and symposia. Biography information about him was published in the books “Who is Who in the World” staring from 2000 year and in international register “Great Men and Women of Science”.

The results of own long-term studies in the field of gravitational biology was summarized by M. Tairbekov in his monograph “Gravitational biology of the cell”, published in 1997. His scientific works are widely known and have a high “citation index” in the literature.

M. Tairbekov made a significant contribution to the education and training of young scientific personnel. In the framework of the program “Medical physics” implemented by the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) in cooperation with the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI), was developed and taught to students of physics a course of lectures on General biology. Based on this course the tutorial “Introduction to biology” was released. Under the leadership of M. Tairbekov a number of PhD thesis were successfully developed and approved. He is also the author of more than 100 scientific articles published in leading national and international journals.

Here is a brief information on subjects, basic theoretical and experimental works, the results of scientific and organizational activities of M. G. Tairbekov. Links to the documents are placed on relevant pages. All sources can be obtained from “All materials” page.

Reviews of M.Tairbekov on the main directions of his activities

Overview

Space biology and physiology

Gravitational biology, structures and processes

Gravity, radiation and organism

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