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Szydlowski LM, Bulbul AA, Simpson AC, Kaya DE, Singh NK, Sezerman UO, Łabaj PP, Kosciolek T, Venkateswaran K. Adaptation to space conditions of novel bacterial species isolated from the International Space Station revealed by functional gene annotations and comparative genome analysis. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:190. [PMID: 39363369 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extreme environment of the International Space Station (ISS) puts selective pressure on microorganisms unintentionally introduced during its 20+ years of service as a low-orbit science platform and human habitat. Such pressure leads to the development of new features not found in the Earth-bound relatives, which enable them to adapt to unfavorable conditions. RESULTS In this study, we generated the functional annotation of the genomes of five newly identified species of Gram-positive bacteria, four of which are non-spore-forming and one spore-forming, all isolated from the ISS. Using a deep-learning based tool-deepFRI-we were able to functionally annotate close to 100% of protein-coding genes in all studied species, overcoming other annotation tools. Our comparative genomic analysis highlights common characteristics across all five species and specific genetic traits that appear unique to these ISS microorganisms. Proteome analysis mirrored these genomic patterns, revealing similar traits. The collective annotations suggest adaptations to life in space, including the management of hypoosmotic stress related to microgravity via mechanosensitive channel proteins, increased DNA repair activity to counteract heightened radiation exposure, and the presence of mobile genetic elements enhancing metabolism. In addition, our findings suggest the evolution of certain genetic traits indicative of potential pathogenic capabilities, such as small molecule and peptide synthesis and ATP-dependent transporters. These traits, exclusive to the ISS microorganisms, further substantiate previous reports explaining why microbes exposed to space conditions demonstrate enhanced antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the microorganisms isolated from ISS we studied have adapted to life in space. Evidence such as mechanosensitive channel proteins, increased DNA repair activity, as well as metallopeptidases and novel S-layer oxidoreductases suggest a convergent adaptation among these diverse microorganisms, potentially complementing one another within the context of the microbiome. The common genes that facilitate adaptation to the ISS environment may enable bioproduction of essential biomolecules need during future space missions, or serve as potential drug targets, if these microorganisms pose health risks. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz M Szydlowski
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, Krakow, 30-387, Malopolska, Poland
- Sano Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine, Czarnowiejska 36, Krakow, 30-054, Malopolskie, Poland
| | - Alper A Bulbul
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, M. A. A. Acibadem University, İçerenköy, Kayıcdağı Cd.32, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey
| | - Anna C Simpson
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, CA, USA
| | - Deniz E Kaya
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, M. A. A. Acibadem University, İçerenköy, Kayıcdağı Cd.32, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, CA, USA
| | - Ugur O Sezerman
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, M. A. A. Acibadem University, İçerenköy, Kayıcdağı Cd.32, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey
| | - Paweł P Łabaj
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, Krakow, 30-387, Malopolska, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kosciolek
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, Krakow, 30-387, Malopolska, Poland.
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, Gliwice, 44-100, Slaskie, Poland.
- Sano Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine, Czarnowiejska 36, Krakow, 30-054, Malopolskie, Poland.
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, CA, USA.
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Abdelfattah F, Schulz H, Wehland M, Corydon TJ, Sahana J, Kraus A, Krüger M, González-Torres LF, Cortés-Sánchez JL, Wise PM, Mushunuri A, Hemmersbach R, Liemersdorf C, Infanger M, Grimm D. Omics Studies of Specialized Cells and Stem Cells under Microgravity Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10014. [PMID: 39337501 PMCID: PMC11431953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of omics in space with focus on the human organism is to characterize and quantify biological factors that alter structure, morphology, function, and dynamics of human cells exposed to microgravity. This review discusses exciting data regarding genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, and proteomics of human cells and individuals in space, as well as cells cultured under simulated microgravity. The NASA Twins Study significantly heightened interest in applying omics technologies and bioinformatics in space and terrestrial environments. Here, we present the available publications in this field with a focus on specialized cells and stem cells exposed to real and simulated microgravity conditions. We summarize current knowledge of the following topics: (i) omics studies on stem cells, (ii) omics studies on benign specialized different cell types of the human organism, (iii) discussing the advantages of this knowledge for space commercialization and exploration, and (iv) summarizing the emerging opportunities for translational regenerative medicine for space travelers and human patients on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Abdelfattah
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (T.J.C.); (J.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (T.J.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Armin Kraus
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Luis Fernando González-Torres
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - José Luis Cortés-Sánchez
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Petra M. Wise
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Ashwini Mushunuri
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- Department of Applied Aerospace Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (R.H.); (C.L.)
| | - Christian Liemersdorf
- Department of Applied Aerospace Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (R.H.); (C.L.)
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.A.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (M.K.); (L.F.G.-T.); (J.L.C.-S.); (P.M.W.); (A.M.); (M.I.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (T.J.C.); (J.S.)
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Jeyaraman M, Ramasubramanian S, Yadav S, Jeyaraman N. Exploring New Horizons: Advancements in Cartilage Tissue Engineering Under Space Microgravity. Cureus 2024; 16:e66224. [PMID: 39238750 PMCID: PMC11374578 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel investigations of how microgravity affects cellular and tissue development have recently been made possible by the multidisciplinary fusion of tissue engineering and space science. This review examines the intersection of cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) and space science, focusing on how microgravity affects cartilage development. Space microgravity induces distinct physiological changes in chondrocytes, including a 20-30% increase in cell diameter, a 1.5- to 2-fold increase in proliferation rates, and up to 3-fold increases in chondrogenic markers such as SOX9 and collagen type II. These cellular alterations impact extracellular matrix composition and tissue structure. Space-optimized bioreactors using dynamic culture methods replicate physiological conditions and enhance tissue growth, but the absence of gravity raises concerns about the mechanical properties of engineered cartilage. Key research areas include the role of growth factors in cartilage development under microgravity, biocompatibility and degradation of scaffold materials in space, and in situ experiments on space stations. This review highlights the opportunities and challenges in leveraging microgravity for CTE advancements, emphasizing the need for continued research to harness space environments for therapeutic applications in cartilage regeneration. The multidisciplinary fusion of tissue engineering and space science opens novel avenues for understanding and improving cartilage tissue engineering, with significant implications for the future of biomedical applications in space and on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhan Jeyaraman
- Clinical Research, Virginia Tech India, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, IND
- Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, IND
| | | | - Sankalp Yadav
- Medicine, Shri Madan Lal Khurana Chest Clinic, New Delhi, IND
| | - Naveen Jeyaraman
- Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, IND
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Hagedorn M, Parenti LR, Craddock RA, Comizzoli P, Mabee P, Meinke B, Wolf SM, Bischof JC, Sandlin RD, Tessier SN, Toner M. Safeguarding Earth's biodiversity by creating a lunar biorepository. Bioscience 2024; 74:561-566. [PMID: 39229623 PMCID: PMC11367668 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biae058] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Earth's biodiversity is increasingly threatened and at risk. We propose a passive lunar biorepository for long-term storage of prioritized taxa of live cryopreserved samples to safeguard Earth's biodiversity and to support future space exploration and planet terraforming. Our initial focus will be on cryopreserving animal skin samples with fibroblast cells. An exemplar system has been developed using cryopreserved fish fins from the Starry Goby, Asterropteryx semipunctata. Samples will be expanded into fibroblast cells, recryopreserved, and then tested in an Earth-based laboratory for robust packaging and sensitivity to radiation. Two key factors for this biorepository are the needs to reduce damage from radiation and to maintain the samples near -196° Celsius. Certain lunar sites near the poles may meet these criteria. If possible, further testing would occur on the International Space Station prior to storage on the Moon. To secure a positive shared future, this is an open call to participate in this decades-long program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hagedorn
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Kaneohe, HI, United States of America
| | - Lynne R Parenti
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Robert A Craddock
- Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Office of the Smithsonian Under Secretary for Science and Research Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Paula Mabee
- NEON, Battelle, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Bonnie Meinke
- External Engagement and Business Development, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Susan M Wolf
- McKnight Presidential Professor of Law, Medicine & Public Policy; Faegre Drinker Professor of Law, Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - John C Bischof
- McKnight University Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Rebecca D Sandlin
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Shannon N Tessier
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mehmet Toner
- Bioengineering, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Shriners Children's Boston, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA, United States of America
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5
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Sokolovskaya AA, Sergeeva EA, Metelkin AA, Popov MA, Zakharova IA, Morozov SG. The Expression of Cell Cycle Cyclins in a Human Megakaryoblast Cell Line Exposed to Simulated Microgravity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6484. [PMID: 38928190 PMCID: PMC11203866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the physiological and pathophysiological processes under extreme conditions facilitates a better understanding of the state of a healthy organism and can also shed light on the pathogenesis of diseases. In recent years, it has become evident that gravitational stress affects both the whole organism and individual cells. We have previously demonstrated that simulated microgravity inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, changes morphology, and alters the surface marker expression of megakaryoblast cell line MEG-01. In the present work, we investigate the expression of cell cycle cyclins in MEG-01 cells. We performed several experiments for 24 h, 72 h, 96 h and 168 h. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the main change in the levels of cyclins expression occurs under conditions of simulated microgravity after 96 h. Thus, the level of cyclin A expression showed an increase in the RPM group during the first 4 days, followed by a decrease, which, together with the peak of cyclin D, may indicate inhibition of the cell cycle in the G2 phase, before mitosis. In addition, based on the data obtained by PCR analysis, we were also able to see that both cyclin A and cyclin B expression showed a peak at 72 h, followed by a gradual decrease at 96 h. STED microscopy data also confirmed that the main change in cyclin expression of MEG-01 cells occurs at 96 h, under simulated microgravity conditions, compared to static control. These results suggested that the cell cycle disruption induced by RPM-simulated microgravity in MEG-01 cells may be associated with the altered expression of the main regulators of the cell cycle. Thus, these data implicate the development of cellular stress in MEG-01 cells, which may be important for proliferating human cells exposed to microgravity in real space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa A. Sokolovskaya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Baltiyskaya Str. 8, 125315 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (M.A.P.); (I.A.Z.); (S.G.M.)
