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Propagation of Dental and Respiratory Cells and Organs in Microgravity
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Osteoclasts and Microgravity.

John Kelly Smith1

  • 1Departments of Academic Affairs and Biomedical Sciences, James H Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 70300, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 19, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astronauts lose significant bone mass in space due to impaired osteocyte and osteoblast function. This review explores osteoclast biology and therapies for spaceflight-induced bone loss.

Keywords:
M-CSFRANKLbonecytokinesmicrogravityosteoblastsosteoclastsosteocytesspaceflight

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Area of Science:

  • Space medicine
  • Skeletal biology
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Astronauts experience 1.0%–1.5% monthly bone mass loss in space.
  • This loss stems from microgravity impairing osteocyte and osteoblast function, increasing osteoclast activity.
  • Existing countermeasures are insufficient to prevent this bone resorption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review osteoclast differentiation and function in microgravity.
  • To detail the molecular pathways involved in osteoclastogenesis.
  • To discuss current and future therapies for spaceflight-induced bone disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of osteoclast biology and spaceflight effects.
  • Analysis of hematopoietic stem cell ontogeny and differentiation pathways.
  • Examination of osteoclast cytoskeleton, immune regulation, and mechanotransduction.

Main Results:

  • Osteoclast differentiation is influenced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor, RANKL, and calcineurin pathways.
  • Microgravity impairs osteocyte and osteoblast function, leading to increased bone resorption.
  • Understanding osteoclast behavior in zero gravity is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into osteoclast function in microgravity is essential.
  • Targeting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption may prevent bone loss in astronauts.
  • Prospective therapies are needed to mitigate skeletal risks of space travel.