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Han Y, Barasa P, Zeger L, Salomonsson SB, Zanotti F, Egli M, Zavan B, Trentini M, Florin G, Vaerneus A, Aldskogius H, Fredriksson R, Kozlova EN. Effects of microgravity on neural crest stem cells. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1379076. [PMID: 38660221 PMCID: PMC11041629 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1379076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity (μg) results in a range of systemic changes in the organism, but may also have beneficial cellular effects. In a previous study we detected increased proliferation capacity and upregulation of genes related to proliferation and survival in boundary cap neural crest stem cells (BC) after MASER14 sounding rocket flight compared to ground-based controls. However, whether these changes were due to μg or hypergravity was not clarified. In the current MASER15 experiment BCs were exposed simultaneously to μg and 1 g conditions provided by an onboard centrifuge. BCs exposed to μg displayed a markedly increased proliferation capacity compared to 1 g on board controls, and genetic analysis of BCs harvested 5 h after flight revealed an upregulation, specifically in μg-exposed BCs, of Zfp462 transcription factor, a key regulator of cell pluripotency and neuronal fate. This was associated with alterations in exosome microRNA content between μg and 1 g exposed MASER15 specimens. Since the specimens from MASER14 were obtained for analysis with 1 week's delay, we examined whether gene expression and exosome content were different compared to the current MASER15 experiments, in which specimens were harvested 5 h after flight. The overall pattern of gene expression was different and Zfp462 expression was down-regulated in MASER14 BC μg compared to directly harvested specimens (MASER15). MicroRNA exosome content was markedly altered in medium harvested with delay compared to directly collected samples. In conclusion, our analysis indicates that even short exposure to μg alters gene expression, leading to increased BC capacity for proliferation and survival, lasting for a long time after μg exposure. With delayed harvest of specimens, a situation which may occur due to special post-flight circumstances, the exosome microRNA content is modified compared to fast specimen harvest, and the direct effects from μg exposure may be partially attenuated, whereas other effects can last for a long time after return to ground conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Han
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Povilas Barasa
- Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Lukas Zeger
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara B. Salomonsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Federica Zanotti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcel Egli
- Space Biology Group, School of Engineering and Architecture, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hergiswil, Switzerland
- National Center for Biomedical Research in Space, Innovation Cluster Space and Aviation, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Zavan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Trentini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Håkan Aldskogius
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Fredriksson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elena N. Kozlova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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2
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Zhou Y, Lv W, Peng X, Cheng Y, Tu Y, Song G, Luo Q. Simulated microgravity attenuates skin wound healing by inhibiting dermal fibroblast migration via F-actin/YAP signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2751-2764. [PMID: 37795566 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Skin and its cell components continuously subject to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical forces and are mechanical sensitive. Disturbed mechanical homeostasis may lead to changes in skin functions. Gravity is the integral mechanical force on the earth, however, how gravity contributes to the maintenance of skin function and how microgravity in space affects the wound healing are poorly understood. Here, using microgravity analogs, we show that simulated microgravity (SMG) inhibits the healing of cutaneous wound and the accumulation of dermal fibroblasts in the wound bed. In vitro, SMG inhibits the migration of human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF-1), and decreases the F-actin polymerization and YAP (yes-associated protein) activity. The SMG-inhibited migration can be recovered by activating YAP or F-actin polymerization using lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or jasplakinolide (Jasp), suggesting the involvement of F-actin/YAP signaling pathway in this process. In SMG rats, LPA treatment improves the cutaneous healing with increased dermal fibroblasts in the wound bed. Together, our results demonstrate that SMG attenuates the cutaneous wound healing by inhibiting dermal fibroblast migration, and propose the crucial role of F-actin/YAP mechano-transduction in the maintenance of skin homeostasis under normal gravity, and YAP as a possible therapeutic target for the skin care of astronauts in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiufen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yansiwei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Tu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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3
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Tabury K, Rehnberg E, Baselet B, Baatout S, Moroni L. Bioprinting of Cardiac Tissue in Space: Where Are We? Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203338. [PMID: 37312654 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioprinting in space is the next frontier in tissue engineering. In the absence of gravity, novel opportunities arise, as well as new challenges. The cardiovascular system needs particular attention in tissue engineering, not only to develop safe countermeasures for astronauts in future deep and long-term space missions, but also to bring solutions to organ transplantation shortage. In this perspective, the challenges encountered when using bioprinting techniques in space and current gaps that need to be overcome are discussed. The recent developments that have been made in the bioprinting of heart tissues in space and an outlook on potential future bioprinting opportunities in space are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tabury