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6
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An R, Blackwell VK, Harandi B, Gibbons AC, Siu O, Irby I, Rees A, Cornejal N, Sattler KM, Sheng T, Syracuse NC, Loftus D, Santa Maria SR, Cekanaviciute E, Reinsch SS, Ray HE, Paul AM. Influence of the spaceflight environment on macrophage lineages. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:63. [PMID: 38862517 PMCID: PMC11166655 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00293-0] [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: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and terrestrial spaceflight analogs can alter immune phenotypes. Macrophages are important immune cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in immunoregulatory processes of homeostasis. Furthermore, macrophages are critically involved in initiating immunity, defending against injury and infection, and are also involved in immune resolution and wound healing. Heterogeneous populations of macrophage-type cells reside in many tissues and cause a variety of tissue-specific effects through direct or indirect interactions with other physiological systems, including the nervous and endocrine systems. It is vital to understand how macrophages respond to the unique environment of space to safeguard crew members with appropriate countermeasures for future missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. This review highlights current literature on macrophage responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Cornell University, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Virginia Katherine Blackwell
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bijan Harandi
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Chemistry, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Alicia C Gibbons
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of California San Diego, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Olivia Siu
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Iris Irby
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Amy Rees
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Nadjet Cornejal
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Brooklyn College, Department of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Kristina M Sattler
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Ohio State University, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tao Sheng
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Computer Science, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Nicholas C Syracuse
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- North Carolina State University, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - David Loftus
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sigrid S Reinsch
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- ASRC Federal, Inc, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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Vora PM, Prabhu S. Exploring the influence of microgravity on chemotherapeutic drug response in cancer: Unveiling new perspectives. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18347. [PMID: 38693857 PMCID: PMC11063729 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Microgravity, an altered gravity condition prevailing in space, has been reported to have a profound impact on human health. Researchers are very keen to comprehensively investigate the impact of microgravity and its intricate involvement in inducing physiological changes. Evidenced transformations were observed in the internal architecture including cytoskeletal organization and cell membrane morphology. These alterations can significantly influence cellular function, signalling pathways and overall cellular behaviour. Further, microgravity has been reported to alter in the expression profile of genes and metabolic pathways related to cellular processes, signalling cascades and structural proteins in cancer cells contributing to the overall changes in the cellular architecture. To investigate the effect of microgravity on cellular and molecular levels numerous ground-based simulation systems employing both in vitro and in vivo models are used. Recently, researchers have explored the possibility of leveraging microgravity to potentially modulate cancer cells against chemotherapy. These findings hold promise for both understanding fundamental processes and could potentially lead to the development of more effective, personalized and innovative approaches in therapeutic advancements against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preksha Manish Vora
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life SciencesManipal Academy of Higher EducationManipalIndia
| | - Sudharshan Prabhu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life SciencesManipal Academy of Higher EducationManipalIndia
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8
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Willis CRG, Calvaruso M, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Chouker A, Cialdai F, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Herranz R, Hellweg C, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon J, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Rettberg P, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Risaliti C, Santucci D, Sperl M, Tabury K, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Monici M, Szewczyk NJ. How to obtain an integrated picture of the molecular networks involved in adaptation to microgravity in different biological systems? NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:50. [PMID: 38693246 PMCID: PMC11063135 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00395-3] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Periodically, the European Space Agency (ESA) updates scientific roadmaps in consultation with the scientific community. The ESA SciSpacE Science Community White Paper (SSCWP) 9, "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments", focusses in 5 main topic areas, aiming to address key community-identified knowledge gaps in Space Biology. Here we present one of the identified topic areas, which is also an unanswered question of life science research in Space: "How to Obtain an Integrated Picture of the Molecular Networks Involved in Adaptation to Microgravity in Different Biological Systems?" The manuscript reports the main gaps of knowledge which have been identified by the community in the above topic area as well as the approach the community indicates to address the gaps not yet bridged. Moreover, the relevance that these research activities might have for the space exploration programs and also for application in industrial and technological fields on Earth is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R G Willis
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Institute for Cell and Neurobiol. Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Chouker
- Laboratory "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institue of Applied Science and Intelligent Sistems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, F-42000, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Dept., Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jack van Loon
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, ACTA/VU, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, Univ. Med. Center Utrecht & Dept. Clinical Sciences, Utrecht Univ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Dept, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Inst. Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Inst. for Traumatology, Res. Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, and Dept of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Ist. Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Kevin Tabury
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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9
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Jogdand A, Landolina M, Chen Y. Organs in orbit: how tissue chip technology benefits from microgravity, a perspective. FRONTIERS IN LAB ON A CHIP TECHNOLOGIES 2024; 3:1356688. [PMID: 38915901 PMCID: PMC11195915 DOI: 10.3389/frlct.2024.1356688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Tissue chips have become one of the most potent research tools in the biomedical field. In contrast to conventional research methods, such as 2D cell culture and animal models, tissue chips more directly represent human physiological systems. This allows researchers to study therapeutic outcomes to a high degree of similarity to actual human subjects. Additionally, as rocket technology has advanced and become more accessible, researchers are using the unique properties offered by microgravity to meet specific challenges of modeling tissues on Earth; these include large organoids with sophisticated structures and models to better study aging and disease. This perspective explores the manufacturing and research applications of microgravity tissue chip technology, specifically investigating the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Jogdand
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Maxwell Landolina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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10
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Lang A, Binneboessel S, Nienhaus F, Bruno RR, Wolff G, Piayda K, Pfeiler S, Ezzahoini H, Oehler D, Kelm M, Winkels H, Gerdes N, Jung C. Acute and short-term fluctuations in gravity are associated with changes in circulatory plasma protein levels. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:25. [PMID: 38438462 PMCID: PMC10912449 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00370-y] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gravitational changes between micro- and hypergravity cause several adaptations and alterations in the human body. Besides muscular atrophy and immune system impairment, effects on the circulatory system have been described, which can be associated with a wide range of blood biomarker changes. This study examined nine individuals (seven males, two females) during a parabolic flight campaign (PFC). Thirty-one parabolas were performed in one flight day, resulting in ~22 s of microgravity during each parabola. Each participant was subjected to a single flight day with a total of 31 parabolas, totaling 11 min of microgravity during one parabolic flight. Before and after (1 hour (h) and 24 h), the flights blood was sampled to examine potential gravity-induced changes of circulating plasma proteins. Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) offers a proteomic solution, enabling the simultaneous analysis of a wide variety of plasma proteins. From 2925 unique proteins analyzed, 251 (8.58%) proteins demonstrated a differential regulation between baseline, 1 h and 24 h post flight. Pathway analysis indicated that parabolic flights led to altered levels of proteins associated with vesicle organization and apoptosis up to 24 h post microgravity exposure. Varying gravity conditions are associated with poorly understood physiological changes, including stress responses and fluid shifts. We provide a publicly available library of gravity-modulated circulating protein levels illustrating numerous changes in cellular pathways relevant for inter-organ function and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lang
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Binneboessel
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Nienhaus
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raphael Romano Bruno
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Georg Wolff
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kerstin Piayda
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Pfeiler
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hakima Ezzahoini
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Oehler
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Winkels
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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11
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Singh R, Jaiswal A, Singh RP. Simulated microgravity induces DNA damage concurrent with impairment of DNA repair and activation of cell-type specific DNA damage response in microglial and glioblastoma cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119679. [PMID: 38272357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Long-term spaceflights affect the structural changes in brain, alter motor or cognitive function and associated development of neuro-optic syndrome in astronauts. Studies addressing the impact of microgravity on brain cells are very limited. Herein, we employed microglial (CHME3) and glioblastoma (U87MG and A172) cells to study their molecular and functional adaptations under simulated microgravity (SMG) exposure. A reduction in cell viability and proliferation with decreased levels of PCNA were observed in these cells. SMG caused extensive DNA damage with an increase in γH2A.X (ser139) phosphorylation and differential activation/expression of DNA damage response (DDR) proteins including ATM, ATR, Chk1, Chk2 and p53 in all the three cell lines. Unlike CHME3, the ATM/Chk2-dependent DDR pathway was activated in glioblastoma cells suggesting a marked difference in the adaptation between normal and cancer cells to SMG. Five different classes of DNA repair pathways including BER, NER, MMR, NHEJ and HR were suppressed in both cell lines with the notable exception of NHEJ (Ku70/80 and DNA-PK) activation in U87MG cells. SMG induced mitochondrial apoptosis with increased expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and reduced Bcl-2 level. SMG triggered apoptosis simultaneously via ERK1/2 and AKT activation, and inhibition of GSK3β activity which was reversed by MEK1 and PI3K inhibitors. Taken together, our study revealed that microgravity is a strong stressor to trigger DNA damage and apoptosis through activation of ERK1/2 and AKT, and impairment of DNA repair capacity, albeit with a cell-type difference in DDR and NHEJ regulation, in microglial and glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragini Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Aishwarya Jaiswal
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rana P Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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12
