Demonstration of feasibility of automated osteoblastic line culture in space flight

Cells respond to space microgravity through cytoskeleton reorganization

Decades of spaceflight studies have provided abundant evidence that individual cells in vitro are capable of sensing space microgravity and responding with cellular changes both structurally and functionally. However, how microgravity is perceived, transmitted, and converted to biochemical signals by single cells remains unrevealed. Here in this review, over 40 cellular biology studies of real space fights were summarized. Studies on cells of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and immune system were covered. Among all the reported cellular changes in response to space microgravity, cytoskeleton (CSK) reorganization emerges as a key indicator. Based on the evidence of CSK reorganization from space flight research, a possible mechanism from the standpoint of "cellular mechanical equilibrium" is proposed for the explanation of cellular response to space microgravity. Cytoskeletal equilibrium is broken by the gravitational change from ground to space and is followed by cellular morphological changes, cell mechanical properties changes, extracellular matrix reorganization, as well as signaling pathway activation/inactivation, all of which ultimately lead to the cell functional changes in space microgravity.

Modeling the Impact of Microgravity at the Cellular Level: Implications for Human Disease

A lack of gravity experienced during space flight has been shown to have profound effects on human physiology including muscle atrophy, reductions in bone density and immune function, and endocrine disorders. At present, these physiological changes present major obstacles to long-term space missions. What is not clear is which pathophysiological disruptions reflect changes at the cellular level versus changes that occur due to the impact of weightlessness on the entire body. This review focuses on current research investigating the impact of microgravity at the cellular level including cellular morphology, proliferation, and adhesion. As direct research in space is currently cost prohibitive, we describe here the use of microgravity simulators for studies at the cellular level. Such instruments provide valuable tools for cost-effective research to better discern the impact of weightlessness on cellular function. Despite recent advances in understanding the relationship between extracellular forces and cell behavior, very little is understood about cellular biology and mechanotransduction under microgravity conditions. This review will examine recent insights into the impact of simulated microgravity on cell biology and how this technology may provide new insight into advancing our understanding of mechanically driven biology and disease.

Rapid Morphological and Cytoskeletal Response to Microgravity in Human Primary Macrophages

The FLUMIAS (Fluorescence-Microscopic Analyses System for Life-Cell-Imaging in Space) confocal laser spinning disk fluorescence microscope represents a new imaging capability for live cell imaging experiments on suborbital ballistic rocket missions. During the second pioneer mission of this microscope system on the TEXUS-54 suborbital rocket flight, we developed and performed a live imaging experiment with primary human macrophages. We simultaneously imaged four different cellular structures (nucleus, cytoplasm, lysosomes, actin cytoskeleton) by using four different live cell dyes (Nuclear Violet, Calcein, LysoBrite, SiR-actin) and laser wavelengths (405, 488, 561, and 642 nm), and investigated the cellular morphology in microgravity (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁵ g) over a period of about six minutes compared to 1 g controls. For live imaging of the cytoskeleton during spaceflight, we combined confocal laser microscopy with the SiR-actin probe, a fluorogenic silicon-rhodamine (SiR) conjugated jasplakinolide probe that binds to F-actin and displays minimal toxicity. We determined changes in 3D cell volume and surface, nuclear volume and in the actin cytoskeleton, which responded rapidly to the microgravity environment with a significant reduction of SiR-actin fluorescence after 4–19 s microgravity, and adapted subsequently until 126–151 s microgravity. We conclude that microgravity induces geometric cellular changes and rapid response and adaptation of the potential gravity-transducing cytoskeleton in primary human macrophages.

