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Reduced receptor aggregation and altered cytoskeleton in cultured myocytes after space-flight
R Gruener1, R Roberts, R Reitstetter
1Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724, USA.
Abstract:
We carried out parallel experiments first on the slow clinostat and then in space-flight to examine the effects of altered gravity on the aggregation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the structure of the cytoskeleton in cultured Xenopus embryonic muscle cells. By examining the concordance between results from space flight and the clinostat, we tested whether the slow clinostat is a relevant simulation paradigm. Space-flown cells showed marked changes in the distribution and organization of actin filaments and had a reduced incidence of acetylcholine receptor aggregates at the site of contact with polystyrene beads. Similar effects were found after clinostat rotation. The sensitivity of synaptic receptor aggregation and cytoskeletal morphology suggests that in the microgravity of space cell behavior may be importantly altered.
Insights
The slow clinostat partially simulates microgravity effects on muscle cells, altering actin filaments and acetylcholine receptor aggregation. This suggests spaceflight significantly impacts cell structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Space Biology
Background:
- Altered gravity, such as microgravity in spaceflight, can significantly impact cellular processes.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for cell biology and neuroscience research.
- The slow clinostat is a ground-based tool used to simulate microgravity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microgravity on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cytoskeletal structure in cultured Xenopus embryonic muscle cells.
- To evaluate the slow clinostat as a relevant simulation model for spaceflight conditions.
- To examine the concordance of cellular responses between spaceflight and clinostat experiments.
Main Methods:
- Parallel experiments were conducted on the slow clinostat and during spaceflight.
- Cultured Xenopus embryonic muscle cells were used.
- Changes in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor aggregation and cytoskeletal organization (actin filaments) were analyzed.
- The distribution and organization of actin filaments were assessed.
- The incidence of acetylcholine receptor aggregates at cell-contact sites was quantified.
Main Results:
- Space-flown cells exhibited significant alterations in actin filament distribution and organization.
- A reduced incidence of acetylcholine receptor aggregates was observed in space-flown cells at contact sites.
- Similar changes in cytoskeletal morphology and receptor aggregation were observed in cells rotated on the slow clinostat.
- The results showed concordance between spaceflight and clinostat experiments.
Conclusions:
- The slow clinostat serves as a relevant simulation model for certain microgravity-induced cellular changes.
- Synaptic receptor aggregation and cytoskeletal morphology are sensitive to altered gravity conditions.
- Cellular behavior, particularly concerning synaptic function and cytoskeletal organization, may be significantly altered in the microgravity environment of space.