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Emil Rehnberg
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ER, The Netherlands
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4
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Lv W, Peng X, Tu Y, Shi Y, Song G, Luo Q. YAP Inhibition Alleviates Simulated Microgravity-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence via Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12050990. [PMID: 37237856 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness in space leads to bone loss, muscle atrophy, and impaired immune defense in astronauts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play crucial roles in maintaining the homeostasis and function of the tissue. However, how microgravity affects the characteristics MSCs and the related roles in the pathophysiological changes in astronauts remain barely known. Here we used a 2D-clinostat device to simulate microgravity. Senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the expression of senescent markers p16, p21, and p53 were used to evaluate the senescence of MSCs. Mitochondrial membrane potential (mΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ATP production were used to evaluate mitochondrial function. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the expression and localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). We found that simulated microgravity (SMG) induced MSC senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mito-TEMPO (MT), a mitochondrial antioxidant, restored mitochondrial function and reversed MSC senescence induced by SMG, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction mediates SMG-induced MSC senescence. Further, it was found that SMG promoted YAP expression and its nuclear translocation in MSCs. Verteporfin (VP), an inhibitor of YAP, restored SMG-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in MSCs by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear localization. These findings suggest that YAP inhibition alleviates SMG-induced MSC senescence via targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, and YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of weightlessness-related cell senescence and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiufen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yun Tu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yisong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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5
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Li W, Shu X, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Sun S, Li N, Long M. Potential Roles of YAP/TAZ Mechanotransduction in Spaceflight-Induced Liver Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032197. [PMID: 36768527 PMCID: PMC9917057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity exposure during spaceflight causes the disordered regulation of liver function, presenting a specialized mechano-biological coupling process. While YAP/TAZ serves as a typical mechanosensitive pathway involved in hepatocyte metabolism, it remains unclear whether and how it is correlated with microgravity-induced liver dysfunction. Here, we discussed liver function alterations induced by spaceflight or simulated effects of microgravity on Earth. The roles of YAP/TAZ serving as a potential bridge in connecting liver metabolism with microgravity were specifically summarized. Existing evidence indicated that YAP/TAZ target gene expressions were affected by mechanotransductive pathways and phase separation, reasonably speculating that microgravity might regulate YAP/TAZ activation by disrupting these pathways via cytoskeletal remodeling or nuclear deformation, or disturbing condensates formation via diffusion limit, and then breaking liver homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ziliang Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shujin Sun
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (N.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (N.L.); (M.L.)
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6
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Ma C, Duan X, Lei X. 3D cell culture model: From ground experiment to microgravity study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1136583. [PMID: 37034251 PMCID: PMC10080128 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1136583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity has been shown to induce many changes in cell growth and differentiation due to offloading the gravitational strain normally exerted on cells. Although many studies have used two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems to investigate the effects of microgravity on cell growth, three-dimensional (3D) culture scaffolds can offer more direct indications of the modified cell response to microgravity-related dysregulations compared to 2D culture methods. Thus, knowledge of 3D cell culture is essential for better understanding the in vivo tissue function and physiological response under microgravity conditions. This review discusses the advances in 2D and 3D cell culture studies, particularly emphasizing the role of hydrogels, which can provide cells with a mimic in vivo environment to collect a more natural response. We also summarized recent studies about cell growth and differentiation under real microgravity or simulated microgravity conditions using ground-based equipment. Finally, we anticipate that hydrogel-based 3D culture models will play an essential role in constructing organoids, discovering the causes of microgravity-dependent molecular and cellular changes, improving space tissue regeneration, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Future research into the 3D culture in microgravity conditions could lead to valuable therapeutic applications in health and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xianglong Duan