Three-dimensional growth of human endothelial cells in an automated cell culture experiment container during the SpaceX CRS-8 ISS space mission - The SPHEROIDS project

Human endothelial cells (ECs) were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to determine the impact of microgravity on the formation of three-dimensional structures. For this project, an automatic experiment unit (EU) was designed allowing cell culture in space. In order to enable a safe cell culture, cell nourishment and fixation after a pre-programmed timeframe, the materials used for construction of the EUs were tested in regard to their biocompatibility. These tests revealed a high biocompatibility for all parts of the EUs, which were in contact with the cells or the medium used. Most importantly, we found polyether ether ketones for surrounding the incubation chamber, which kept cellular viability above 80% and allowed the cells to adhere as long as they were exposed to normal gravity. After assembling the EU the ECs were cultured therein, where they showed good cell viability at least for 14 days. In addition, the functionality of the automatic medium exchange, and fixation procedures were confirmed. Two days before launch, the ECs were cultured in the EUs, which were afterwards mounted on the SpaceX CRS-8 rocket. 5 and 12 days after launch the cells were fixed. Subsequent analyses revealed a scaffold-free formation of spheroids in space.

Effects of hypergravity on adipose-derived stem cell morphology, mechanical property and proliferation

Alteration in specific inertial conditions can lead to changes in morphology, proliferation, mechanical properties and cytoskeleton of cells. In this report, the effects of hypergravity on morphology of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) are indicated. ADSCs were repeatedly exposed to discontinuous hypergravity conditions of 10 g, 20 g, 40 g and 60 g by utilizing centrifuge (three times of 20 min exposure, with an interval of 40 min at 1 g). Cell morphology in terms of length, width and cell elongation index and cytoskeleton of actin filaments and microtubules were analyzed by image processing. Consistent changes observed in cell elongation index as morphological change. Moreover, cell proliferation was assessed and mechanical properties of cells in case of elastic modulus of cells were evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy. Increase in proliferation and decrease in elastic modulus of cells are further results of this study. Staining ADSC was done to show changes in cytoskeleton of the cells associated to hypergravity condition specifically in microfilament and microtubule components. After exposing to hypergravity, significant changes were observed in microfilaments and microtubule density as components of cytoskeleton. It was concluded that there could be a relationship between changes in morphology and MFs as the main component of the cells.

RhoGTPases as key players in mammalian cell adaptation to microgravity

A growing number of studies are revealing that cells reorganize their cytoskeleton when exposed to conditions of microgravity. Most, if not all, of the structural changes observed on flown cells can be explained by modulation of RhoGTPases, which are mechanosensitive switches responsible for cytoskeletal dynamics control. This review identifies general principles defining cell sensitivity to gravitational stresses. We discuss what is known about changes in cell shape, nucleus, and focal adhesions and try to establish the relationship with specific RhoGTPase activities. We conclude by considering the potential relevance of live imaging of RhoGTPase activity or cytoskeletal structures in order to enhance our understanding of cell adaptation to microgravity-related conditions.

Bone turnover in wild type and pleiotrophin-transgenic mice housed for three months in the International Space Station (ISS)

Bone is a complex dynamic tissue undergoing a continuous remodeling process. Gravity is a physical force playing a role in the remodeling and contributing to the maintenance of bone integrity. This article reports an investigation on the alterations of the bone microarchitecture that occurred in wild type (Wt) and pleiotrophin-transgenic (PTN-Tg) mice exposed to a near-zero gravity on the International Space Station (ISS) during the Mice Drawer System (MDS) mission, to date, the longest mice permanence (91 days) in space. The transgenic mouse strain over-expressing pleiotrophin (PTN) in bone was selected because of the PTN positive effects on bone turnover. Wt and PTN-Tg control animals were maintained on Earth either in a MDS payload or in a standard vivarium cage. This study revealed a bone loss during spaceflight in the weight-bearing bones of both strains. For both Tg and Wt a decrease of the trabecular number as well as an increase of the mean trabecular separation was observed after flight, whereas trabecular thickness did not show any significant change. Non weight-bearing bones were not affected. The PTN-Tg mice exposed to normal gravity presented a poorer trabecular organization than Wt mice, but interestingly, the expression of the PTN transgene during the flight resulted in some protection against microgravity’s negative effects. Moreover, osteocytes of the Wt mice, but not of Tg mice, acquired a round shape, thus showing for the first time osteocyte space-related morphological alterations in vivo. The analysis of specific bone formation and resorption marker expression suggested that the microgravity-induced bone loss was due to both an increased bone resorption and a decreased bone deposition. Apparently, the PTN transgene protection was the result of a higher osteoblast activity in the flight mice.

