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Wadhwa A, Moreno-Villanueva M, Crucian B, Wu H. Synergistic interplay between radiation and microgravity in spaceflight-related immunological health risks. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:50. [PMID: 39033285 PMCID: PMC11264846 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a myriad of environmental stressors to astronauts´ physiology including microgravity and radiation. The individual impacts of microgravity and radiation on the immune system have been extensively investigated, though a comprehensive review on their combined effects on immune system outcomes is missing. Therefore, this review aims at understanding the synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions between microgravity and radiation and their impact on immune function as observed during spaceflight-analog studies such as rodent hindlimb unloading and cell culture rotating wall vessel models. These mimic some, but not all, of the physiological changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight and provide valuable information that should be considered when planning future missions. We provide guidelines for the design of further spaceflight-analog studies, incorporating influential factors such as age and sex for rodent models and standardizing the longitudinal evaluation of specific immunological alterations for both rodent and cellular models of spaceflight exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wadhwa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA.
| | | | | | - Honglu Wu
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
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2
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Zhang B, Li X, Zhou X, Lou C, Wang S, Lv H, Zhang G, Fang Y, Yin D, Shang P. Magneto-mechanical stimulation modulates osteocyte fate via the ECM-integrin-CSK axis and wnt pathway. iScience 2023; 26:107365. [PMID: 37554458 PMCID: PMC10405320 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteocytes are the mechano-sensors of bones. Large gradient high-static magnetic fields (LG-HMFs) produce stable, high-precision, and non-attenuation mechanical forces. We discovered that magnetic forces opposite to gravity inhibited MLO-Y4 osteocyte proliferation and viability by inducing structural damage and apoptosis. In contrast, magnetic force loading in the same direction as that of gravity promoted the proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of MLO-Y4 osteocytes. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis after magnetic force stimulation indicated that the ECM-integrin-CSK axis responded most significantly to mechanical signals. Wisp2 was the most significant DEG between the 12 T upward and downward groups, showing the highest correlation with the Wnt pathway according to the STRING protein interaction database. Explaining the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which mechanical stimuli influence bone remodeling is currently the focus of osteocyte-related research. Our findings provide insights into the effects of LG-HMFs on bone cells, which have further implications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Xianglin Li
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - ChenGe Lou
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Shenghang Wang
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Longhua People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Huanhuan Lv
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Gejing Zhang
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Yanwen Fang
- Heye Health Technology Co., Ltd, Huzhou 313300, China
| | - Dachuan Yin
- School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Peng Shang
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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Vashi A, Sreejith KR, Nguyen NT. Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies for Microgravity Simulation and Space Applications. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:116. [PMID: 36677176 PMCID: PMC9864955 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gravity plays an important role in the development of life on earth. The effect of gravity on living organisms can be investigated by controlling the magnitude of gravity. Most reduced gravity experiments are conducted on the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) in the International Space Station (ISS). However, running experiments in ISS face challenges such as high cost, extreme condition, lack of direct accessibility, and long waiting period. Therefore, researchers have developed various ground-based devices and methods to perform reduced gravity experiments. However, the advantage of space conditions for developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications requires more attention and new research. Advancements in conventional methods and the development of new methods are necessary to fulfil these demands. The advantages of Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices make them an attractive option for simulating microgravity. This paper briefly reviews the advancement of LOC technologies for simulating microgravity in an earth-based laboratory.
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High-Intensity Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Treatment Stimulates Fin Regeneration in Adult Zebrafish—A Preliminary Report. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12157768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Low-Intensity electromagnetic fields (LI-PEMFs) are known to induce a trophic stimulus on bone tissue and therefore have been largely used for the treatment of several musculoskeletal disorders. High intensity (HI) PEMFs add interesting features to bio-stimulation such as electroporation, a phenomenon characterized by transient increased cell permeabilization to molecules, and diamagnetism, a water-repulsive effect based on the diamagnetic properties of water and transmembrane ions gradients. Despite the rapid evolution of technology, the biological mechanisms underlying it are still poorly understood. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this particular stimulation, HI LF-PEMFs were used to stimulate the caudal fin rays of adult zebrafish. Actually, the zebrafish fin regeneration is a simple, well understood, and widely adopted model for studying bone regeneration. A controlled amputation fin experiment was then conducted. Regenerated bone matrix of fin rays was dyed with calcein and then analysed under fluorescence microscopy. Both the length and the area of regenerated fin’s rays treated with HI LF-PEMFs resulted significantly increased when compared with non-treated.
