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In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity
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Morphological and Molecular Changes in Juvenile Normal Human Fibroblasts Exposed to Simulated Microgravity
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
Summary
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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