Effects of oriented substrates on cell morphology, the cell cycle, and the cytoskeleton in Ros 17/2.8 cells

Absence of gravity or microgravity influences the cellular functions of bone forming osteoblasts. The underlying mechanism, however, of cellular sensing and responding to the gravity vector is poorly understood. This work quantified the impact of vector-directional gravity on the biological responses of Ros 17/2.8 cells grown on upward-, downward- or edge-on-oriented substrates. Cell morphology and nuclear translocation, cell proliferation and the cell cycle, and cytoskeletal reorganization were found to vary significantly in the three orientations. All of the responses were duration-dependent. These results provide a new insight into understanding how osteoblasts respond to static vector-directional gravity.

Experiments with osteoblasts cultured under hypergravity conditions

To understand further the role of gravity in osteoblast attachment, osteoblasts were subjected to hypergravity conditions in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy of all confluent coverslips from FPA units show that the number of attached osteoblasts was similar among gravitational levels and growth durations (~90 cells/microscopic field). Specifically, confluent 1.0 G control cultures contained an average of 91 +/- 8 cells/field, 3.3 G samples had 88 +/- 8 cells/field, and 4.0 G cultures averaged 90 +/- 7 cells/field. The sparsely plated cultures assessed by immunohistochemistry also had similar numbers of cells at each time point (l.0 G was similar to 3.3 and 4.0 G), but cell number changed from one time point to the next as those cells proliferated. Immunohistochemistry of centrifuged samples showed an increase in number (up to 160% increase) and thickness (up to 49% increase) of actin fibers, a decrease in intensity of fibronectin fluorescence (18-23% decrease) and an increase in number of vinculin bulbs (202-374% increase in number of vinculin bulbs/area). While hypergravity exposure did not alter the number of attached osteoblasts, it did result in altered actin, fibronectin, and vinculin elements, changing some aspects of osteoblast- substrate adhesion.

Focal contacts organization in osteoblastic cells under microgravity and cyclic deformation conditions

We compared quantitatively vinculin-related adhesion parameters in osteoblastic cells submitted to opposite mechanical stresses, i.e., low deformation and frequency strain regimens (stretch condition) and microgravity exposure (relaxed condition). Cyclic deformation induced a biphasic response comprising new focal contacts formation followed by their clustering in ROS cells. Microgravity exposure induced a reduction in focal contact number and clustering in ROS cells. We previously demonstrated that 1% cyclic deformations at 0.05 Hz during a daily 10 min episode over 7 days stimulated ROS 17/2.8 growth as compared to static culture whereas relaxed ROS proliferated similarly to static culture (BC). To evaluate whether the proliferation (stretch) or the survival (relaxed) status of ROS cells influences focal contact organization, we inhibited ERKs proliferative-dependent pathway. Inhibition of proliferation by PD98059 was overcome although not fully restored by stretch. Furthermore stretch-induced clustering of vinculin-positive contacts still occurs in the presence of ERKs inhibitor, whereas the increase in focal contact number is abolished. In conclusion, we showed that focal contacts are mechanoeffectors and that hyper-mechanical stimulation could up regulate focal contacts size as compared to hypo-mechanical that down regulate clusterization.