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
- Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xianglong Duan, ; Xiaohua Lei,
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Xianglong Duan, ; Xiaohua Lei,
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7
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Rojo‐García AV, Vanmunster M, Pacolet A, Suhr F. Physical inactivity by tail suspension alters markers of metabolism, structure, and autophagy of the mouse heart. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15574. [PMID: 36695670 PMCID: PMC9875748 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sedentary behavior has become ingrained in our society and has been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Physical inactivity is the main characteristic of sedentary behavior. However, its impact on cardiovascular disease is not clear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of physical inactivity in an established mouse model on gene clusters associated with cardiac fibrosis, electrophysiology, cell regeneration, and tissue degradation/turnover. We investigated a sedentary group (CTR, n = 10) versus a tail suspension group (TS, n = 11) that caused hindlimb unloading and consequently physical inactivity. Through histological, protein content, and transcript analysis approaches, we found that cardiac fibrosis-related genes partly change, with significant TS-associated increases in Tgfb1, but without changes in Col1a1 and Fn1. These changes are not translated into fibrosis at tissue level. We further detected TS-mediated increases in protein degradation- (Trim63, p < 0.001; Fbxo32, p = 0.0947 as well as in biosynthesis-related [P70s6kb1, p < 0.01]). Corroborating these results, we found increased expression of autophagy markers such as Atg7 (p < 0.01) and ULK1 (p < 0.05). Two cardiomyocyte regeneration- and sarcomerogenesis-related genes, Yap (p = 0.0535) and Srf (p < 0.001), increased upon TS compared to CTR conditions. Finally, we found significant upregulation of Gja1 (p < 0.05) and a significant downregulation of Aqp1 (p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that merely 2 weeks of reduced physical activity induce changes in genes associated with cardiac structure and electrophysiology. Hence, these data should find the basis for novel research directed to evaluate the interplay of cardiac functioning and physical inactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathias Vanmunster
- Department of Movement SciencesExercise Physiology Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Alexander Pacolet
- Department of Movement SciencesExercise Physiology Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Frank Suhr
- Department of Movement SciencesExercise Physiology Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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8
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Lopez LV, Camberos V, Bailey LL, Hasaniya N, Ramos C, Hughes L, Knox C, Kearns-Jonker MK. MicroRNA Expression in the Infarcted Heart Following Neonatal Cardiovascular Progenitor Cell Transplantation in a Sheep Model of Stem Cell-Based Repair. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221136787. [PMID: 36564913 PMCID: PMC9793054 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221136787] [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] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarctions affect approximately 735,000 people annually in the United States and have a substantial impact on quality of life. Neonates have an enhanced capability of repairing cardiovascular damage, while adults do not. The mechanistic basis for this age-dependent difference in regenerative capacity remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in regulating the regenerative ability of cardiovascular cells. This report defines the alterations in miRNA expression within the cardiovascular repair zone of infarcted sheep hearts following intracardiac injection of neonatal islet-1+ cardiovascular progenitor cells. Sheep were infarcted via left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. After 3 to 4 weeks of infarction, sheep neonatal islet-1+ cardiovascular progenitor cells were injected into the infarcted area for repair. Cell-treated sheep were euthanized 2 months following cell injection, and their hearts were harvested for the analysis of miRNA and gene expression within the cardiovascular repair zone. Ten miRNAs were differentially regulated in vivo, including miR-99, miR-100, miR-302a, miR-208a, miR-665, miR-1, miR-499a, miR-34a, miR-133a, and miR-199a. These miRNAs promote stemness, cell division, and survival. Several signaling pathways are regulated by these miRNAs, including Hippo, Wnt, and Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene B (ERBB). Transcripts encoding Wnt, ERBB, and Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) were elevated in vivo in the infarct repair zone. Wnt5a signaling and ERBB/NRG1 transcripts contribute to activation of Yes-Associated Protein 1. MiRNAs that impact proliferation, cell survival, and signaling pathways that promote regeneration were induced during cardiovascular repair in the sheep model. This information can be used to design new approaches for the optimization of miRNA-based treatments for the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry V. Lopez
- Department of Pathology and Human
Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Victor Camberos
- Department of Pathology and Human
Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Leonard L. Bailey
- Department of Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA,
USA
| | - Nahidh Hasaniya
- Department of Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA,
USA
| | - Christopher Ramos
- Department of Pathology and Human
Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Lorelei Hughes
- Department of Pathology and Human
Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Cole Knox
- Department of Pathology and Human
Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mary K. Kearns-Jonker
- Department of Pathology and Human
Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA,Mary K. Kearns-Jonker, Department of
Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma
Linda, CA 92350, USA.