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Davis T, Tabury K, Zhu S, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Calvaruso M, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Choukér A, Cialdai F, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Hahn C, Hatton J, Herranz R, Hellweg CE, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon JJWA, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, van Ombergen A, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Puhl C, Rettberg P, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Santucci D, Sperl M, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Szewczyk N, Monici M. How are cell and tissue structure and function influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms? NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38341423 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress in mechanobiology allowed us to better understand the important role of mechanical forces in the regulation of biological processes. Space research in the field of life sciences clearly showed that gravity plays a crucial role in biological processes. The space environment offers the unique opportunity to carry out experiments without gravity, helping us not only to understand the effects of gravitational alterations on biological systems but also the mechanisms underlying mechanoperception and cell/tissue response to mechanical and gravitational stresses. Despite the progress made so far, for future space exploration programs it is necessary to increase our knowledge on the mechanotransduction processes as well as on the molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-induced cell and tissue alterations. This white paper reports the suggestions and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community for the elaboration of the section of the European Space Agency roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments" focusing on "How are cells and tissues influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms?" The knowledge gaps that prevent the Science Community from fully answering this question and the activities proposed to fill them are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trent Davis
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Shouan Zhu
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute of Systematics, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, PI, 56025, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Systems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Italy and Smart Bio-Interfaces, IIT, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, PI, 56025, Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany & Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, F-42000, France
| | | | - Jason Hatton
- European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine E Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht & Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Department, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Christopher Puhl
- Space Applications NV/SA for European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, and Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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13
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Ye Y, Xie W, Ma Z, Wang X, Wen Y, Li X, Qi H, Wu H, An J, Jiang Y, Lu X, Chen G, Hu S, Blaber EA, Chen X, Chang L, Zhang W. Conserved mechanisms of self-renewal and pluripotency in mouse and human ESCs regulated by simulated microgravity using a 3D clinostat. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:68. [PMID: 38336777 PMCID: PMC10858198 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01846-2] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exhibit unique attributes of boundless self-renewal and pluripotency, making them invaluable for fundamental investigations and clinical endeavors. Previous examinations of microgravity effects on ESC self-renewal and differentiation have predominantly maintained a descriptive nature, constrained by limited experimental opportunities and techniques. In this investigation, we present compelling evidence derived from murine and human ESCs, demonstrating that simulated microgravity (SMG)-induced stress significantly impacts self-renewal and pluripotency through a previously unidentified conserved mechanism. Specifically, SMG induces the upregulation of heat shock protein genes, subsequently enhancing the expression of core pluripotency factors and activating the Wnt and/or LIF/STAT3 signaling pathways, thereby fostering ESC self-renewal. Notably, heightened Wnt pathway activity, facilitated by Tbx3 upregulation, prompts mesoendodermal differentiation in both murine and human ESCs under SMG conditions. Recognizing potential disparities between terrestrial SMG simulations and authentic microgravity, forthcoming space flight experiments are imperative to validate the impact of reduced gravity on ESC self-renewal and differentiation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ye
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Xie
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhaoru Ma
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuepeng Wang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongqian Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinnan An
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Guokai Chen
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Shijun Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Elizabeth A Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lei Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Jiangsu Province International Joint Laboratory For Regeneration Medicine, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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14
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Dontre AJ. Weighing the impact of microgravity on vestibular and visual functions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:51-61. [PMID: 38245348 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Numerous technological challenges have been overcome to realize human space exploration. As mission durations gradually lengthen, the next obstacle is a set of physical limitations. Extended exposure to microgravity poses multiple threats to various bodily systems. Two of these systems are of particular concern for the success of future space missions. The vestibular system includes the otolith organs, which are stimulated in gravity but unloaded in microgravity. This impairs perception, posture, and coordination, all of which are relevant to mission success. Similarly, vision is impaired in many space travelers due to possible intracranial pressure changes or fluid shifts in the brain. As humankind prepares for extended missions to Mars and beyond, it is imperative to compensate for these perils in prolonged weightlessness. Possible countermeasures are considered such as exercise regimens, improved nutrition, and artificial gravity achieved with a centrifuge or spacecraft rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dontre
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, 2020 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA; Department of Communications, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences, Franklin University, 201 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
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15
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Leuti A, Fava M, Pellegrini N, Forte G, Fanti F, Della Valle F, De Dominicis N, Sergi M, Maccarrone M. Simulated Microgravity Affects Pro-Resolving Properties of Primary Human Monocytes. Cells 2024; 13:100. [PMID: 38201304 PMCID: PMC10778078 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Space-related stressors such as microgravity are associated with cellular and molecular alterations of the immune and inflammatory homeostasis that have been linked to the disorders that astronauts suffer from during their missions. Most of the research of the past 30 years has consistently established that innate adaptive immune cells represent a target of microgravity, which leads to their defective or dysfunctional activation, as well as to an altered ability to produce soluble mediators-e.g., cytokines/chemokines and bioactive lipids-that altogether control tissue homeostasis. Bioactive lipids include a vast array of endogenous molecules of immune origin that control the induction, intensity and outcome of the inflammatory events. However, none of the papers published so far focus on a newly characterized class of lipid mediators called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which orchestrate the "resolution of inflammation"-i.e., the active control and confinement of the inflammatory torrent mostly driven by eicosanoids. SPMs are emerging as crucial players in those processes that avoid acute inflammation to degenerate into a chronic event. Given that SPMs, along with their metabolism and signaling, are being increasingly linked to many inflammatory disorders, their study seems of the outmost importance in the research of pathological processes involved in space-related diseases, also with the perspective of developing therapeutic countermeasures. Here, we show that microgravity, simulated in the rotary cell culture system (RCCS) developed by NASA, rearranges SPM receptors both at the gene and protein level, in human monocytes but not in lymphocytes. Moreover, RCCS treatment reduces the biosynthesis of a prominent SPM like resolvin (Rv) D1. These findings strongly suggest that not only microgravity can impair the functioning of immune cells at the level of bioactive lipids directly involved in proper inflammation, but it does so in a cell-specific manner, possibly perturbing immune homeostasis with monocytes being primary targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marina Fava
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Niccolò Pellegrini
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulia Forte
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Federico Fanti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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16
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Garbacki N, Willems J, Neutelings T, Lambert C, Deroanne C, Adrian A, Franz M, Maurer M, De Gieter P, Nusgens B, Colige A. Microgravity triggers ferroptosis and accelerates senescence in the MG-63 cell model of osteoblastic cells. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:91. [PMID: 38104197 PMCID: PMC10725437 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In space, cells sustain strong modifications of their mechanical environment. Mechanosensitive molecules at the cell membrane regulate mechanotransduction pathways that induce adaptive responses through the regulation of gene expression, post-translational modifications, protein interactions or intracellular trafficking, among others. In the current study, human osteoblastic cells were cultured on the ISS in microgravity and at 1 g in a centrifuge, as onboard controls. RNAseq analyses showed that microgravity inhibits cell proliferation and DNA repair, stimulates inflammatory pathways and induces ferroptosis and senescence, two pathways related to ageing. Morphological hallmarks of senescence, such as reduced nuclear size and changes in chromatin architecture, proliferation marker distribution, tubulin acetylation and lysosomal transport were identified by immunofluorescence microscopy, reinforcing the hypothesis of induction of cell senescence in microgravity during space flight. These processes could be attributed, at least in part, to the regulation of YAP1 and its downstream effectors NUPR1 and CKAP2L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Garbacki
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Willems
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thibaut Neutelings
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charles Lambert
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deroanne
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Astrid Adrian
- Airbus Defence and Space, GmbH, 88090, Immenstaad, Germany
| | - Markus Franz
- Airbus Defence and Space, GmbH, 88090, Immenstaad, Germany
| | - Matthias Maurer
- European Space Agency (ESA), European Astronaut Centre (EAC), 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Betty Nusgens
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alain Colige
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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17
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Majumder N, Ghosh S. 3D biofabrication and space: A 'far-fetched dream' or a 'forthcoming reality'? Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108273. [PMID: 37863444 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The long duration space missions across the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) often expose the voyagers to an abrupt zero gravity influence. The severe extraterrestrial cosmic radiation directly causes a plethora of moderate to chronic healthcare crises. The only feasible solution to manage critical injuries on board is surgical interventions or immediate return to Earth. This led the group of space medicine practitioners to adopt principles from tissue engineering and develop human tissue equivalents as an immediate regenerative therapy on board. The current review explicitly demonstrates the constructive application of different tissue-engineered equivalents matured under the available ground-based microgravity simulation facilities. Further, it elucidates how augmenting the superiority of biomaterial-based 3D bioprinting technology can enhance their clinical applicability. Additionally, the regulatory role of weightlessness condition on the underlying cellular signaling pathways governing tissue morphogenesis has been critically discussed. This information will provide future directions on how 3D biofabrication can be used as a plausible tool for healing on-flight chronic health emergencies. Thus, in our review, we aimed to precisely debate whether 3D biofabrication is deployed to cater to on-flight healthcare anomalies or space-like conditions are being utilized for generating 3D bioprinted human tissue constructs for efficient drug screening and regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Majumder
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
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18
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Dobney W, Mols L, Mistry D, Tabury K, Baselet B, Baatout S. Evaluation of deep space exploration risks and mitigations against radiation and microgravity. FRONTIERS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:1225034. [PMID: 39355042 PMCID: PMC11440958 DOI: 10.3389/fnume.2023.1225034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation and microgravity are two considerable health risks encountered during deep space exploration. Both have deleterious effects on the human body. On one hand, weightlessness is known to induce a weakening of the immune system, delayed wound healing and musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and sensorimotor deconditioning. On the other hand, radiation exposure can lead to long-term health effects such as cancer and cataracts as well as have an adverse effect on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Ionizing radiation originates from three main sources in space: galactic cosmic radiation, solar particle events and solar winds. Furthermore, inside the spacecraft and inside certain space habitats on Lunar and Martian surfaces, the crew is exposed to intravehicular radiation, which arises from nuclear reactions between space radiation and matter. Besides the approaches already in use, such as radiation shielding materials (such as aluminium, water or polyethylene), alternative shielding materials (including boron nanotubes, complex hybrids, composite hybrid materials, and regolith) and active shielding (using fields to deflect radiation particles) are being investigated for their abilities to mitigate the effects of ionizing radiation. From a biological point of view, it can be predicted that exposure to ionizing radiation during missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will affect the human body in undesirable ways, e.g., increasing the risks of cataracts, cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases, carcinogenesis, as well as accelerated ageing. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the risks related to deep space exploration and to develop mitigation strategies to reduce these risks to a tolerable level. By using biomarkers for radiation sensitivity, space agencies are developing extensive personalised medical examination programmes to determine an astronaut's vulnerability to radiation. Moreover, researchers are developing pharmacological solutions (e.g., radioprotectors and radiomitigators) to proactively or reactively protect astronauts during deep space exploration. Finally, research is necessary to develop more effective countermeasures for use in future human space missions, which can also lead to improvements to medical care on Earth. This review will discuss the risks space travel beyond LEO poses to astronauts, methods to monitor astronauts' health, and possible approaches to mitigate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Dobney
