Morphological and Molecular Changes in Juvenile Normal Human Fibroblasts Exposed to Simulated Microgravity

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Christoph Buken1,2, Jayashree Sahana2, Thomas J Corydon2,3

  • 1Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.

Scientific Reports
|August 17, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Simulated microgravity (µg) alters human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell structure and molecular factors. These changes are crucial for understanding fibroblast 3D-assembly in microgravity, impacting tissue engineering and disease research.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Space Biology

Background:

  • Microgravity (µg) exposure induces cellular and molecular changes in human cells.
  • Multicellular spheroids (MCS) formation is observed in various cell types under microgravity conditions.
  • Understanding these changes is vital for applications in tissue engineering and disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of simulated microgravity (s-µg) on juvenile normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF).
  • To analyze alterations in cell morphology, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM), focal adhesions, and growth factors.
  • To identify molecular factors involved in fibroblast 3D-assembly under s-µg.

Main Methods:

  • NHDF cells were cultured in simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine (RPM).
  • Differential gene and protein expression analysis was performed for key cellular components and signaling molecules.
  • Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to assess structural and membrane protein changes.
  • In silico analysis was employed to map protein interaction networks.

Main Results:

  • NHDF formed adherent monolayers and compact MCS in s-µg.
  • Significant differential regulation of ECM proteins (fibronectin, laminin, collagen-IV), growth factors (TGF-β1, IL-8), and cell adhesion molecules (integrin-β1, E-cadherin) was observed.
  • Cytoskeletal changes were minimal, but flow cytometry revealed variations in membrane-bound proteins.
  • In silico analysis identified an interaction network involving integrin-β1, E-cadherin, caveolin-1, and talin-1 in MCS growth.

Conclusions:

  • Simulated microgravity induces significant changes in NHDF cytoskeleton, ECM, focal adhesions, and growth behavior.
  • Key factors involved in fibroblast 3D-assembly under microgravity conditions were identified for the first time.
  • This research provides valuable insights for tissue engineering, wound healing, and understanding cancer metastasis.

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