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9
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Jirak P, Mirna M, Rezar R, Motloch LJ, Lichtenauer M, Jordan J, Binneboessel S, Tank J, Limper U, Jung C. How spaceflight challenges human cardiovascular health. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022; 29:1399-1411. [PMID: 35148376 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The harsh environmental conditions in space, particularly weightlessness and radiation exposure, can negatively affect cardiovascular function and structure. In the future, preventive cardiology will be crucial in enabling safe space travel. Indeed, future space missions destined to the Moon and from there to Mars will create new challenges to cardiovascular health while limiting medical management. Moreover, commercial spaceflight evolves rapidly such that older persons with cardiovascular risk factors will be exposed to space conditions. This review provides an overview on studies conducted in space and in terrestrial models, particularly head-down bedrest studies. These studies showed that weightlessness elicits a fluid shift towards the head, which likely predisposes to the spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, neck vein thrombosis, and orthostatic intolerance after return to Earth. Moreover, cardiovascular unloading produces cardiopulmonary deconditioning which may be associated with cardiac atrophy. In addition to limiting physical performance, the mechanism further worsens orthostatic tolerance after return to Earth. Finally, space conditions may directly affect vascular health, however, the clinical relevance of these findings in terms of morbidity and mortality is unknown. Targeted preventive measures, which are referred to as countermeasures in aerospace medicine, and technologies to identify vascular risks early on will be required to maintain cardiovascular performance and health during future space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jirak
- Clinic II for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Moritz Mirna
- Clinic II for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Rezar
- Clinic II for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Lukas J Motloch
- Clinic II for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Lichtenauer
- Clinic II for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jens Jordan
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany.,Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Binneboessel
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens Tank
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Limper
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Merheim Medical Center, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duesseldorf, Germany
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10
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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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11
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Basirun C, Ferlazzo ML, Howell NR, Liu GJ, Middleton RJ, Martinac B, Narayanan SA, Poole K, Gentile C, Chou J. Microgravity × Radiation: A Space Mechanobiology Approach Toward Cardiovascular Function and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:750775. [PMID: 34778261 PMCID: PMC8586646 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.750775] [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: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in space exploration, supported by the accelerated technological advancements in the field. This has led to a new potential environment that humans could be exposed to in the very near future, and therefore an increasing request to evaluate the impact this may have on our body, including health risks associated with this endeavor. A critical component in regulating the human pathophysiology is represented by the cardiovascular system, which may be heavily affected in these extreme environments of microgravity and radiation. This mini review aims to identify the impact of microgravity and radiation on the cardiovascular system. Being able to understand the effect that comes with deep space explorations, including that of microgravity and space radiation, may also allow us to get a deeper understanding of the heart and ultimately our own basic physiological processes. This information may unlock new factors to consider with space exploration whilst simultaneously increasing our knowledge of the cardiovascular system and potentially associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carin Basirun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie L. Ferlazzo
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
- Inserm, U1296 Unit, Radiation: Defense, Health and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Nicholas R. Howell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Guo-Jun Liu
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan J. Middleton
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S. Anand Narayanan
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carmine Gentile
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua Chou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Zhang Y, Richards JT, Hellein JL, Johnson CM, Woodall J, Sorenson T, Neelam S, Ruby AMJ, Levine HG. NASA's Ground-Based Microgravity Simulation Facility. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2368:281-299. [PMID: 34647262 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1677-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Since opportunities to conduct experiments in space are scarce, various microgravity simulators and analogs have been widely used in space biology ground studies. Even though microgravity simulators do not produce all of the biological effects observed in the true microgravity environment, they provide alternative test platforms that are effective, affordable, and readily available to facilitate microgravity research. The Microgravity Simulation Support Facility (MSSF) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has been established for conducting short duration experiments, typically less than 1 month, utilizing a variety of microgravity simulation devices for research at different gravity levels. The simulators include, but are not limited to, 2D Clinostats, 3D Clinostats, Random Positioning Machines, and Rotating Wall Vessels. In this chapter, we will discuss current MSSF capabilities, development concepts, and the physical characteristics of these microgravity simulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA.
