[Endothelial Gravisensitivity: the Role of Cytoskeleton and Adhesion Molecules.]

The functions of cardiovascular system are significantly altering in the space flight. The Review discusses the effects of microgravity on endothelial cells, which are important mechanosensitive element of the vascular wall. The challenges of the onboard space experiments are highlighted and current approaches to microgravity simulation in vitro are presented. The role of the cytoskeleton elements as a potential cellular gravisensors are demonstrated. The data on alteration of adhesion molecules expression and its proposed-role in the mechanism of endothelium gravisensitivity regulation is reflected. The possible reasons in the discrepancy of available data are considered in terms of experimental conditions, i.e. cell lines, the duration of exposure, the microgravity model, space flight conditions etc.