OSTEOBLASTS SUBJECTED TO SPACEFLIGHT AND SIMULATED SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH CONDITIONS

To understand further the effects of spaceflight on osteoblast-enriched cultures, normal chicken calvarial osteoblasts were flown aboard shuttle flight STS-77, and the total number of attached cells was determined. Spaceflight and control cultures were chemically fixed 3 h and 3 d after launch. These fixed cultures were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis showed that with just 3 d of exposure to spaceflight, coverslip cultures contained 300 +/- 100 cells/mm2, whereas 1G control samples contained a confluent monolayer of cells (2400 +/- 200 cells/mm2). Although the cultures flown in space experienced a drastic decline in cell number in just 3 d, without further experimentation it was impossible to determine whether the decline was a result of microgravity, the harsh launch environment, or some combination of these factors. Therefore, this research attempted to address the effect of launch by subjecting osteoblasts to conditions simulating shuttle launch accelerations, noise, and vibrations. No differences, compared with controls, were seen in the number of total or viable cells after exposure to these various launch conditions. Taken together, these data indicate that the magnitude of gravitational loading (3G maximum) and vibration (7.83G rms maximum) resulting from launch does not adversely affect osteoblasts in terms of total or viable cell number immediately, but launch conditions, or the microgravity environment itself, may start a cascade of events that over several d contributes to cell loss.

Cell differentiation and p38(MAPK) cascade are inhibited in human osteoblasts cultured in a three-dimensional clinostat

A three-dimensional (3D) clinostat is a device for multidirectional G force generation. By controlled rotation of two axes, a 3D clinostat cancels the cumulative gravity vector at the center of the device and produces an environment with an average of 10(-3) G over time. We cultured a human osteoblast cell line in a 3D clinostat and examined the growth properties and differentiation of the cells, including morphology, histological detection of calcification, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. In a normal 1 G condition, alkaline phosphatase (AlPase) activity was detected on day 7 of culture, bone nodules were formed on day 12, and calcium deposits were seen on day 20. In the 3D clinostat, the cells looked larger and bulged. AlPase activity was detected on day 10 of culture. However, neither bone nodules nor calcification was found in the 3D clinostat up to day 21. The expression levels of core-binding factor A1 (a transcription factor for bone formation) and osteocalcin (a bone matrix protein) increased in the control culture but decreased in culture in 3D clinostat. Phosphorylation of p38(MAPK) (p38) was repressed in culture in 3D clinostat, whereas total p38 as well as total and phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and stress-activated protein kinase/jun N-terminal kinase were not changed in the 3D clinostat. When a p38 inhibitor, SB 203580, was added to the culture medium in a normal 1 G environment, AlPase activity and formation of bone nodules and calcium deposits were strongly inhibited. On the other hand, they were inhibited only partially by a MAPK kinase inhibitor, U-0126. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that (1) osteoblast differentiation is inhibited in culture in a 3D clinostat and (2) this inhibition is mainly due to the suppression of p38 phosphorylation.

Weightlessness affects cytoskeleton of rat utricular hair cells during maturation in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an altered gravitational environment affected the phenotype of vestibular hair cells during maturation. We developed, using an automated incubator, a 3D culture of utricles from newborn rats. These cultures were subjected to weightlessness for 1 or 3 days, and then compared with control cultures developed in natural and induced 1G gravity. Immunocytochemistry for alpha-tubulin and calretinin revealed disorganisation of the microtubules and a loss of hair cell shape in cells subjected to weightlessness during maturation. We conclude that the lack of gravitational strain affected cytoskeletal dynamics, resulting in loss of the specific morphological phenotype of the cells.

The impact of microgravity on bone metabolism in vitro and in vivo

Exposure to microgravity has been associated with several physiological changes in astronauts and cosmonauts, including an osteoporosis-like loss of bone mass. In-flight measures used to counteract this, including intensive daily exercise regimens, have been only partially successful in reducing the bone loss and in the process have consumed valuable work time. If this bone loss is to be minimized or, preferably, prevented, more effective treatment strategies are required. This, however, requires a greater understanding of the mechanisms through which bone metabolism is affected by microgravity. Various research strategies have been used to examine this problem, including in vitro studies using bone cells and in vivo studies on humans and rats. These have been conducted both in flight and on the ground, by strategies that produce weightlessness to mimic the effects of microgravity. Overall, the majority of the studies have found that marked decreases in gravitation loading result in the loss of bone mass. The processes of bone formation and bone resorption become uncoupled, with an initial transitory increase in resorption accompanied by a prolonged decrease in formation. Loss of bone mass is not uniform throughout the skeleton, but varies at different sites depending on the type of bone and on the mechanical load received. It appears that the skeletal response is a physiologic adaptation to the space environment which, after long space flights or repeated shorter ones, could eventually lead to significant reductions in the ability of the skeletal tissues to withstand the forces of gravity and increased susceptibility to fracture.