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Calvaruso M, Militello C, Minafra L, La Regina V, Torrisi F, Pucci G, Cammarata FP, Bravatà V, Forte GI, Russo G. Biological and Mechanical Characterization of the Random Positioning Machine (RPM) for Microgravity Simulations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111190. [PMID: 34833068 PMCID: PMC8619501 DOI: 10.3390/life11111190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid improvement of space technologies is leading to the continuous increase of space missions that will soon bring humans back to the Moon and, in the coming future, toward longer interplanetary missions such as the one to Mars. The idea of living in space is charming and fascinating; however, the space environment is a harsh place to host human life and exposes the crew to many physical challenges. The absence of gravity experienced in space affects many aspects of human biology and can be reproduced in vitro with the help of microgravity simulators. Simulated microgravity (s-μg) is applied in many fields of research, ranging from cell biology to physics, including cancer biology. In our study, we aimed to characterize, at the biological and mechanical level, a Random Positioning Machine in order to simulate microgravity in an in vitro model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). We investigated the effects played by s-μg by analyzing the change of expression of some genes that drive proliferation, survival, cell death, cancer stemness, and metastasis in the human MDA-MB-231 cell line. Besides the mechanical verification of the RPM used in our studies, our biological findings highlighted the impact of s-μg and its putative involvement in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Calvaruso
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
| | - Carmelo Militello
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
| | - Luigi Minafra
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Filippo Torrisi
- Departments of Biomedical and BioTechnological Science (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Gaia Pucci
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Francesco P. Cammarata
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
| | - Valentina Bravatà
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
| | - Giusi I. Forte
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.C.); (C.M.); (F.P.C.); (V.B.); (G.I.F.); (G.R.)
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Wubshet NH, Arreguin-Martinez E, Nail M, Annamalai H, Koerner R, Rousseva M, Tom T, Gillespie RB, Liu AP. Simulating microgravity using a random positioning machine for inducing cellular responses to mechanotransduction in human osteoblasts. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:114101. [PMID: 34852501 PMCID: PMC9643046 DOI: 10.1063/5.0056366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The mechanotransduction pathways that mediate cellular responses to contact forces are better understood than those that mediate response to distance forces, especially the force of gravity. Removing or reducing gravity for significant periods of time involves either sending samples to space, inducing diamagnetic levitation with high magnetic fields, or continually reorienting samples for a period, all in a manner that supports cell culturing. Undesired secondary effects due to high magnetic fields or shear forces associated with fluid flow while reorienting must be considered in the design of ground-based devices. We have developed a lab-friendly and compact random positioning machine (RPM) that fits in a standard tissue culture incubator. Using a two-axis gimbal, it continually reorients samples in a manner that produces an equal likelihood that all possible orientations are visited. We contribute a new control algorithm by which the distribution of probabilities over all possible orientations is completely uniform. Rather than randomly varying gimbal axis speed and/or direction as in previous algorithms (which produces non-uniform probability distributions of orientation), we use inverse kinematics to follow a trajectory with a probability distribution of orientations that is uniform by construction. Over a time period of 6 h of operation using our RPM, the average gravity is within 0.001 23% of the gravity of Earth. Shear forces are minimized by limiting the angular speed of both gimbal motors to under 42 °/s. We demonstrate the utility of our RPM by investigating the effects of simulated microgravity on adherent human osteoblasts immediately after retrieving samples from our RPM. Cytoskeletal disruption and cell shape changes were observed relative to samples cultured in a 1 g environment. We also found that subjecting human osteoblasts in suspension to simulated microgravity resulted in less filamentous actin and lower cell stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadab H. Wubshet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | - Hariprasad Annamalai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Robert Koerner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Maria Rousseva
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Tristan Tom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | - Allen P. Liu
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Current address: University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. Tel.: +1 734-764-7719
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Parfenov VA, Mironov VA, van Kampen KA, Karalkin PA, Koudan EV, Pereira FDAS, Petrov SV, Nezhurina EK, Petrov OF, Myasnikov MI, Walboomers FX, Engelkamp H, Christianen P, Khesuani YD, Moroni L, Mota C. Scaffold-free and label-free biofabrication technology using levitational assembly in a high magnetic field. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045022. [PMID: 32050181 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab7554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The feasibility of magnetic levitational bioassembly of tissue-engineered constructs from living tissue spheroids in the presence of paramagnetic ions (i.e. Gd3+) was recently demonstrated. However, Gd3+ is relatively toxic at concentrations above 50 mM normally used to enable magnetic levitation with NdFeB-permanent magnets. Using a high magnetic field (a 50 mm-bore, 31 T Bitter magnet) at the High Field Magnet Laboratory at Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, we performed magnetic levitational assembly of tissue constructs from living spheroids prepared from the SW1353 chondrosarcoma cell line at 0.8 mM Gd3+ containing salt gadobutrol at 19 T magnetic field. The parameters of the levitation process were determined on the basis of polystyrene beads with a 170 μm-diameter. To predict the theoretical possibility of assembly, a zone of stable levitation in the horizontal and vertical areas of cross sections was previously calculated. The construct from tissue spheroids partially fused after 3 h in levitation. The analysis of viability after prolonged exposure (1 h) to strong magnetic fields (up to 30 T) showed the absence of significant cytotoxicity or morphology changes in the tissue spheroids. A high magnetic field works as a temporal and removal support or so-called 'scaffield'. Thus, formative biofabrication of tissue-engineered constructs from tissue spheroids in the high magnetic field is a promising research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav A Parfenov
- Laboratory for Biotechnological Research '3D Bioprinting Solutions', Moscow, Russia