| | - Jeffery T Richards
- NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA.,LASSO Contract, URS Federal Services, Inc., Germantown, MD, USA
| | | | - Christina M Johnson
- NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA.,Universities Space Research Association, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julia Woodall
- NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA
| | - Tait Sorenson
- NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA
| | - Srujana Neelam
- NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA.,Universities Space Research Association, Washington, DC, USA
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13
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Valizadeh A, Asghari S, Mansouri P, Alemi F, Majidinia M, Mahmoodpoor A, Yousefi B. The roles of signaling pathways in cardiac regeneration. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2142-2166. [PMID: 34521319 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210914115411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, knowledge of cardiac regeneration mechanisms has dramatically expanded. Regeneration can replace lost parts of organs, common among animal species. The heart is commonly considered an organ with terminal development, which has no reparability potential during post-natal life; however, some intrinsic regeneration capacity has been reported for cardiac muscle, which opens novel avenues in cardiovascular disease treatment. Different endogenous mechanisms were studied for cardiac repairing and regeneration in recent decades. Survival, proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, cell-cell communication, cardiomyogenesis, and anti-aging pathways are the most important mechanisms that have been studied in this regard. Several in vitro and animal model studies focused on proliferation induction for cardiac regeneration reported promising results. These studies have mainly focused on promoting proliferation signaling pathways and demonstrated various signaling pathways such as Wnt, PI3K/Akt, IGF-1, TGF-β, Hippo, and VEGF signaling cardiac regeneration. Therefore, in this review, we intended to discuss the connection between different critical signaling pathways in cardiac repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Valizadeh
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Samira Asghari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Parinaz Mansouri
- Students Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Forough Alemi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia. Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
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14
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Long-Term Hypoxia Maintains a State of Dedifferentiation and Enhanced Stemness in Fetal Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179382. [PMID: 34502291 PMCID: PMC8431563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-stage mammalian embryos survive within a low oxygen tension environment and develop into fully functional, healthy organisms despite this hypoxic stress. This suggests that hypoxia plays a regulative role in fetal development that influences cell mobilization, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. The long-term hypoxic environment is sustained throughout gestation. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which cardiovascular stem cells survive and thrive under hypoxic conditions would benefit cell-based therapies where stem cell survival is limited in the hypoxic environment of the infarcted heart. The current study addressed the impact of long-term hypoxia on fetal Islet-1+ cardiovascular progenitor cell clones, which were isolated from sheep housed at high altitude. The cells were then cultured in vitro in 1% oxygen and compared with control Islet-1+ cardiovascular progenitor cells maintained at 21% oxygen. RT-PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and migration assays evaluated adaptation to long term hypoxia in terms of survival, proliferation, and signaling. Non-canonical Wnt, Notch, AKT, HIF-2α and Yap1 transcripts were induced by hypoxia. The hypoxic niche environment regulates these signaling pathways to sustain the dedifferentiation and survival of fetal cardiovascular progenitor cells.
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15
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Swaminathan V, Bechtel G, Tchantchaleishvili V. Artificial tissue creation under microgravity conditions: Considerations and future applications. Artif Organs 2021; 45:1446-1455. [PMID: 34223657 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Traditional tissue engineering methods often fail to promote robust cell growth and differentiation, limiting the development of functioning tissues. However, the microgravity conditions created by rotating wall vessel bioreactors minimize shear stress and unload the gravitational force usually placed on cells. In a microgravity environment, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and the 3D organization of cells are altered, potentially encouraging the formation of more biosimilar artificial tissues for certain cell types. Additionally, cells in these engineered tissues display lowered immunogenicity, pointing to the transplantation potential of tissues engineered in microgravity conditions. However, these benefits are not consistent across all cell types, and the long-term impact of microgravity on tissue development and stability remains an unanswered question. Even so, there is potential that with further research, microgravity tissue engineering will have productive clinical applications for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Swaminathan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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16
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Han Y, Zeger L, Tripathi R, Egli M, Ille F, Lockowandt C, Florin G, Atic E, Redwan IN, Fredriksson R, Kozlova EN. Molecular genetic analysis of neural stem cells after space flight and simulated microgravity on earth. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3832-3846. [PMID: 34125436 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how stem cells adapt to space flight conditions is fundamental for human space missions and extraterrestrial settlement. We analyzed gene expression in boundary cap neural crest stem cells (BCs), which are attractive for regenerative medicine by their ability to promote proliferation and survival of cocultured and co-implanted cells. BCs were launched to space (space exposed cells) (SEC), onboard sounding rocket MASER 14 as free-floating neurospheres or in a bioprinted scaffold. For comparison, BCs were placed in a random positioning machine (RPM) to simulate microgravity on earth (RPM cells) or were cultured under control conditions in the laboratory. Using next-generation RNA sequencing and data post-processing, we discovered that SEC upregulated genes related to proliferation and survival, whereas RPM cells upregulated genes associated with differentiation and inflammation. Thus, (i) space flight provides unique conditions with distinctly different effects on the properties of BC compared to earth controls, and (ii) the space flight exposure induces postflight properties that reinforce the utility of BC for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Han
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lukas Zeger
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rekha Tripathi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Molecular Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcel Egli
- Luzerne School of Engineering and Architecture, Institute of Medical Engineering (IMT), Luzerne, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ille
- Luzerne School of Engineering and Architecture, Institute of Medical Engineering (IMT), Luzerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Gunnar Florin
- Swedish Space Corporation, Science Service Division, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | - Robert Fredriksson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Molecular Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elena N Kozlova
- Department of Neuroscience, Regenerative Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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The Impact of Spaceflight and Microgravity on the Human Islet-1+ Cardiovascular Progenitor Cell Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073577. [PMID: 33808224 PMCID: PMC8036947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the transcriptomic impact of microgravity and the spaceflight environment is relevant for future missions in space and microgravity-based applications designed to benefit life on Earth. Here, we investigated the transcriptome of adult and neonatal cardiovascular progenitors following culture aboard the International Space Station for 30 days and compared it to the transcriptome of clonally identical cells cultured on Earth. Cardiovascular progenitors acquire a gene expression profile representative of an early-stage, dedifferentiated, stem-like state, regardless of age. Signaling pathways that support cell proliferation and survival were induced by spaceflight along with transcripts related to cell cycle re-entry, cardiovascular development, and oxidative stress. These findings contribute new insight into the multifaceted influence of reduced gravitational environments.