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Mols
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dhruti Mistry
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, UGhent, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure & Repair, UGhent, Gent, Belgium
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19
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Liu Z, Wang Q, Zhang J, Qi S, Duan Y, Li C. The Mechanotransduction Signaling Pathways in the Regulation of Osteogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14326. [PMID: 37762629 PMCID: PMC10532275 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bones are constantly exposed to mechanical forces from both muscles and Earth's gravity to maintain bone homeostasis by stimulating bone formation. Mechanotransduction transforms external mechanical signals such as force, fluid flow shear, and gravity into intracellular responses to achieve force adaptation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms on the conversion from mechanical signals into bone formation has not been completely defined yet. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive and systematic description of the mechanotransduction signaling pathways induced by mechanical stimuli during osteogenesis and address the different layers of interconnections between different signaling pathways. Further exploration of mechanotransduction would benefit patients with osteoporosis, including the aging population and postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoshuo Liu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qilin Wang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junyou Zhang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Sihan Qi
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yingying Duan
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology), Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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20
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Cui Y, Liu W, Zhao S, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Microgravity Directed Tissue Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202768. [PMID: 36893386 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering aims to generate functional biological substitutes to repair, sustain, improve, or replace tissue function affected by disease. With the rapid development of space science, the application of simulated microgravity has become an active topic in the field of tissue engineering. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that microgravity offers excellent advantages for tissue engineering by modulating cellular morphology, metabolism, secretion, proliferation, and stem cell differentiation. To date, there have been many achievements in constructing bioartificial spheroids, organoids, or tissue analogs with or without scaffolds in vitro under simulated microgravity conditions. Herein, the current status, recent advances, challenges, and prospects of microgravity related to tissue engineering are reviewed. Current simulated-microgravity devices and cutting-edge advances of microgravity for biomaterials-dependent or biomaterials-independent tissue engineering to offer a reference for guiding further exploration of simulated microgravity strategies to produce engineered tissues are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cui
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Weiyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Shuaijing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
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21
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Singh NK, Wood JM, Patane J, Moura LMS, Lombardino J, Setubal JC, Venkateswaran K. Characterization of metagenome-assembled genomes from the International Space Station. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:125. [PMID: 37264385 PMCID: PMC10233975 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01545-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several investigations on the microbial diversity and functional properties of the International Space Station (ISS) environment were carried out to understand the influence of spaceflight conditions on the microbial population. However, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of ISS samples are yet to be generated and subjected to various genomic analyses, including phylogenetic affiliation, predicted functional pathways, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics. RESULTS In total, 46 MAGs were assembled from 21 ISS environmental metagenomes, in which metaSPAdes yielded 20 MAGs and metaWRAP generated 26 MAGs. Among 46 MAGs retrieved, 18 bacterial species were identified, including one novel genus/species combination (Kalamiella piersonii) and one novel bacterial species (Methylobacterium ajmalii). In addition, four bins exhibited fungal genomes; this is the first-time fungal genomes were assembled from ISS metagenomes. Phylogenetic analyses of five bacterial species showed ISS-specific evolution. The genes pertaining to cell membranes, such as transmembrane transport, cell wall organization, and regulation of cell shape, were enriched. Variations in the antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) and virulence genes of the selected 20 MAGs were characterized to predict the ecology and evolution of biosafety level (BSL) 2 microorganisms in space. Since microbial virulence increases in microgravity, AMR gene sequences of MAGs were compared with genomes of respective ISS isolates and corresponding type strains. Among these 20 MAGs characterized, AMR genes were more prevalent in the Enterobacter bugandensis MAG, which has been predominantly isolated from clinical samples. MAGs were further used to analyze if genes involved in AMR and biofilm formation of viable microbes in ISS have variation due to generational evolution in microgravity and radiation pressure. CONCLUSIONS Comparative analyses of MAGs and whole-genome sequences of related ISS isolates and their type strains were characterized to understand the variation related to the microbial evolution under microgravity. The Pantoea/Kalamiella strains have the maximum single-nucleotide polymorphisms found within the ISS strains examined. This may suggest that Pantoea/Kalamiella strains are much more subjective to microgravity changes. The reconstructed genomes will enable researchers to study the evolution of genomes under microgravity and low-dose irradiation compared to the evolution of microbes here on Earth. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin K. Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
| | - Jason M. Wood
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
| | - Jose Patane
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Livia Maria Silva Moura
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Jonathan Lombardino
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - João Carlos Setubal
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
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22
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Miglietta S, Cristiano L, Espinola MSB, Masiello MG, Micara G, Battaglione E, Linari A, Palmerini MG, Familiari G, Aragona C, Bizzarri M, Macchiarelli G, Nottola SA. Effects of Simulated Microgravity In Vitro on Human Metaphase II Oocytes: An Electron Microscopy-Based Study. Cells 2023; 12:1346. [PMID: 37408181 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gravity Force to which living beings are subjected on Earth rules the functionality of most biological processes in many tissues. It has been reported that a situation of Microgravity (such as that occurring in space) causes negative effects on living beings. Astronauts returning from space shuttle missions or from the International Space Station have been diagnosed with various health problems, such as bone demineralization, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular deconditioning, and vestibular and sensory imbalance, including impaired visual acuity, altered metabolic and nutritional status, and immune system dysregulation. Microgravity has profound effects also on reproductive functions. Female astronauts, in fact, suppress their cycles during space travels, and effects at the cellular level in the early embryo development and on female gamete maturation have also been observed. The opportunities to use space flights to study the effects of gravity variations are limited because of the high costs and lack of repeatability of the experiments. For these reasons, the use of microgravity simulators for studying, at the cellular level, the effects, such as those, obtained during/after a spatial trip, are developed to confirm that these models can be used in the study of body responses under conditions different from those found in a unitary Gravity environment (1 g). In view of this, this study aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of simulated microgravity on the ultrastructural features of human metaphase II oocytes using a Random Positioning Machine (RPM). We demonstrated for the first time, by Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis, that microgravity might compromise oocyte quality by affecting not only the localization of mitochondria and cortical granules due to a possible alteration of the cytoskeleton but also the function of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum since in RPM oocytes we observed a switch in the morphology of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and associated mitochondria from mitochondria-SER aggregates to mitochondria-vesicle complexes. We concluded that microgravity might negatively affect oocyte quality by interfering in vitro with the normal sequence of morphodynamic events essential for acquiring and maintaining a proper competence to fertilization in human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Salomé B Espinola
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulietta Micara
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Linari
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Aragona
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefania A Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
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23
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Dickerson BL, Sowinski R, Kreider RB, Wu G. Impacts of microgravity on amino acid metabolism during spaceflight. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:380-393. [PMID: 36775855 PMCID: PMC10281620 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221139189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight exerts an extreme and unique influence on human physiology as astronauts are subjected to long-term or short-term exposure to microgravity. During spaceflight, a multitude of physiological changes, including the loss of skeletal muscle mass, bone resorption, oxidative stress, and impaired blood flow, occur, which can affect astronaut health and the likelihood of mission success. In vivo and in vitro metabolite studies suggest that amino acids are among the most affected nutrients and metabolites by microgravity (a weightless condition due to very weak gravitational forces). Moreover, exposure to microgravity alters gut microbial composition, immune function, musculoskeletal health, and consequently amino acid metabolism. Appropriate knowledge of daily protein consumption, with a focus on specific functional amino acids, may offer insight into potential combative and/or therapeutic effects of amino acid consumption in astronauts and space travelers. This will further aid in the successful development of long-term manned space mission and permanent space habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Broderick L Dickerson
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Ryan Sowinski
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Richard B Kreider
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science and
Faculty of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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24
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Marfia G, Guarnaccia L, Navone SE, Ampollini A, Balsamo M, Benelli F, Gaudino C, Garzia E, Fratocchi C, Di Murro C, Ligarotti GK, Campanella C, Landolfi A, Perelli P, Locatelli M, Ciniglio Appiani G. Microgravity and the intervertebral disc: The impact of space conditions on the biomechanics of the spine. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1124991. [PMID: 36998982 PMCID: PMC10043412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1124991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental conditions to which astronauts and other military pilots are subjected represent a unique example for understanding and studying the biomechanical events that regulate the functioning of the human body. In particular, microgravity has shown a significant impact on various biological systems, such as the cardiovascular system, immune system, endocrine system, and, last but not least, musculoskeletal system. Among the potential risks of flying, low back pain (LBP) has a high incidence among astronauts and military pilots, and it is often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration events. The mechanisms of degeneration determine the loss of structural and functional integrity and are accompanied by the aberrant production of pro-inflammatory mediators that exacerbate the degenerative environment, contributing to the onset of pain. In the present work, the mechanisms of disc degeneration, the conditions of microgravity, and their association have been discussed in order to identify possible molecular mechanisms underlying disc degeneration and the related clinical manifestations in order to develop a model of prevention to maintain health and performance of air- and space-travelers. The focus on microgravity also allows the development of new proofs of concept with potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marfia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Elena Navone
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Ampollini
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Balsamo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Benelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Gaudino