MAPK and SRC-kinases control EGR-1 and NF-kappa B inductions by changes in mechanical environment in osteoblasts

Bone loss occurs in microgravity whereas an increase in bone mass is observed after skeletal loading. This tissue adaptation involves changes in osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation whose mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this context, we investigated the expression and the nuclear translocation of Egr-1 and NF-kappa B, in a simulated microgravity model (clinostat) and in a model of mechanical strain (Flexcell). We performed RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry analyses at baseline and up to 2 h after stimulation (a mitogenic regimen, 1% stretch, 0.05 Hz, 10 min, or clinorotation 50 rpm, 10 min) in osteoblastic ROS17/2.8 cells. Egr-1 induction as well as NF-kappa B nuclear translocation were activated by mechanical changes. PKC downregulation and COX1/2 inhibition did not alter these inductions. In contrast, ERK1/2, p38(MAPK) and src-kinases pathways were differentially involved in both models. Thus, we demonstrated that changes in the mechanical environment induced an activation of Egr-1 and NF-kappa B with specific kinetics and involved various transduction pathways including MAPKs and src-kinases. These could partially explain the later alterations of proliferation observed.

Effects of orbital spaceflight on human osteoblastic cell physiology and gene expression

During long-term spaceflight, astronauts lose bone, in part due to a reduction in bone formation. It is not clear, however, whether the force imparted by gravity has direct effects on bone cells. To examine the response of bone forming cells to weightlessness, human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) cells were cultured during the 17 day STS-80 space shuttle mission. Fractions of conditioned media were collected during flight and shortly after landing for analyses of glucose utilization and accumulation of type I collagen and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Total cellular RNA was isolated from flight and ground control cultures after landing. Measurement of glucose levels in conditioned media indicated that glucose utilization occurred at a similar rate in flight and ground control cultures. Furthermore, the levels of type I collagen and PGE(2) accumulation in the flight and control conditioned media were indistinguishable. The steady-state levels of osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin messenger RNA (mRNA) were not significantly changed following spaceflight. Gene-specific reductions in mRNA levels for cytokines and skeletal growth factors were detected in the flight cultures using RNase protection assays. Steady-state mRNA levels for interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-6 were decreased 8 h following the flight and returned to control levels at 24 h postflight. Also, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) and TGF-beta(1) message levels were modestly reduced at 8 h and 24 h postflight, although the change was not statistically significant at 8 h. These data suggest that spaceflight did not significantly affect hFOB cell proliferation, expression of type I collagen, or PGE(2) production, further suggesting that the removal of osteoblastic cells from the context of the bone tissue results in a reduced ability to respond to weightlessness. However, spaceflight followed by return to earth significantly impacted the expression of cytokines and skeletal growth factors, which have been implicated as mediators of the bone remodeling cycle. It is not yet clear whether these latter changes were due to weightlessness or to the transient increase in loading resulting from reentry.

Culture in vector-averaged gravity under clinostat rotation results in apoptosis of osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells

Space flight experiments and studies carried out in altered gravity environments have revealed that exposure to altered gravity conditions results in (mal)adaptation of cellular function. In the present study, we used a clinostat to generate a vector-averaged gravity environment. We then evaluated the responses of osteoblast-like ROS 17/2.8 cells subsequent to rotation at 50 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 6-24 h. We found that the cells started to detach from the substrate between 12 h and 24 h of rotation in clinostat but not in stationary cultures or after horizontal rotation (the latter serving as a motion control for turbulence, shear forces, and vibrations). At 24 h, 35% of clinorotated cells had detached and the cells underwent apoptotic death as evidenced by DNA fragmentation analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and flow cytometry with Annexin V staining. The apoptotic death was associated with perinuclear distribution of cell-surface integrin beta1 and disorganization of actin cytoskeleton. These results suggest that vector-averaged gravity causes apoptosis of osteoblasts by altering the organization of the cytoskeleton. We hypothesize that apoptotic death of osteoblasts might play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporotic bone loss as observed in actual space flights.