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Kiss JZ, Wolverton C, Wyatt SE, Hasenstein KH, van Loon JJ. Comparison of Microgravity Analogs to Spaceflight in Studies of Plant Growth and Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1577. [PMID: 31867033 PMCID: PMC6908503 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Life on Earth has evolved under the influence of gravity. This force has played an important role in shaping development and morphology from the molecular level to the whole organism. Although aquatic life experiences reduced gravity effects, land plants have evolved under a 1-g environment. Understanding gravitational effects requires changing the magnitude of this force. One method of eliminating gravity''s influence is to enter into a free-fall orbit around the planet, thereby achieving a balance between centripetal force of gravity and the centrifugal force of the moving object. This balance is often mistakenly referred to as microgravity, but is best described as weightlessness. In addition to actually compensating gravity, instruments such as clinostats, random-positioning machines (RPM), and magnetic levitation devices have been used to eliminate effects of constant gravity on plant growth and development. However, these platforms do not reduce gravity but constantly change its direction. Despite these fundamental differences, there are few studies that have investigated the comparability between these platforms and weightlessness. Here, we provide a review of the strengths and weaknesses of these analogs for the study of plant growth and development compared to spaceflight experiments. We also consider reduced or partial gravity effects via spaceflight and analog methods. While these analogs are useful, the fidelity of the results relative to spaceflight depends on biological parameters and environmental conditions that cannot be simulated in ground-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Z. Kiss
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina—Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Chris Wolverton
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH, United States
| | - Sarah E. Wyatt
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Department of Environmental & Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Karl H. Hasenstein
- Biology Department, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States
| | - Jack J.W.A. van Loon
- DESC (Dutch Experiment Support Center), Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), VU-University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Center (ESTEC), Life & Physical Science, Instrumentation and Life Support Laboratory, TEC-MMG, Noordwijk, Netherlands
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Tian X, Wang D, Feng S, Zhang L, Ji X, Wang Z, Lu Q, Xi C, Pi L, Zhang X. Effects of 3.5-23.0 T static magnetic fields on mice: A safety study. Neuroimage 2019; 199:273-280. [PMID: 31158482 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
People are exposed to various magnetic fields, including the high static/steady magnetic field (SMF) of MRI, which has been increased to 9.4 T in preclinical investigations. However, relevant safety studies about high SMF are deficient. Here we examined whether 3.5-23.0 T SMF exposure for 2 h has severe long-term effects on mice using 112 C57BL/6J mice. The food/water consumption, blood glucose levels, blood routine, blood biochemistry, as well as organ weight and HE stains were all examined. The food consumption and body weight were slightly decreased for 23.0 T-exposed mice (14.6%, P < 0.01, and 1.75-5.57%, P < 0.05, respectively), but not the other groups. While total bilirubin (TBIL), white blood cells, platelet and lymphocyte numbers were affected by some magnetic conditions, most of them were still within normal reference range. Although 13.5 T magnetic fields with the highest gradient (117.2 T/m) caused spleen weight increase, the blood count and biochemistry results were still within the control reference range. Moreover, the highest field 23.0 T with no gradient did not cause organ weight or blood biochemistry abnormality, which indicates that field gradient is a key parameter. Collectively, these data suggest 3.5-23.0 T static magnetic field exposure for 2 h do not have severe long-term effects on mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Tian
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
| | - Shuang Feng
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Xinmiao Ji
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Ze Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, PR China
| | - Qingyou Lu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, PR China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics at Extreme Conditions, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Chuanying Xi
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Li Pi
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China; Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China.
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10
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Mann V, Grimm D, Corydon TJ, Krüger M, Wehland M, Riwaldt S, Sahana J, Kopp S, Bauer J, Reseland JE, Infanger M, Mari Lian A, Okoro E, Sundaresan A. Changes in Human Foetal Osteoblasts Exposed to the Random Positioning Machine and Bone Construct Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061357. [PMID: 30889841 PMCID: PMC6471706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cells, when exposed to both real and simulated microgravity (s-µg), form 3D tissue constructs mirroring in vivo architectures (e.g., cartilage, intima constructs, cancer spheroids and others). In this study, we exposed human foetal osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cells to a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) for 7 days and 14 days, with the purpose of investigating the effects of s-µg on biological processes and to engineer 3D bone constructs. RPM exposure of the hFOB 1.19 cells induces alterations in the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, extra cellular matrix (ECM) and the 3D multicellular spheroid (MCS) formation. In addition, after 7 days, it influences the morphological appearance of these cells, as it forces adherent cells to detach from the surface and assemble into 3D structures. The RPM-exposed hFOB 1.19 cells exhibited a differential gene expression of the following genes: transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1, bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), SRY-Box 9 (SOX9), actin beta (ACTB), beta tubulin (TUBB), vimentin (VIM), laminin subunit alpha 1 (LAMA1), collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1), phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and fibronectin 1 (FN1). RPM exposure also induced a significantly altered release of the cytokines and bone biomarkers sclerostin (SOST), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor 1 alpha (TNF-1α). After the two-week RPM exposure, the spheroids presented a bone-specific morphology. In conclusion, culturing cells in s-µg under gravitational unloading represents a novel technology for tissue-engineering of bone constructs and it can be used for investigating the mechanisms behind spaceflight-related bone loss as well as bone diseases such as osteonecrosis or bone injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Mann
- Osteoimmunology and Integrative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Texas Southern University, Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004, USA.