- Department of Neuroradiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Garzia
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Fratocchi
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Di Murro
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso”, Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Campanella
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale “Aldo Di Loreto”, Aeronautica Militare, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Locatelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical-Surgical Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Lv H, Yang H, Jiang C, Shi J, Chen RA, Huang Q, Shao D. Microgravity and immune cells. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20220869. [PMID: 36789512 PMCID: PMC9929508 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment experienced during spaceflight severely impaired immune system, making astronauts vulnerable to various diseases that seriously threaten the health of astronauts. Immune cells are exceptionally sensitive to changes in gravity and the microgravity environment can affect multiple aspects of immune cells through different mechanisms. Previous reports have mainly summarized the role of microgravity in the classification of innate and adaptive immune cells, lacking an overall grasp of the laws that microgravity effects on immune cells at different stages of their entire developmental process, such as differentiation, activation, metabolism, as well as function, which are discussed and concluded in this review. The possible molecular mechanisms are also analysed to provide a clear understanding of the specific role of microgravity in the whole development process of immune cells. Furthermore, the existing methods by which to reverse the damage of immune cells caused by microgravity, such as the use of polysaccharides, flavonoids, other natural immune cell activators etc. to target cell proliferation, apoptosis and impaired function are summarized. This review will provide not only new directions and ideas for the study of immune cell function in the microgravity environment, but also an important theoretical basis for the development of immunosuppression prevention and treatment drugs for spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Lv
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-an Chen
- Hematology Department, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, 309 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
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Simulated microgravity affects stroma-dependent ex vivo myelopoiesis. Tissue Cell 2023; 80:101987. [PMID: 36481580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity is known negatively affect physiology of living beings, including hematopoiesis. Dysregulation of hematopoietic cells and supporting stroma relationships in bone marrow niche may be in charge. We compared the efficacy of ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in presence of native or osteocommitted MSCs under simulated microgravity (Smg) using Random Positioning Machine (RPM). In comparison with 1 g, a decrease of MSC-associated HSPCs and an increase of floating HSPCs was observed after 7 days of Smg exposure. Among floating HSPCs, primitive progenitors were presented by late CD34+/133-. Total CFUs as well as erythroid (BFU-E) and granulocytic (CFU-G) numbers were lower. MSC-associated primitive HSPCs demonstrated increased proportion of late CD34+/133- in expense of early CD34-/133+. Osteo-MSCs preferentially supported late primitive CD34+ and more committed HSPCs as followed from increase of CFUs, and CD235a+ erythroid progenitors. Under Smg, an increased VEGF, eotaxin, and GRO-a levels, and a decrease in RANTES were found in the osteo-MSC-HSPC co-cultures. IL-6,-8, -13, G-CSF, GRO-a, MCP-3, MIP-1b, VEGF increased in co-culture with osteo-MSCs vs intact MSCs. Based on the findings, the misbalance between primitive/committed HSPCs and a decrease in hematopoiesis-supportive activity of osteocommitted cells are supposed to underline hematopoietic disorders during space flights.
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27
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Simulated microgravity reduces quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes by disrupting communications of follicle cells. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36690655 PMCID: PMC9870914 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicles are the fundamental structures that support oocyte development, and communications between oocytes and follicle somatic cells are crucial for oogenesis. However, it is unknown that whether exposure to microgravity influences cellular communications and ovarian follicle development, which might be harmful for female fertility. By 3D culturing of ovarian follicles under simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in a rotating cell culture system, we found that SMG treatment did not affect the survival or general growth of follicles but decreased the quality of cultured follicles released oocytes. Ultrastructure detections by high-resolution imaging showed that the development of cellular communicating structures, including granulosa cell transzonal projections and oocyte microvilli, were markedly disrupted. These abnormalities caused chaotic polarity of granulosa cells (GCs) and a decrease in oocyte-secreted factors, such as Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9), which led to decreased quality of oocytes in these follicles. Therefore, the quality of oocytes was dramatically improved by the supplementations of GDF9 and NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Together, our results suggest that exposure to simulated microgravity impairs the ultrastructure of ovarian follicles. Such impairment may affect female fertility in space environment.
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The Effects of Combined Exposure to Simulated Microgravity, Ionizing Radiation, and Cortisol on the In Vitro Wound Healing Process. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020246. [PMID: 36672184 PMCID: PMC9857207 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spaceflight is associated with several health-related issues as a result of long-term exposure to microgravity, ionizing radiation, and higher levels of psychological stress. Frequent reported skin problems in space include rashes, itches, and a delayed wound healing. Access to space is restricted by financial and logistical issues; as a consequence, experimental sample sizes are often small, which limits the generalization of the results. Earth-based simulation models can be used to investigate cellular responses as a result of exposure to certain spaceflight stressors. Here, we describe the development of an in vitro model of the simulated spaceflight environment, which we used to investigate the combined effect of simulated microgravity using the random positioning machine (RPM), ionizing radiation, and stress hormones on the wound-healing capacity of human dermal fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were exposed to cortisol, after which they were irradiated with different radiation qualities (including X-rays, protons, carbon ions, and iron ions) followed by exposure to simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine (RPM). Data related to the inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling phase of wound healing has been collected. Results show that spaceflight stressors can interfere with the wound healing process at any phase. Moreover, several interactions between the different spaceflight stressors were found. This highlights the complexity that needs to be taken into account when studying the effect of spaceflight stressors on certain biological processes and for the aim of countermeasures development.
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Simulated Microgravity Influences Immunity-Related Biomarkers in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010155. [PMID: 36613598 PMCID: PMC9820811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity is a novel strategy that may serve as a complementary tool to develop future cancer therapies. In lung cancer, the influence of microgravity on cellular processes and the migratory capacity of cells is well addressed. However, its effect on the mechanisms that drive lung cancer progression remains in their infancy. In this study, 13 differentially expressed genes were shown to be associated with the prognosis of lung cancer under simulated microgravity (SMG). Using gene set enrichment analysis, these genes are enriched in humoral immunity pathways. In lieu, alveolar basal-epithelial (A549) cells were exposed to SMG via a 2D clinostat system in vitro. In addition to morphology change and decrease in proliferation rate, SMG reverted the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype of A549, a key mechanism in cancer progression. This was evidenced by increased epithelial E-cadherin expression and decreased mesenchymal N-cadherin expression, hence exhibiting a less metastatic state. Interestingly, we observed increased expression of FCGBP, BPIFB, F5, CST1, and CFB and their correlation to EMT under SMG, rendering them potential tumor suppressor biomarkers. Together, these findings reveal new opportunities to establish novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancer treatment.
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Kim M, Jang G, Kim KS, Shin J. Detrimental effects of simulated microgravity on mast cell homeostasis and function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055531. [PMID: 36591304 PMCID: PMC9800517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity causes significant alterations in astronauts' immune systems during spaceflight; however, it is unknown whether microgravity affects mast cell homeostasis and activation. Here we show that microgravity negatively regulates the survival and effector function of mast cells. Murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were cultured with IL-3 in a rotary cell culture system (RCCS) that generates a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment. BMMCs exposed to SMG showed enhanced apoptosis along with the downregulation of Bcl-2, and reduced proliferation compared to Earth's gravity (1G) controls. The reduction in survival and proliferation caused by SMG exposure was recovered by stem cell factor. In addition, SMG impaired mast cell degranulation and cytokine secretion. BMMCs pre-exposed to SMG showed decreased release of β-hexosaminidase, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) upon stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore ionomycin, which correlated with decreased calcium influx. These findings provide new insights into microgravity-mediated alterations of mast cell phenotypes, contributing to the understanding of immune system dysfunction for further space medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjin Kim
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongin Jang
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sung Kim
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,*Correspondence: Jinwook Shin,
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31
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Bezerra A, Freitas L, Maciel L, Fonseca H. Bone Tissue Responsiveness To Mechanical Loading-Possible Long-Term Implications of Swimming on Bone Health and Bone Development. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2022; 20:453-468. [PMID: 36401774 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-022-00758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To revisit the bone tissue mechanotransduction mechanisms behind the bone tissue response to mechanical loading and, within this context, explore the possible negative influence of regular swimming practice on bone health, particularly during the growth and development period. RECENT FINDINGS Bone is a dynamic tissue, responsive to mechanical loading and unloading, being these adaptative responses more intense during the growth and development period. Cross-sectional studies usually report a lower bone mass in swimmers compared to athletes engaged in weigh-bearing sports. However, studies with animal models show contradictory findings about the effect of swimming on bone health, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies. Due to its microgravity characteristics, swimming seems to impair bone mass, but mostly at the lower limbs. It is unkown if there is a causal relationship between swimming and low BMD or if other confounding factors, such as a natural selection whithin the sport, are the cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Bezerra
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto (FADE/UP), 4200-450, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Laura Freitas
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto (FADE/UP), 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leonardo Maciel
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto (FADE/UP), 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Sergipe, Campus Lagarto, Lagarto, Brazil
| | - Hélder Fonseca
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto (FADE/UP), 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
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32
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Changes in interstitial fluid flow, mass transport and the bone cell response in microgravity and normogravity. Bone Res 2022; 10:65. [PMID: 36411278 PMCID: PMC9678891 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-022-00234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, our scientific interest in spaceflight has grown exponentially and resulted in a thriving area of research, with hundreds of astronauts spending months of their time in space. A recent shift toward pursuing territories farther afield, aiming at near-Earth asteroids, the Moon, and Mars combined with the anticipated availability of commercial flights to space in the near future, warrants continued understanding of the human physiological processes and response mechanisms when in this extreme environment. Acute skeletal loss, more severe than any bone loss seen on Earth, has significant implications for deep space exploration, and it remains elusive as to why there is such a magnitude of difference between bone loss on Earth and loss in microgravity. The removal of gravity eliminates a critical primary mechano-stimulus, and when combined with exposure to both galactic and solar cosmic radiation, healthy human tissue function can be negatively affected. An additional effect found in microgravity, and one with limited insight, involves changes in dynamic fluid flow. Fluids provide the most fundamental way to transport chemical and biochemical elements within our bodies and apply an essential mechano-stimulus to cells. Furthermore, the cell cytoplasm is not a simple liquid, and fluid transport phenomena together with viscoelastic deformation of the cytoskeleton play key roles in cell function. In microgravity, flow behavior changes drastically, and the impact on cells within the porous system of bone and the influence of an expanding level of adiposity are not well understood. This review explores the role of interstitial fluid motion and solute transport in porous bone under two different conditions: normogravity and microgravity.