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18
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Rampoldi A, Jha R, Fite J, Boland G, Xu C. Cryopreservation and CO 2-independent culture of 3D cardiac progenitors for spaceflight experiments. Biomaterials 2021; 269:120673. [PMID: 33493770 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space experimentation of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells offers an exciting opportunity to explore the potential of these cells for disease modeling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Previous studies on the International Space Station were done with 2D non-cryopreserved cultures of cardiomyocytes being loaded and cultivated in spaceflight culture modules with CO2. Here we report the development of methods of cryopreservation and CO2-independent culture of 3D cardiac progenitors. The cryopreservation allows preparation and pretesting of the cells before spaceflight, makes it easier to transport the cell culture, reduces the impact of strong gravitational force exerted on the cells during the launch of spaceflight, and accommodates a more flexible working schedule for the astronauts. The use of CO2-independent medium with supplements supports cell growth and differentiation without a CO2 incubator. With these methods, we conducted a spaceflight experiment through the SpaceX-20 mission to evaluate the effect of microgravity on the survival and differentiation of 3D cardiac progenitors. Our cryopreserved cardiac progenitor spheres were successfully cultivated in a spaceflight culture module without CO2 for 3 weeks aboard the International Space Station. Beating cardiomyocytes were generated and returned to the earth for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rampoldi
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rajneesh Jha
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Chunhui Xu
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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19
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Willey JS, Britten RA, Blaber E, Tahimic CG, Chancellor J, Mortreux M, Sanford LD, Kubik AJ, Delp MD, Mao XW. The individual and combined effects of spaceflight radiation and microgravity on biologic systems and functional outcomes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:129-179. [PMID: 33902391 PMCID: PMC8274610 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1885283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Both microgravity and radiation exposure in the spaceflight environment have been identified as hazards to astronaut health and performance. Substantial study has been focused on understanding the biology and risks associated with prolonged exposure to microgravity, and the hazards presented by radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPEs) outside of low earth orbit (LEO). To date, the majority of the ground-based analogues (e.g., rodent or cell culture studies) that investigate the biology of and risks associated with spaceflight hazards will focus on an individual hazard in isolation. However, astronauts will face these challenges simultaneously Combined hazard studies are necessary for understanding the risks astronauts face as they travel outside of LEO, and are also critical for countermeasure development. The focus of this review is to describe biologic and functional outcomes from ground-based analogue models for microgravity and radiation, specifically highlighting the combined effects of radiation and reduced weight-bearing from rodent ground-based tail suspension via hind limb unloading (HLU) and partial weight-bearing (PWB) models, although in vitro and spaceflight results are discussed as appropriate. The review focuses on the skeletal, ocular, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and stem cells responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | | | | | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Larry D. Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
| | - Angela J. Kubik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
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20
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Yamanouchi S, Rhone J, Mao JH, Fujiwara K, Saganti PB, Takahashi A, Hada M. Simultaneous Exposure of Cultured Human Lymphoblastic Cells to Simulated Microgravity and Radiation Increases Chromosome Aberrations. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E187. [PMID: 32927618 PMCID: PMC7555395 DOI: 10.3390/life10090187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During space travel, humans are continuously exposed to two major environmental stresses, microgravity (μG) and space radiation. One of the fundamental questions is whether the two stressors are interactive. For over half a century, many studies were carried out in space, as well as using devices that simulated μG on the ground to investigate gravity effects on cells and organisms, and we have gained insights into how living organisms respond to μG. However, our knowledge on how to assess and manage human health risks in long-term mission to the Moon or Mars is drastically limited. For example, little information is available on how cells respond to simultaneous exposure to space radiation and μG. In this study, we analyzed the frequencies of chromosome aberrations (CA) in cultured human lymphoblastic TK6 cells exposed to X-ray or carbon ion under the simulated μG conditions. A higher frequency of both simple and complex types of CA were observed in cells exposed to radiation and μG simultaneously compared to CA frequency in cells exposed to radiation only. Our study shows that the dose response data on space radiation obtained at the 1G condition could lead to the underestimation of astronauts' potential risk for health deterioration, including cancer. This study also emphasizes the importance of obtaining data on the molecular and cellular responses to irradiation under μG conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakuya Yamanouchi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Jordan Rhone
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Keigi Fujiwara
- Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Premkumar B. Saganti
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
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21
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Huang P, Russell AL, Lefavor R, Durand NC, James E, Harvey L, Zhang C, Countryman S, Stodieck L, Zubair AC. Feasibility, potency, and safety of growing human mesenchymal stem cells in space for clinical application. NPJ Microgravity 2020; 6:16. [PMID: 32529028 PMCID: PMC7264338 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-020-0106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing stem cells on Earth is very challenging and limited to a few population doublings. The standard two-dimensional (2D) culture environment is an unnatural condition for cell growth. Therefore, culturing stem cells aboard the International Space Station (ISS) under a microgravity environment may provide a more natural three-dimensional environment for stem cell expansion and organ development. In this study, human-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown in space were evaluated to determine their potential use for future clinical applications on Earth and during long-term spaceflight. MSCs were flown in Plate Habitats for transportation to the ISS. The MSCs were imaged every 24-48 h and harvested at 7 and 14 days. Conditioned media samples were frozen at -80 °C and cells were either cryopreserved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, RNAprotect, or paraformaldehyde. After return to Earth, MSCs were characterized to establish their identity and cell cycle status. In addition, cell proliferation, differentiation, cytokines, and growth factors' secretion were assessed. To evaluate the risk of malignant transformation, the space-grown MSCs were subjected to chromosomal, DNA damage, and tumorigenicity assays. We found that microgravity had significant impact on the MSC capacity to secrete cytokines and growth factors. They appeared to be more potent in terms of immunosuppressive capacity compared to their identical ground control. Chromosomal, DNA damage, and tumorigenicity assays showed no evidence of malignant transformation. Therefore, it is feasible and potentially safe to grow MSCs aboard the ISS for potential future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Athena L Russell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Rebecca Lefavor
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Nisha C Durand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Elle James
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Larry Harvey
- Center for Applied Space Technologies, Merritt Island, FL USA
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Stefanie Countryman
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Louis Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Abba C Zubair
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
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22
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Grimm D, Wehland M, Corydon TJ, Richter P, Prasad B, Bauer J, Egli M, Kopp S, Lebert M, Krüger M. The effects of microgravity on differentiation and cell growth in stem cells and cancer stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:882-894. [PMID: 32352658 PMCID: PMC7381804 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A spaceflight has enormous influence on the health of space voyagers due to the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. Known effects of microgravity (μg) on cells are changes in differentiation and growth. Considering the commercialization of spaceflight, future space exploration, and long-term manned flights, research focusing on differentiation and growth of stem cells and cancer cells exposed to real (r-) and simulated (s-) μg is of high interest for regenerative medicine and cancer research. In this review, we focus on platforms to study r- and s-μg as well as the impact of μg on cancer stem cells in the field of gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and osteosarcoma. Moreover, we review the current knowledge of different types of stem cells exposed to μg conditions with regard to differentiation and engineering of cartilage, bone, vasculature, heart, skin, and liver constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Richter
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Binod Prasad
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marcel Egli
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Space Biology Group, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lebert
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Space Biology Unlimited SAS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Putative Receptors for Gravity Sensing in Mammalian Cells: The Effects of Microgravity. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10062028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gravity is a constitutive force that influences life on Earth. It is sensed and translated into biochemical stimuli through the so called “mechanosensors”, proteins able to change their molecular conformation in order to amplify external cues causing several intracellular responses. Mechanosensors are widely represented in the human body with important structures such as otholiths in hair cells of vestibular system and statoliths in plants. Moreover, they are also present in the bone, where mechanical cues can cause bone resorption or formation and in muscle in which mechanical stimuli can increase the sensibility for mechanical stretch. In this review, we discuss the role of mechanosensors in two different conditions: normogravity and microgravity, emphasizing their emerging role in microgravity. Microgravity is a singular condition in which many molecular changes occur, strictly connected with the modified gravity force and free fall of bodies. Here, we first summarize the most important mechanosensors involved in normogravity and microgravity. Subsequently, we propose muscle LIM protein (MLP) and sirtuins as new actors in mechanosensing and signaling transduction under microgravity.