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department for Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department for Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Riwaldt
- Department for Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department for Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Planegg, Germany.
| | - Janne E Reseland
- Clinical Oral Research Laboratory, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, UiO, University of Oslo, Geitmyrsveien 71 0455 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Aina Mari Lian
- Clinical Oral Research Laboratory, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, UiO, University of Oslo, Geitmyrsveien 71 0455 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Elvis Okoro
- Osteoimmunology and Integrative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Texas Southern University, Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004, USA.
| | - Alamelu Sundaresan
- Osteoimmunology and Integrative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Texas Southern University, Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004, USA.
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Xu H, Ning D, Zhao D, Chen Y, Zhao D, Gu S, Jiang JX, Shang P. Blockage of hemichannels alters gene expression in osteocytes in a high magneto-gravitational environment. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2017; 22:783-794. [PMID: 27814646 DOI: 10.2741/4516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone, are highly responsive to external environmental changes. We tested how Cx43 hemichannels which mediate the exchange of small molecules between cells and extracellular environment impact genome wide gene expression under conditions of abnormal gravity and magnetic field. To this end, we subjected osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells to a high magneto-gravitational environment and used microarray to examine global gene expression and a specific blocking antibody was used to assess the role of Cx43 hemichannels. While 3 hr exposure to abnormal gravity and magnetic field had relatively minor effects on global gene expression, blocking hemichannels significantly impacted the expression of a number of genes which are involved in cell viability, apoptosis, mineral absorption, protein absorption and digestion, and focal adhesion. Also, blocking of hemichannels enriched genes in multiple signaling pathways which are enaged by TGF-beta, Jak-STAT and VEGF. These results show the role of connexin hemichannels in bone cells in high magneto-gravitational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyun Xu
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Dandan Ning
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Dezhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Yunhe Chen
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Sumin Gu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, 78229, USA
| | - Jean Xin Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, 78229, USA
| | - Peng Shang
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China,
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12
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Wang Y, Chen ZH, Yin C, Ma JH, Li DJ, Zhao F, Sun YL, Hu LF, Shang P, Qian AR. GeneChip expression profiling reveals the alterations of energy metabolism related genes in osteocytes under large gradient high magnetic fields. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116359. [PMID: 25635858 PMCID: PMC4312085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The diamagnetic levitation as a novel ground-based model for simulating a reduced gravity environment has recently been applied in life science research. In this study a specially designed superconducting magnet with a large gradient high magnetic field (LG-HMF), which can provide three apparent gravity levels (μ-g, 1-g, and 2-g), was used to simulate a space-like gravity environment. Osteocyte, as the most important mechanosensor in bone, takes a pivotal position in mediating the mechano-induced bone remodeling. In this study, the effects of LG-HMF on gene expression profiling of osteocyte-like cell line MLO-Y4 were investigated by Affymetrix DNA microarray. LG-HMF affected osteocyte gene expression profiling. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and data mining were further analyzed by using bioinfomatic tools, such as DAVID, iReport. 12 energy metabolism related genes (PFKL, AK4, ALDOC, COX7A1, STC1, ADM, CA9, CA12, P4HA1, APLN, GPR35 and GPR84) were further confirmed by real-time PCR. An integrated gene interaction network of 12 DEGs was constructed. Bio-data mining showed that genes involved in glucose metabolic process and apoptosis changed notablly. Our results demostrated that LG-HMF affected the expression of energy metabolism related genes in osteocyte. The identification of sensitive genes to special environments may provide some potential targets for preventing and treating bone loss or osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Chun Yin
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Jian-Hua Ma
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Di-Jie Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Yu-Long Sun
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Li-Fang Hu
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Peng Shang
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- * E-mail: (PS); (ARQ)
| | - Ai-Rong Qian
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- * E-mail: (PS); (ARQ)
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13
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The impact of microgravity and hypergravity on endothelial cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:434803. [PMID: 25654101 PMCID: PMC4309246 DOI: 10.1155/2015/434803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial cells (ECs), which line the inner surface of vessels, play a fundamental role in maintaining vascular integrity and tissue homeostasis, since they regulate local blood flow and other physiological processes. ECs are highly sensitive to mechanical stress, including hypergravity and microgravity. Indeed, they undergo morphological and functional changes in response to alterations of gravity. In particular microgravity leads to changes in the production and expression of vasoactive and inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules, which mainly result from changes in the remodelling of the cytoskeleton and the distribution of caveolae. These molecular modifications finely control cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the state of the art on how microgravity and hypergravity affect cultured ECs functions and discusses some controversial issues reported in the literature.