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33
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Mochi F, Scatena E, Rodriguez D, Ginebra MP, Del Gaudio C. Scaffold-based bone tissue engineering in microgravity: potential, concerns and implications. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:45. [PMID: 36309540 PMCID: PMC9617896 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
One of humanity's greatest challenges is space exploration, which requires an in-depth analysis of the data continuously collected as a necessary input to fill technological gaps and move forward in several research sectors. Focusing on space crew healthcare, a critical issue to be addressed is tissue regeneration in extreme conditions. In general, it represents one of the hottest and most compelling goals of the scientific community and the development of suitable therapeutic strategies for the space environment is an urgent need for the safe planning of future long-term manned space missions. Osteopenia is a commonly diagnosed disease in astronauts due to the physiological adaptation to altered gravity conditions. In order to find specific solutions to bone damage in a reduced gravity environment, bone tissue engineering is gaining a growing interest. With the aim to critically investigate this topic, the here presented review reports and discusses bone tissue engineering scenarios in microgravity, from scaffolding to bioreactors. The literature analysis allowed to underline several key points, such as the need for (i) biomimetic composite scaffolds to better mimic the natural microarchitecture of bone tissue, (ii) uniform simulated microgravity levels for standardized experimental protocols to expose biological materials to the same testing conditions, and (iii) improved access to real microgravity for scientific research projects, supported by the so-called democratization of space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Mochi
- E. Amaldi Foundation, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Scatena
- E. Amaldi Foundation, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Rodriguez
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 10, 08019, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Av. Eduard Maristany 10, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria-Pau Ginebra
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 10, 08019, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Av. Eduard Maristany 10, 08019, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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34
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McMackin P, Adam J, Griffin S, Hirsa A. Amyloidogenesis via interfacial shear in a containerless biochemical reactor aboard the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:41. [PMID: 36127358 PMCID: PMC9489778 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid interfaces significantly influence the dynamics of protein solutions, effects that can be isolated by performing experiments in microgravity, greatly reducing the amount of solid boundaries present, allowing air-liquid interfaces to become dominant. This investigation examined the effects of protein concentration on interfacial shear-induced fibrillization of insulin in microgravity within a containerless biochemical reactor, the ring-sheared drop (RSD), aboard the international space station (ISS). Human insulin was used as a model amyloidogenic protein for studying protein kinetics with applications to in situ pharmaceutical production, tissue engineering, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, infectious prions, and type 2 diabetes. Experiments investigated three main stages of amyloidogenesis: nucleation studied by seeding native solutions with fibril aggregates, fibrillization quantified using intrinsic fibrillization rate after fitting measured solution intensity to a sigmoidal function, and gelation observed by detection of solidification fronts. Results demonstrated that in surface-dominated amyloidogenic protein solutions: seeding with fibrils induces fibrillization of native protein, intrinsic fibrillization rate is independent of concentration, and that there is a minimum fibril concentration for gelation with gelation rate and rapidity of onset increasing monotonically with increasing protein concentration. These findings matched well with results of previous studies within ground-based analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McMackin
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Joe Adam
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Shannon Griffin
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Amir Hirsa
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA. .,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.
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35
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3D microenvironment attenuates simulated microgravity-mediated changes in T cell transcriptome. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:508. [PMID: 36063234 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Human space travel and exploration are of interest to both the industrial and scientific community. However, there are many adverse effects of spaceflight on human physiology. In particular, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which microgravity affects the immune system. T cells, key players of the adaptive immune system and long-term immunity, are present not only in blood circulation but also reside within the tissue. As of yet, studies investigating the effects of microgravity on T cells are limited to peripheral blood or traditional 2D cell culture that recapitulates circulating blood. To better mimic interstitial tissue, 3D cell culture has been well established for physiologically and pathologically relevant models. In this work, we utilize 2D cell culture and 3D collagen matrices to gain an understanding of how simulated microgravity, using a random positioning machine, affects both circulating and tissue-resident T cells. T cells were studied in both resting and activated stages. We found that 3D cell culture attenuates the effects of simulated microgravity on the T cells transcriptome and nuclear irregularities compared to 2D cell culture. Interestingly, simulated microgravity appears to have less effect on activated T cells compared to those in the resting stage. Overall, our work provides novel insights into the effects of simulated microgravity on circulating and tissue-resident T cells which could provide benefits for the health of space travellers.
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36
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Marfia G, Navone SE, Guarnaccia L, Campanella R, Locatelli M, Miozzo M, Perelli P, Della Morte G, Catamo L, Tondo P, Campanella C, Lucertini M, Ciniglio Appiani G, Landolfi A, Garzia E. Space flight and central nervous system: Friends or enemies? Challenges and opportunities for neuroscience and neuro-oncology. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1649-1663. [PMID: 35678198 PMCID: PMC9544848 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Space environment provides many challenges to pilots, astronauts, and space scientists, which are constantly subjected to unique conditions, including microgravity, radiations, hypoxic condition, absence of the day and night cycle, etc. These stressful stimuli have the potential to affect many human physiological systems, triggering physical and biological adaptive changes to re‐establish the homeostatic state. A particular concern regards the risks for the effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system (CNS), as several lines of evidence reported a great impact on neuroplasticity, cognitive functions, neurovestibular system, short‐term memory, cephalic fluid shift, reduction in motor function, and psychological disturbances, especially during long‐term missions. Aside these potential detrimental effects, the other side of the coin reflects the potential benefit of applicating space‐related conditions on Earth‐based life sciences, as cancer research. Here, we focused on examining the effect of real and simulated microgravity on CNS functions, both in humans and in cellular models, browsing the different techniques to experience or mime microgravity on‐ground. Increasing evidence demonstrate that cancer cells, and brain cancer cells in particular, are negatively affected by microgravity, in terms of alteration in cell morphology, proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, representing an advancing novel side of space‐based investigations. Overall, deeper understandings about the mechanisms by which space environment influences CNS and tumor biology may be promisingly translated into many clinical fields, ranging from aerospace medicine to neuroscience and oncology, representing an enormous pool of knowledge for the implementation of countermeasures and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marfia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Elena Navone
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rolando Campanella
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Locatelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical-Surgical Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Perelli
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Della Morte
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Catamo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Tondo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Campanella
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Garzia
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
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Real and Simulated Microgravity: Focus on Mammalian Extracellular Matrix. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091343. [PMID: 36143379 PMCID: PMC9501067 DOI: 10.3390/life12091343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of gravitational loading is a pivotal risk factor during space flights. Biomedical studies indicate that because of the prolonged effect of microgravity, humans experience bone mass loss, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular insufficiency, and sensory motor coordination disorders. These findings demonstrate the essential role of gravity in human health quality. The physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of an acute response to microgravity at various levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, and physiological) and subsequent adaptation are intensively studied. Under the permanent gravity of the Earth, multicellular organisms have developed a multi-component tissue mechanosensitive system which includes cellular (nucleo- and cytoskeleton) and extracellular (extracellular matrix, ECM) “mechanosensory” elements. These compartments are coordinated due to specialized integrin-based protein complexes, forming a distinctive mechanosensitive unit. Under the lack of continuous gravitational loading, this unit becomes a substrate for adaptation processes, acting as a gravisensitive unit. Since the space flight conditions limit large-scale research in space, simulation models on Earth are of particular importance for elucidating the mechanisms that provide a response to microgravity. This review describes current state of art concerning mammalian ECM as a gravisensitive unit component under real and simulated microgravity and discusses the directions of further research in this field.
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Bernareggi A, Bosutti A, Massaria G, Giniatullin R, Malm T, Sciancalepore M, Lorenzon P. The State of the Art of Piezo1 Channels in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126616. [PMID: 35743058 PMCID: PMC9224226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Piezo1 channels are highly mechanically-activated cation channels that can sense and transduce the mechanical stimuli into physiological signals in different tissues including skeletal muscle. In this focused review, we summarize the emerging evidence of Piezo1 channel-mediated effects in the physiology of skeletal muscle, with a particular focus on the role of Piezo1 in controlling myogenic precursor activity and skeletal muscle regeneration and vascularization. The disclosed effects reported by pharmacological activation of Piezo1 channels with the selective agonist Yoda1 indicate a potential impact of Piezo1 channel activity in skeletal muscle regeneration, which is disrupted in various muscular pathological states. All findings reported so far agree with the idea that Piezo1 channels represent a novel, powerful molecular target to develop new therapeutic strategies for preventing or ameliorating skeletal muscle disorders characterized by an impairment of tissue regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bernareggi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (G.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Bosutti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (G.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Gabriele Massaria
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (G.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Rashid Giniatullin
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.G.); (T.M.)