The effect of microgravity on morphology and gene expression of osteoblasts in vitro

The mass and architecture of the skeletal system adapt, to some extent, to their mechanical environment. A site-specific bone loss of 1-2% is observed in astronauts and in-flight animals after 1 month of spaceflight. Biochemical data of astronauts and histomorphometric analysis of rat bones show that the change in bone mass is a result of decreased bone formation in association with normal (or increased) bone resorption. The changes in bone formation appear to be due in part to decreased osteoblast differentiation, matrix maturation, and mineralization. Recent data show that spaceflight alters the mRNA level for several bone-specific proteins in rat bone, suggesting that the characteristics of osteoblasts are altered during spaceflight. A possible underlying mechanism is that osteoblasts themselves are sensitive to altered gravity levels as suggested by several studies investigating the effect of microgravity on osteoblasts in vitro. Changes in cell and nuclear morphology were observed as well as alterations in the expression of growth factors (interleukin-6 and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins) and matrix proteins (collagen type I and osteocalcin). Taken together, this altered cellular function in combination with differences in local or systemic factors may mediate the effects of spaceflight on bone physiology.

Effects of gravitational changes on the bone system in vitro and in vivo

Spaceflight data obtained on bone cells, rodents, and humans are beginning to shed light on the importance of gravitational loading on the skeletal system. The space environment is a relevant model to explore the bone cell response to minimal strains. However, whether there is a direct effect of gravity on the cell rather than changes related to lack of convection forces in cell cultures performed in microgravity is unknown. In vitro studies carried out using osteoblastic cell cultures in space show changes in cell shape, suggesting that cell attachment structures as well as cytoskeleton reorganization might be involved. Valuable information is expected from in vitro models of an increase or decrease in mechanical stress in order to identify the different pathways of mechanoreception and mechanotransduction in the osteoblastic lineage. Results obtained from both humans and rodents after spaceflights indicated that bone mass changes are site specific rather than evenly distributed throughout the skeleton, thus emphasizing the need to perform measurements at different bone sites: weight- and non-weight-bearing bones, and cancellous and cortical envelopes. Bone mass measurements and biochemical parameters of bone remodeling are currently under evaluation in cosmonauts. Histomorphometric studies of bones from rats after space missions of various periods provided the time course of the cancellous bone cellular events: transient increase in resorption and sustained decrease in bone formation. The underlying bone loss occurred first in weight-bearing bones and later in less weight-bearing bones. During the postflight period, time required to recover the lost bone was greater than the mission length. Thus, the postflight period deserves more attention than it is currently receiving. On earth, the rat tail-suspension model is currently used to mimic spaceflight-induced bone loss. Data from the model confirmed the impairment of osteoblastic activity and showed an alteration in osteoblast recruitment with skeletal unloading. However, this model needs to be further validated.

Effects of intermittent or continuous gravitational stresses on cell-matrix adhesion: quantitative analysis of focal contacts in osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells

The relationship between cell morphology and cell metabolism and the role of mechanical load in bone remodeling is well known. Mechanical stimulation induces changes in the shape of osteoblasts, probably mediated by reorganization of focal contacts. We studied the influence of gravity (Gz) variations occurring during parabolic flight on osteoblast focal adhesion of ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells subjected to 15 or 30 parabolic flights. Significant flight-induced shape changes consisted of decreased cell area associated with focal contact plaque reorganization. Identical durations of continuous mechanical stress induced by centrifugation (2 Gz) or clinorotation (Gz randomization) had no major effect on cell focal adhesion. ROS 17/2.8 G2/M synchronization by treatment with nocodazole inhibited the flight-induced decrease in adhesion parameters. We concluded that ROS 17/2.8 cells are sensitive to Gz switches and that their adaptation is at least dependent on microtubule function.