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Sun YL, Chen ZH, Chen XH, Yin C, Li DJ, Ma XL, Zhao F, Zhang G, Shang P, Qian AR. Diamagnetic levitation promotes osteoclast differentiation from RAW264.7 cells. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2014; 62:900-8. [PMID: 25398175 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2014.2370039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The superconducting magnet with a high magnetic force field can levitate diamagnetic materials. In this study, a specially designed superconducting magnet with large gradient high magnetic field (LGHMF), which provides three apparent gravity levels (μg, 1 g, and 2 g), was used to study its influence on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation from preosteoclast cell line RAW264.7. The effects of LGHMF on the viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, morphology in RAW264.7 cells were detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, the Griess method, and the immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The changes induced by LGHMF in osteoclast formation, mRNA expression, and bone resorption were determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, semiquantity PCR, and bone resorption test, respectively. The results showed that: 1) LGHMF had no lethal effect on osteoclast precursors but attenuated NO release in RAW264.7 cells. 2) Diamagnetic levitation (μg) enhanced both the formation and bone resorption capacity of osteoclast. Moreover, diamagnetic levitation up-regulated mRNA expression of RANK, Cathepsin K, MMP-9, and NFATc1, while down-regulated RunX2 in comparison with controls. Furthermore, diamagnetic levitation induced obvious morphological alterations in osteoclast, including active cytoplasmic peripheral pseudopodial expansion, formation of pedosome belt, and aggregation of actin ring. 3) Magnetic field produced by LGHMF attenuated osteoclast resorption activity. Collectively, LGHMF with combined effects has multiple effects on osteoclast, which attenuated osteoclast resorption with magnetic field, whereas promoted osteoclast differentiation with diamagnetic levitation. Therefore, these findings indicate that diamagnetic levitation could be used as a novel ground-based microgravity simulator, which facilitates bone cell research of weightlessness condition.
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The impact of simulated and real microgravity on bone cells and mesenchymal stem cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:928507. [PMID: 25110709 PMCID: PMC4119729 DOI: 10.1155/2014/928507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
How microgravity affects the biology of human cells and the formation of 3D cell cultures in real and simulated microgravity (r- and s-µg) is currently a hot topic in biomedicine. In r- and s-µg, various cell types were found to form 3D structures. This review will focus on the current knowledge of tissue engineering in space and on Earth using systems such as the random positioning
machine (RPM), the 2D-clinostat, or the NASA-developed rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV) to create tissue from bone, tumor, and mesenchymal stem cells. To understand the development of 3D structures, in vitro experiments using s-µg devices can provide valuable information about modulations in signal-transduction, cell adhesion, or extracellular matrix induced by altered gravity conditions. These systems also facilitate the analysis of the impact of growth factors, hormones, or drugs on these tissue-like constructs. Progress has been made in bone tissue engineering using the RWV, and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS), formed in both r- and s-µg, have been reported and were analyzed in depth. Currently, these MCTS are available for drug testing and proteomic investigations. This review provides an overview of the influence of µg on the aforementioned cells and an outlook for future perspectives in tissue engineering.
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Hemmersbach R, Simon A, Waßer K, Hauslage J, Christianen PC, Albers PW, Lebert M, Richter P, Alt W, Anken R. Impact of a high magnetic field on the orientation of gravitactic unicellular organisms--a critical consideration about the application of magnetic fields to mimic functional weightlessness. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:205-15. [PMID: 24621307 PMCID: PMC3952527 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2013.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The gravity-dependent behavior of Paramecium biaurelia and Euglena gracilis have previously been studied on ground and in real microgravity. To validate whether high magnetic field exposure indeed provides a ground-based facility to mimic functional weightlessness, as has been suggested earlier, both cell types were observed during exposure in a strong homogeneous magnetic field (up to 30 T) and a strong magnetic field gradient. While swimming, Paramecium cells were aligned along the magnetic field lines; orientation of Euglena was perpendicular, demonstrating that the magnetic field determines the orientation and thus prevents the organisms from the random swimming known to occur in real microgravity. Exposing Astasia longa, a flagellate that is closely related to Euglena but lacks chloroplasts and the photoreceptor, as well as the chloroplast-free mutant E. gracilis 1F, to a high magnetic field revealed no reorientation to the perpendicular direction as in the case of wild-type E. gracilis, indicating the existence of an anisotropic structure (chloroplasts) that determines the direction of passive orientation. Immobilized Euglena and Paramecium cells could not be levitated even in the highest available magnetic field gradient as sedimentation persisted with little impact of the field on the sedimentation velocities. We conclude that magnetic fields are not suited as a microgravity simulation for gravitactic unicellular organisms due to the strong effect of the magnetic field itself, which masks the effects known from experiments in real microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Hemmersbach
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Simon
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Waßer
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Hauslage
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter C.M. Christianen
- High Field Magnet Laboratory, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter W. Albers
- High Field Magnet Laboratory, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Lebert
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Richter
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Alt
- Theoretical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralf Anken
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
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Gershovich PM, Gershovich YG, Buravkova LB. Molecular genetic features of human mesenchymal stem cells after their osteogenic differentiation under the conditions of microgravity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1134/s036211971305006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Abstract
Experiments conducted in the microgravity environment of space are not typically at the forefront of the mind of a cancer biologist. However, space provides physical conditions that are not achievable on Earth, as well as conditions that can be exploited to study mechanisms and pathways that control cell growth and function. Over the past four decades, studies have shown how exposure to microgravity alters biological processes that may be relevant to cancer. In this Review, we explore the influence of microgravity on cell biology, focusing on tumour cells grown in space together with work carried out using models in ground-based investigations.