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.G.); (T.M.)
| | - Marina Sciancalepore
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (G.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lorenzon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (G.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
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Silvani G, Bradbury P, Basirun C, Mehner C, Zalli D, Poole K, Chou J. Testing 3D printed biological platform for advancing simulated microgravity and space mechanobiology research. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:19. [PMID: 35662260 PMCID: PMC9166742 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The advancement of microgravity simulators is helping many researchers better understanding the impact of the mechanically unloaded space environment on cellular function and disfunction. However, performing microgravity experiments on Earth, using simulators such as the Random Positioning Machine, introduces some unique practical challenges, including air bubble formation and leakage of growth medium from tissue culture flask and plates, all of which limit research progress. Here, we developed an easy-to-use hybrid biological platform designed with the precision of 3D printing technologies combined with PDMS microfluidic fabrication processes to facilitate reliable and reproducible microgravity cellular experiments. The system has been characterized for applications in the contest of brain cancer research by exposing glioblastoma and endothelial cells to 24 h of simulated microgravity condition to investigate the triggered mechanosensing pathways involved in cellular adaptation to the new environment. The platform demonstrated compatibility with different biological assays, i.e., proliferation, viability, morphology, protein expression and imaging of molecular structures, showing advantages over the conventional usage of culture flask. Our results indicated that both cell types are susceptible when the gravitational vector is disrupted, confirming the impact that microgravity has on both cancer and healthy cells functionality. In particular, we observed deactivation of Yap-1 molecule in glioblastoma cells and the remodeling of VE-Cadherin junctional protein in endothelial cells. The study provides support for the application of the proposed biological platform for advancing space mechanobiology research, also highlighting perspectives and strategies for developing next generation of brain cancer molecular therapies, including targeted drug delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Silvani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Peta Bradbury
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumoral Development Group, Paris, France
| | - Carin Basirun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Mehner
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Detina Zalli
- Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Camridge, UK
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua Chou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
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Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Cell Growth and Migration of A549 Cells under Simulated Microgravity. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12111879. [PMID: 35683734 PMCID: PMC9182076 DOI: 10.3390/nano12111879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing application of nanomaterials in aerospace technology, the long-term space exposure to nanomaterials especially in the space full of radiation coupled with microgravity condition has aroused great health concerns of the astronauts. However, few studies have been conducted to assess these effects, which are crucial for seeking the possible intervention strategy. Herein, using a random positioning machine (RPM) to simulate microgravity, we investigated the behaviors of cells under simulated microgravity and also evaluated the possible toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), a multifunctional nanomaterial with potential application in aerospace. Pulmonary epithelial cells A549 were exposed to normal gravity (1 g) and simulated gravity (~10−3 g), respectively. The results showed that simulated microgravity had no significant effect on the viability of A549 cells as compared with normal gravity within 48 h. The effects of TiO2 NPs exposure on cell viability and apoptosis were marginal with only a slightly decrease in cell viability and a subtle increase in apoptosis rate observed at a high concentration of TiO2 NPs (100 μg/mL). However, it was observed that the exposure to simulated microgravity could obviously reduce A549 cell migration compared with normal gravity. The disruption of F-actin network and the deactivation of FAK (Tyr397) might be responsible for the impaired mobility of simulated microgravity-exposed A549 cells. TiO2 NPs exposure inhibited cell migration under two different gravity conditions, but to different degrees, with a milder inhibition under simulated microgravity. Meanwhile, it was found that A549 cells internalized more TiO2 NPs under normal gravity than simulated microgravity, which may account for the lower cytotoxicity and the lighter inhibition of cell migration induced by the same exposure concentration of TiO2 NPs under simulated microgravity at least partially. Our study has provided some tentative information on the effects of TiO2 NPs exposure on cell behaviors under simulated microgravity.
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Ju Z, Thomas TN, Chiu YJ, Yamanouchi S, Yoshida Y, Abe JI, Takahashi A, Wang J, Fujiwara K, Hada M. Adaptation and Changes in Actin Dynamics and Cell Motility as Early Responses of Cultured Mammalian Cells to Altered Gravitational Vector. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6127. [PMID: 35682810 PMCID: PMC9181735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultured mammalian cells have been shown to respond to microgravity (μG), but the molecular mechanism is still unknown. The study we report here is focused on molecular and cellular events that occur within a short period of time, which may be related to gravity sensing by cells. Our assumption is that the gravity-sensing mechanism is activated as soon as cells are exposed to any new gravitational environment. To study the molecular events, we exposed cells to simulated μG (SμG) for 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h using a three-dimensional clinostat and made cell lysates, which were then analyzed by reverse phase protein arrays (RPPAs) using a panel of 453 different antibodies. By comparing the RPPA data from cells cultured at 1G with those of cells under SμG, we identified a total of 35 proteomic changes in the SμG samples and found that 20 of these changes took place, mostly transiently, within 30 min. In the 4 h and 8 h samples, there were only two RPPA changes, suggesting that the physiology of these cells is practically indistinguishable from that of cells cultured at 1 G. Among the proteins involved in the early proteomic changes were those that regulate cell motility and cytoskeletal organization. To see whether changes in gravitational environment indeed activate cell motility, we flipped the culture dish upside down (directional change in gravity vector) and studied cell migration and actin cytoskeletal organization. We found that compared with cells grown right-side up, upside-down cells transiently lost stress fibers and rapidly developed lamellipodia, which was supported by increased activity of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1). The upside-down cells also increased their migratory activity. It is possible that these early molecular and cellular events play roles in gravity sensing by mammalian cells. Our study also indicated that these early responses are transient, suggesting that cells appear to adapt physiologically to a new gravitational environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Ju
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tamlyn N. Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.N.T.); (J.-i.A.)
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Yi-Jen Chiu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Sakuya Yamanouchi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Jun-ichi Abe
- Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.N.T.); (J.-i.A.)
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (Y.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Keigi Fujiwara
- Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.N.T.); (J.-i.A.)
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA;
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42
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Fais G, Manca A, Bolognesi F, Borselli M, Concas A, Busutti M, Broggi G, Sanna P, Castillo-Aleman YM, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Altea M, Pantaleo A, Gabrielli G, Biglioli F, Cao G, Giannaccare G. Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050299. [PMID: 35621951 PMCID: PMC9143897 DOI: 10.3390/md20050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Federico Bolognesi
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Busutti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Broggi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, University of Milan, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Columbus Clinic Center, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 48, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Pierdanilo Sanna
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yandy Marx Castillo-Aleman
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - René Antonio Rivero-Jiménez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yendry Ventura-Carmenate
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Michela Altea
- TOLO Green, Via San Damiano 2, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Federico Biglioli
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3317186201
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Choi JUA, Kijas AW, Lauko J, Rowan AE. The Mechanosensory Role of Osteocytes and Implications for Bone Health and Disease States. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:770143. [PMID: 35265628 PMCID: PMC8900535 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.770143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. This process is primarily controlled by the most abundant and mechanosensitive bone cells, osteocytes, that reside individually, within chambers of porous hydroxyapatite bone matrix. Recent studies have unveiled additional functional roles for osteocytes in directly contributing to local matrix regulation as well as systemic roles through endocrine functions by communicating with distant organs such as the kidney. Osteocyte function is governed largely by both biochemical signaling and the mechanical stimuli exerted on bone. Mechanical stimulation is required to maintain bone health whilst aging and reduced level of loading are known to result in bone loss. To date, both in vivo and in vitro approaches have been established to answer important questions such as the effect of mechanical stimuli, the mechanosensors involved, and the mechanosensitive signaling pathways in osteocytes. However, our understanding of osteocyte mechanotransduction has been limited due to the technical challenges of working with these cells since they are individually embedded within the hard hydroxyapatite bone matrix. This review highlights the current knowledge of the osteocyte functional role in maintaining bone health and the key regulatory pathways of these mechanosensitive cells. Finally, we elaborate on the current therapeutic opportunities offered by existing treatments and the potential for targeting osteocyte-directed signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Un Ally Choi
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amanda W Kijas
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jan Lauko
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan E Rowan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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44
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Dissociation of Bone Resorption and Formation in Spaceflight and Simulated Microgravity: Potential Role of Myokines and Osteokines? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020342. [PMID: 35203551 PMCID: PMC8961781 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dissociation of bone formation and resorption is an important physiological process during spaceflight. It also occurs during local skeletal unloading or immobilization, such as in people with neuromuscular disorders or those who are on bed rest. Under these conditions, the physiological systems of the human body are perturbed down to the cellular level. Through the absence of mechanical stimuli, the musculoskeletal system and, predominantly, the postural skeletal muscles are largely affected. Despite in-flight exercise countermeasures, muscle wasting and bone loss occur, which are associated with spaceflight duration. Nevertheless, countermeasures can be effective, especially by preventing muscle wasting to rescue both postural and dynamic as well as muscle performance. Thus far, it is largely unknown how changes in bone microarchitecture evolve over the long term in the absence of a gravity vector and whether bone loss incurred in space or following the return to the Earth fully recovers or partly persists. In this review, we highlight the different mechanisms and factors that regulate the humoral crosstalk between the muscle and the bone. Further we focus on the interplay between currently known myokines and osteokines and their mutual regulation.