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Simulated Microgravity Influences VEGF, MAPK, and PAM Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041263. [PMID: 32070055 PMCID: PMC7072928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in men worldwide. An unusual but unique environment for studying tumor cell processes is provided by microgravity, either in space or simulated by ground-based devices like a random positioning machine (RPM). In this study, prostate adenocarcinoma-derived PC-3 cells were cultivated on an RPM for time periods of 3 and 5 days. We investigated the genes associated with the cytoskeleton, focal adhesions, extracellular matrix, growth, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The gene expression of signaling factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathways was investigated using qPCR. We performed immunofluorescence to study the cytoskeleton, histological staining to examine the morphology, and a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay to analyze the cell culture supernatants. When PC-3 cells were exposed to simulated microgravity (s-µg), some cells remained growing as adherent cells (AD), while most cells detached from the cell culture flask bottom and formed multicellular spheroids (MCS). After 3-day RPM exposure, PC-3 cells revealed significant downregulation of the VEGF, SRC1, AKT, MTOR, and COL1A1 gene expression in MCS, whereas FLT1, RAF1, MEK1, ERK1, FAK1, RICTOR, ACTB, TUBB, and TLN1 mRNAs were not significantly changed. ERK2 and TLN1 were elevated in AD, and FLK1, LAMA3, COL4A5, FN1, VCL, CDH1, and NGAL mRNAs were significantly upregulated in AD and MCS after 3 days. After a 5-day culture in s-µg, the PC-3 cells showed significant downregulations of VEGF mRNA in AD and MCS, and FN1, CDH1, and LAMA3 in AD and SCR1 in MCS. In addition, we measured significant upregulations in FLT1, AKT, ERK1, ERK2, LCN2, COL1A1, TUBB, and VCL mRNAs in AD and MCS, and increases in FLK1, FN1, and COL4A5 in MCS as well as LAMB2, CDH1, RAF1, MEK1, SRC1, and MTOR mRNAs in AD. FAK1 and RICTOR were not altered by s-µg. In parallel, the secretion rate of VEGFA and NGAL proteins decreased. Cytoskeletal alterations (F-actin) were visible, as well as a deposition of collagen in the MCS. In conclusion, RPM-exposure of PC-3 cells induced changes in their morphology, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix protein synthesis, as well as in their focal adhesion complex and growth behavior. The significant upregulation of genes belonging to the PAM pathway indicated their involvement in the cellular changes occurring in microgravity.
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Tissue Chips in Space: Modeling Human Diseases in Microgravity. Pharm Res 2019; 37:8. [PMID: 31848830 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as "organs-on-chips" or "tissue chips," leverage recent advances in cell biology, tissue engineering, and microfabrication to create in vitro models of human organs and tissues. These systems offer promising solutions for modeling human physiology and disease in vitro and have multiple applications in areas where traditional cell culture and animal models fall short. Recently, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory have coordinated efforts to facilitate the launch and use of these MPS platforms onboard the ISS. Here, we provide an introduction to the NIH Tissue Chips in Space initiative and an overview of the coordinated efforts between NIH and the ISS National Laboratory. We also highlight the current progress in addressing the scientific and technical challenges encountered in the development of these ambitious projects. Finally, we describe the potential impact of the Tissue Chips in Space program for the MPS field as well as the wider biomedical and health research communities.
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Effects of Spaceflight on Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Structure and Function. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 13:960-969. [PMID: 31708475 PMCID: PMC6915842 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With extended stays aboard the International Space Station (ISS) becoming commonplace, there is a need to better understand the effects of microgravity on cardiac function. We utilized human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) to study the effects of microgravity on cell-level cardiac function and gene expression. The hiPSC-CMs were cultured aboard the ISS for 5.5 weeks and their gene expression, structure, and functions were compared with ground control hiPSC-CMs. Exposure to microgravity on the ISS caused alterations in hiPSC-CM calcium handling. RNA-sequencing analysis demonstrated that 2,635 genes were differentially expressed among flight, post-flight, and ground control samples, including genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism. This study represents the first use of hiPSC technology to model the effects of spaceflight on human cardiomyocyte structure and function.
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