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Herranz R, Manzano AI, van Loon JJWA, Christianen PCM, Medina FJ. Proteomic signature of Arabidopsis cell cultures exposed to magnetically induced hyper- and microgravity environments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2013; 13:217-24. [PMID: 23510084 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Earth-based microgravity simulation techniques are required due to space research constraints. Using diamagnetic levitation, we exposed Arabidopsis thaliana in vitro callus cultures to environments with different levels of effective gravity and magnetic field strengths (B) simultaneously. The environments included simulated 0 g* at B=10.1 T, an internal 1 g* control (B=16.5 T), and hypergravity (2 g* at B=10.1 T). Furthermore, samples were also exposed to altered gravity environments that were created with mechanical devices, such as the Random Positioning Machine (simulated μg) and the Large Diameter Centrifuge (2 g). We have determined the proteomic signature of cell cultures exposed to these altered-gravity environments by means of the difference gel electrophoresis (DiGE) technique, and we have compared the results with microarray-based transcriptomes from the same samples. The magnetic field itself produced a low number of proteomic alterations, but the combination of gravitational alteration and magnetic field exposure produced synergistic effects on the proteome of plants (the number of significant changes is 3-7 times greater). Tandem mass spectrometry identification of 19 overlapping spots in the different conditions corroborates a major role of abiotic stress and secondary metabolism proteins in the molecular adaptation of plants to unusual environments, including microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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Large gradient high magnetic fields affect osteoblast ultrastructure and function by disrupting collagen I or fibronectin/αβ1 integrin. PLoS One 2013; 8:e51036. [PMID: 23382804 PMCID: PMC3558520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The superconducting magnet generates a field and field gradient product that can levitate diamagnetic materials. In this study a specially designed superconducting magnet with a large gradient high magnetic field (LG-HMF), which can provide three apparent gravity levels (μ-g, 1-g, and 2-g), was used to simulate a space-like gravity environment. The effects of LG-HMF on the ultrastructure and function of osteoblast-like cells (MG-63 and MC3T3-E1) and the underlying mechanism were investigated by transmission electromicroscopy (TEM), MTT, and cell western (ICW) assays. Under LG-HMF significant morphologic changes in osteoblast-like cells occurred, including expansion of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, an increased number of lysosomes, distorted microvilli, and aggregates of actin filaments. Compared to controls, cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion were significantly increased, and collagen I (col I), fibronectin (FN), vinculin, integrin α3, αv, and β1 expression were changed under LG-HMF conditions. In conclusion, LG-HMF affects osteoblast ultrastructure, cell viability, and ALP secretion, and the changes caused by LG-HMF may be related to disrupting col I or FN/αβ1 integrin.
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Herranz R, Anken R, Boonstra J, Braun M, Christianen PC, de Geest M, Hauslage J, Hilbig R, Hill RJ, Lebert M, Medina FJ, Vagt N, Ullrich O, van Loon JJ, Hemmersbach R. Ground-based facilities for simulation of microgravity: organism-specific recommendations for their use, and recommended terminology. ASTROBIOLOGY 2013; 13:1-17. [PMID: 23252378 PMCID: PMC3549630 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Research in microgravity is indispensable to disclose the impact of gravity on biological processes and organisms. However, research in the near-Earth orbit is severely constrained by the limited number of flight opportunities. Ground-based simulators of microgravity are valuable tools for preparing spaceflight experiments, but they also facilitate stand-alone studies and thus provide additional and cost-efficient platforms for gravitational research. The various microgravity simulators that are frequently used by gravitational biologists are based on different physical principles. This comparative study gives an overview of the most frequently used microgravity simulators and demonstrates their individual capacities and limitations. The range of applicability of the various ground-based microgravity simulators for biological specimens was carefully evaluated by using organisms that have been studied extensively under the conditions of real microgravity in space. In addition, current heterogeneous terminology is discussed critically, and recommendations are given for appropriate selection of adequate simulators and consistent use of nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ralf Anken
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Zoological Institute, University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Johannes Boonstra
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Markus Braun
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter C.M. Christianen
- High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML), Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten de Geest
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Hauslage
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hilbig
- Zoological Institute, University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Richard J.A. Hill
- School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael Lebert
- Biology Department, Cell Biology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Nicole Vagt
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Ullrich
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jack J.W.A. van Loon
- Dutch Experiment Support Center (DESC) @ ACTA, University of Amsterdam & VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam; Department of Oral Cell Biology, Research Institute MOVE, Amsterdam; European Space Agency (ESA), TEC-MMG, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