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45
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Ma C, Xiong Y, Han P, Zhang X, Cao Y, Wang B, Zhao H, Duan E, Zhang JV, Lei X. Simulated Microgravity Potentiates Hematopoietic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Supports Formation of 3D Hematopoietic Cluster. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:797060. [PMID: 35083220 PMCID: PMC8784808 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.797060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity has been shown to induces many changes in proliferation, differentiation and growth behavior of stem cells. Little is known about the effect of microgravity on hematopoietic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). In this study, we used the random position machine (RPM) to investigate whether simulated microgravity (SMG) allows the induction of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. The results showed that SMG facilitates hESCs differentiate to HSPC with more efficient induction of CD34+CD31+ hemogenic endothelium progenitors (HEPs) on day 4 and CD34+CD43+ HSPC on day 7, and these cells shows an increased generation of functional hematopoietic cells in colony-forming unit assay when compared with normal gravity (NG) conditions. Additionally, we found that SMG significantly increased the total number of cells on day 4 and day 7 which formed more 3D cell clusters. Transcriptome analysis of cells identified thousands of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NG and SMG. DEGs down-regulated were enriched in the axonogenesis, positive regulation of cell adhesion, cell adhesion molecule and axon guidance, while SMG resulted in the up-regulation of genes were functionally associated with DNA replication, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and tumorigenesis. Interestingly, some key gene terms were enriched in SMG, like hypoxia and ECM receptor interaction. Moreover, HSPC obtained from SMG culture conditions had a robust ability of proliferation in vitro. The proliferated cells also had the ability to form erythroid, granulocyte and monocyte/macrophage colonies, and can be induced to generate macrophages and megakaryocytes. In summary, our data has shown a potent impact of microgravity on hematopoietic differentiation of hPSCs for the first time and reveals an underlying mechanism for the effect of SMG on hematopoiesis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Xiong
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pei Han
- Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yujing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baobei Wang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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46
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Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Forcato M, Scebba F, Pyankova OV, Bridger JM, Foster HA, Signore G, Borghini A, Andreassi M, Andreazzoli M, Bicciato S, Pè ME, Angeloni D. Microgravity and space radiation inhibit autophagy in human capillary endothelial cells, through either opposite or synergistic effects on specific molecular pathways. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:28. [PMID: 34936031 PMCID: PMC11072227 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity and space radiation (SR) are two highly influential factors affecting humans in space flight (SF). Many health problems reported by astronauts derive from endothelial dysfunction and impaired homeostasis. Here, we describe the adaptive response of human, capillary endothelial cells to SF. Reference samples on the ground and at 1g onboard permitted discrimination between the contribution of microgravity and SR within the combined responses to SF. Cell softening and reduced motility occurred in SF cells, with a loss of actin stress fibers and a broader distribution of microtubules and intermediate filaments within the cytoplasm than in control cells. Furthermore, in space the number of primary cilia per cell increased and DNA repair mechanisms were found to be activated. Transcriptomics revealed the opposing effects of microgravity from SR for specific molecular pathways: SR, unlike microgravity, stimulated pathways for endothelial activation, such as hypoxia and inflammation, DNA repair and apoptosis, inhibiting autophagic flux and promoting an aged-like phenotype. Conversely, microgravity, unlike SR, activated pathways for metabolism and a pro-proliferative phenotype. Therefore, we suggest microgravity and SR should be considered separately to tailor effective countermeasures to protect astronauts' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Barravecchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara De Cesari
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mattia Forcato
- Center for Genome Research, Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Scebba
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Olga V Pyankova
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Joanna M Bridger
- Laboratory of Nuclear and Genomic Health, Centre of Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Helen A Foster
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Andrea Borghini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvio Bicciato
- Center for Genome Research, Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Enrico Pè
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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47
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Sharma A, Clemens RA, Garcia O, Taylor DL, Wagner NL, Shepard KA, Gupta A, Malany S, Grodzinsky AJ, Kearns-Jonker M, Mair DB, Kim DH, Roberts MS, Loring JF, Hu J, Warren LE, Eenmaa S, Bozada J, Paljug E, Roth M, Taylor DP, Rodrigue G, Cantini P, Smith AW, Giulianotti MA, Wagner WR. Biomanufacturing in low Earth orbit for regenerative medicine. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 17:1-13. [PMID: 34971562 PMCID: PMC8758939 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research in low Earth orbit (LEO) has become more accessible. The 2020 Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium reviewed space-based regenerative medicine research and discussed leveraging LEO to advance biomanufacturing for regenerative medicine applications. The symposium identified areas where financial investments could stimulate advancements overcoming technical barriers. Opportunities in disease modeling, stem-cell-derived products, and biofabrication were highlighted. The symposium will initiate a roadmap to a sustainable market for regenerative medicine biomanufacturing in space. This perspective summarizes the 2020 Biomanufacturing in Space Symposium, highlights key biomanufacturing opportunities in LEO, and lays the framework for a roadmap to regenerative medicine biomanufacturing in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Sharma
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Orquidea Garcia
- Johnson & Johnson 3D Printing Innovation & Customer Solutions, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA
| | - D Lansing Taylor
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute and Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kelly A Shepard
- California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Siobhan Malany
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alan J Grodzinsky
- Departments of Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mary Kearns-Jonker
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Devin B Mair
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael S Roberts
- Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | | | - Jianying Hu
- Center for Computational Health IBM Research, Yorktown Heights, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lara E Warren
- Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Sven Eenmaa
- Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Joe Bozada
- Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eric Paljug
- Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Gary Rodrigue
- Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Patrick Cantini
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amelia W Smith
- Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Marc A Giulianotti
- Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc, Melbourne, FL, USA.
| | - William R Wagner
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Departments of Surgery, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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48
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Cialdai F, Bolognini D, Vignali L, Iannotti N, Cacchione S, Magi A, Balsamo M, Vukich M, Neri G, Donati A, Monici M, Capaccioli S, Lulli M. Effect of space flight on the behavior of human retinal pigment epithelial ARPE-19 cells and evaluation of coenzyme Q10 treatment. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7795-7812. [PMID: 34714361 PMCID: PMC11073052 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03989-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are exposed to the damaging effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. One of the most critical and sensitive districts of an organism is the eye, particularly the retina, and > 50% of astronauts develop a complex of alterations designated as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. However, the pathogenesis of this condition is not clearly understood. In the current study, we aimed to explore the cellular and molecular effects induced in the human retinal pigment ARPE-19 cell line by their transfer to and 3-day stay on board the ISS in the context of an experiment funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana. Treatment of cells on board the ISS with the well-known bioenergetic, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic coenzyme Q10 was also evaluated. In the ground control experiment, the cells were exposed to the same conditions as on the ISS, with the exception of microgravity and radiation. The transfer of ARPE-19 retinal cells to the ISS and their living on board for 3 days did not affect cell viability or apoptosis but induced cytoskeleton remodeling consisting of vimentin redistribution from the cellular boundaries to the perinuclear area, underlining the collapse of the network of intermediate vimentin filaments under unloading conditions. The morphological changes endured by ARPE-19 cells grown on board the ISS were associated with changes in the transcriptomic profile related to the cellular response to the space environment and were consistent with cell dysfunction adaptations. In addition, the results obtained from ARPE-19 cells treated with coenzyme Q10 indicated its potential to increase cell resistance to damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Davide Bolognini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Leonardo Vignali
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Nicola Iannotti
- Department of Life Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Cacchione
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Università Di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Magi
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Sergio Capaccioli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy.
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49
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Ludtka C, Moore E, Allen JB. The Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Macrophage Phenotype. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091205. [PMID: 34572391 PMCID: PMC8472625 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of spaceflight, including prolonged exposure to microgravity, can have significant effects on the immune system and human health. Altered immune cell function can lead to adverse health events, though precisely how and to what extent a microgravity environment impacts these cells remains uncertain. Macrophages, a key immune cell, effect the inflammatory response as well as tissue remodeling and repair. Specifically, macrophage function can be dictated by phenotype that can exist between spectrums of M0 macrophage: the classically activated, pro-inflammatory M1, and the alternatively activated, pro-healing M2 phenotypes. This work assesses the effects of simulated microgravity via clinorotation on M0, M1, and M2 macrophage phenotypes. We focus on phenotypic, inflammatory, and angiogenic gene and protein expression. Our results show that across all three phenotypes, microgravity results in a decrease in TNF-α expression and an increase in IL-12 and VEGF expression. IL-10 was also significantly increased in M1 and M2, but not M0 macrophages. The phenotypic cytokine expression profiles observed may be related to specific gravisensitive signal transduction pathways previously implicated in microgravity regulation of macrophage gene and protein expression. Our results highlight the far-reaching effects that simulated microgravity has on macrophage function and provides insight into macrophage phenotypic function in microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Ludtka
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Erika Moore
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Josephine B. Allen
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
- Correspondence:
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50
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Reye G, Huang X, Haupt LM, Murphy RJ, Northey JJ, Thompson EW, Momot KI, Hugo HJ. Mechanical Pressure Driving Proteoglycan Expression in Mammographic Density: a Self-perpetuating Cycle? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:277-296. [PMID: 34449016 PMCID: PMC8566410 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-021-09494-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regions of high mammographic density (MD) in the breast are characterised by a proteoglycan (PG)-rich fibrous stroma, where PGs mediate aligned collagen fibrils to control tissue stiffness and hence the response to mechanical forces. Literature is accumulating to support the notion that mechanical stiffness may drive PG synthesis in the breast contributing to MD. We review emerging patterns in MD and other biological settings, of a positive feedback cycle of force promoting PG synthesis, such as in articular cartilage, due to increased pressure on weight bearing joints. Furthermore, we present evidence to suggest a pro-tumorigenic effect of increased mechanical force on epithelial cells in contexts where PG-mediated, aligned collagen fibrous tissue abounds, with implications for breast cancer development attributable to high MD. Finally, we summarise means through which this positive feedback mechanism of PG synthesis may be intercepted to reduce mechanical force within tissues and thus reduce disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Reye
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Xuan Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Ryan J Murphy
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason J Northey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Konstantin I Momot
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Honor J Hugo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
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