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Di S, Tian Z, Qian A, Li J, Wu J, Wang Z, Zhang D, Yin D, Brandi ML, Shang P. Large gradient high magnetic field affects FLG29.1 cells differentiation to form osteoclast-like cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2012; 88:806-13. [PMID: 22642494 DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2012.698365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the effects of different apparent gravities (μ g, 1 g and 2 g) produced by large gradient high magnetic field (LGHMF) on human preosteoclast FLG29.1 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS FLG29.1 cells were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 medium. Cells were exposed to LGHMF for 72 h. On culture day 1, 2, 3, cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahi-azo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) method. On day 3, cell apoptosis and necrosis were assayed by Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI) staining. After cells were exposed to LGHMF for 72 h with the induction of 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells and nitric oxide (NO) release were detected by TRAP staining and Griess method, respectively. Intracellular TRAP activity was measured using nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) as the substrate. RESULTS MTT detection revealed that compared to control, FLG 29.1 cell proliferation in the μ g and 2 g groups were promoted. However, there is no obvious difference between the 1 g and control groups. Hoechst-PI staining showed that LGHMF promoted cell apoptosis and necrosis, especially in the 2 g group. Exposure to LGHMF inhibited the NO concentration of supernatant. Both the TRAP activity and the number of TRAP positive cells were higher in cells of μ g group than those in 2 g group. In the 1 g group, they were decreased significantly compared to control. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that LGHMF could directly affect human preosteoclast FLG29.1 cells survival and differentiation. High magnetic flux inhibited osteoclasts formation and differentiation while reduced apparent gravity enhanced osteoclastogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengmeng Di
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaan Xi Province, PR China
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23
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Pan F, Liu S, Wang Z, Shang P, Xiao W. Digital holographic microscopy long-term and real-time monitoring of cell division and changes under simulated zero gravity. OPTICS EXPRESS 2012; 20:11496-11505. [PMID: 22565769 DOI: 10.1364/oe.20.011496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The long-term and real-time monitoring the cell division and changes of osteoblasts under simulated zero gravity condition were succeed by combing a digital holographic microscopy (DHM) with a superconducting magnet (SM). The SM could generate different magnetic force fields in a cylindrical cavity, where the gravitational force of biological samples could be canceled at a special gravity position by a high magnetic force. Therefore the specimens were levitated and in a simulated zero gravity environment. The DHM was modified to fit with SM by using single mode optical fibers and a vertically-configured jig designed to hold specimens and integrate optical device in the magnet's bore. The results presented the first-phase images of living cells undergoing dynamic divisions and changes under simulated zero gravity environment for a period of 10 hours. The experiments demonstrated that the SM-compatible DHM setup could provide a highly efficient and versatile method for research on the effects of microgravity on biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Precision Opto-mechatronics Technology, School of Instrument Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
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Di S, Tian Z, Qian A, Gao X, Yu D, Brandi ML, Shang P. Selection of suitable reference genes from bone cells in large gradient high magnetic field based on GeNorm algorithm. Electromagn Biol Med 2012; 30:261-9. [PMID: 22047464 DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2011.608869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies of animals and humans subjected to spaceflight demonstrate that weightlessness negatively affects the mass and mechanical properties of bone tissue. Bone cells could sense and respond to the gravity unloading, and genes sensitive to gravity change were considered to play a critical role in the mechanotransduction of bone cells. To evaluate the fold-change of gene expression, appropriate reference genes should be identified because there is no housekeeping gene having stable expression in all experimental conditions. Consequently, expression stability of ten candidate housekeeping genes were examined in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1, osteocyte-like MLO-Y4, and preosteoclast-like FLG29.1 cells under different apparent gravities (μg, 1 g, and 2 g) in the high-intensity gradient magnetic field produced by a superconducting magnet. The results showed that the relative expression of these ten candidate housekeeping genes was different in different bone cells; Moreover, the most suitable reference genes of the same cells in altered gravity conditions were also different from that in strong magnetic field. It demonstrated the importance of selecting suitable reference genes in experimental set-ups. Furthermore, it provides an alternative choice to the traditionally accepted housekeeping genes used so far about studies of gravitational biology and magneto biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengmeng Di
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
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25
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Hill RJA, Larkin OJ, Dijkstra CE, Manzano AI, de Juan E, Davey MR, Anthony P, Eaves L, Medina FJ, Marco R, Herranz R. Effect of magnetically simulated zero-gravity and enhanced gravity on the walk of the common fruitfly. J R Soc Interface 2012; 9:1438-49. [PMID: 22219396 PMCID: PMC3367808 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2011.0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the effects of gravity on biological organisms is vital to the success of future space missions. Previous studies in Earth orbit have shown that the common fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster) walks more quickly and more frequently in microgravity, compared with its motion on Earth. However, flight preparation procedures and forces endured on launch made it difficult to implement on the Earth's surface a control that exposed flies to the same sequence of major physical and environmental changes. To address the uncertainties concerning these behavioural anomalies, we have studied the walking paths of D. melanogaster in a pseudo-weightless environment (0g*) in our Earth-based laboratory. We used a strong magnetic field, produced by a superconducting solenoid, to induce a diamagnetic force on the flies that balanced the force of gravity. Simultaneously, two other groups of flies were exposed to a pseudo-hypergravity environment (2g*) and a normal gravity environment (1g*) within the spatially varying field. The flies had a larger mean speed in 0g* than in 1g*, and smaller in 2g*. The mean square distance travelled by the flies grew more rapidly with time in 0g* than in 1g*, and slower in 2g*. We observed no other clear effects of the magnetic field, up to 16.5 T, on the walks of the flies. We compare the effect of diamagnetically simulated weightlessness with that of weightlessness in an orbiting spacecraft, and identify the cause of the anomalous behaviour as the altered effective gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J A Hill
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
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Wang Y, Yin DC, Liu YM, Shi JZ, Lu HM, Shi ZH, Qian AR, Shang P. Design of shared instruments to utilize simulated gravities generated by a large-gradient, high-field superconducting magnet. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2011; 82:034705. [PMID: 21456774 DOI: 10.1063/1.3557402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A high-field superconducting magnet can provide both high-magnetic fields and large-field gradients, which can be used as a special environment for research or practical applications in materials processing, life science studies, physical and chemical reactions, etc. To make full use of a superconducting magnet, shared instruments (the operating platform, sample holders, temperature controller, and observation system) must be prepared as prerequisites. This paper introduces the design of a set of sample holders and a temperature controller in detail with an emphasis on validating the performance of the force and temperature sensors in the high-magnetic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Key Lab of Space Bioscience & Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Meng R, Xu HY, Di SM, Shi DY, Qian AR, Wang JF, Shang P. Human mesenchymal stem cells are sensitive to abnormal gravity and exhibit classic apoptotic features. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2011; 43:133-42. [PMID: 21266543 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmq121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of abnormal gravity on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Strong magnetic field and magnetic field gradient generate a magnetic force that can add to or subtract from the gravitational force. In this study, this is defined as a high-magneto-gravitational environment (HMGE). The HMGE provides three apparent gravity levels, i.e. hypogravity (μg), hypergravity (2g) and normal gravity with strong magnetic field (1g) conditions. After hMSCs were subject to HMGE for 12 h, the proliferation, morphology, structure and apoptosis were investigated. Results showed that the proliferation of hMSCs was inhibited under μg condition. The abnormal gravity induced morphologic characteristics of apoptosis cells, such as cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, nuclear chromatin condensation and margination, decreased cell viability, and increased caspase-3/7 activity. The rate of apoptosis under μg condition is up to 56.95%. The F-actin stress fibers and microtubules were disrupted under abnormal gravity condition. Under μg-condition, the expression of p53 at mRNA and protein levels was up-regulated more than 9- and 6 folds, respectively. The Pifithrin-α, an specific inhibitor of p53, inhibited the apoptosis and prevented the disruption of cytoskeleton induced by abnormal gravity. These results implied that hMSCs were sensitive to abnormal gravity and exhibited classic apoptotic features, which might be associated with p53 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Meng
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
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Shi D, Meng R, Deng W, Ding W, Zheng Q, Yuan W, Liu L, Zong C, Shang P, Wang J. Effects of microgravity modeled by large gradient high magnetic field on the osteogenic initiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2011; 6:567-78. [PMID: 20697977 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-010-9182-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity (MG) leads to a decrease in osteogenic potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In the present study, we used large gradient high magnetic field (LGHMF) produced by a superconducting magnet to model MG (LGHMF-MG) and analyzed the effects of LGHMF-MG on survival, cytoskeleton and osteogenic potential of hMSCs. Results showed that the LGHMF-MG treatment for 6 h disrupted the cytoskeleton of hMSCs, and the LGHMF-MG treatment for 24 h led to cell death. LGHMF-MG treatments for 6 h in early stages of osteogenic induction (the pre-treatment before osteogenic induction, the beginning-treatment in the beginning-stage of osteogenic induction and the middle-treatment in the middle-stage of osteogenic induction) resulted in suppression on osteogenesis of hMSCs. The suppression intensity was reduced gradually as the treatment stage of LGHMF-MG was postponed. The LGHMF-MG treatment for 6 h in the ending-stage of osteogenic induction (the ending-treatment) had no obvious effect on osteogenesis of hMSCs. These results indicated that LGHMF-MG should affect the initiation of osteogenesis. Finally, the possible mechanism for the inhibition effect of LGHMF-MG on osteogenesis of hMSCs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Shi
- Institute of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Room 307, Building of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, No.388, Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
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Qian AR, Wang L, Gao X, Zhang W, Hu LF, Han J, Li JB, Di SM, Shang P. Diamagnetic levitation causes changes in the morphology, cytoskeleton, and focal adhesion proteins expression in osteocytes. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2011; 59:68-77. [PMID: 21216704 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2010.2103377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diamagnetic levitation technology is a novel simulated weightless technique and has recently been applied in life-science research. We have developed a superconducting magnet platform with large gradient high magnetic field (LG-HMF), which can provide three apparent gravity levels, namely, μg (diamagnetic levitation), 1g, and 2g for diamagnetic materials. In this study, the effects of LG-HMF on the activity, morphology, and cytoskeleton (actin filament, microtubules, and vimentin intermediate filaments) in osteocyte - like cell line MLO-Y4 were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) methods, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), respectively. The changes induced by LG-HMF in distribution and expression of focal adhesion (FA) proteins, including vinculin, paxillin, and talin in MLO-Y4 were determined by LSCM and Western blotting. The results showed that LG-HMF produced by superconducting magnet had no lethal effects on MLO-Y4. Compared to control, diamagnetic levitation (μg) affected MLO-Y4 morphology, nucleus size, cytoskeleton architecture, and FA proteins distribution and expression. The study indicates that osteocytes are sensitive to altered gravity and FA proteins (vinculin, paxillin, and talin) may be involved in osteocyte mechanosensation. The diamagnetic levitation may be a novel ground-based space-gravity simulator and can be used for biological experiment at cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Qian
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China.
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