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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Real-Time Measurements of Calcium and Contractility Parameters in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Published on: May 26, 2023
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Spaceflight-induced contractile and mitochondrial dysfunction in an automated heart-on-a-chip platform
Devin B Mair1, Jonathan H Tsui1, Ty Higashi2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218.
Summary
Engineered heart tissues flown to space showed reduced function and damage due to microgravity. This study highlights spaceflight risks to cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Cardiovascular research
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Manned missions necessitate understanding spaceflight's impact on human physiology.
- Long-duration spaceflight poses risks to cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prolonged microgravity on engineered human heart tissues (EHTs).
- To establish an in vitro model for studying spaceflight-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- An automated heart-on-a-chip platform was deployed on the International Space Station for real-time monitoring.
- Post-flight analysis included ultrastructural imaging and RNA sequencing of EHTs.
Main Results:
- Spaceflight EHTs displayed reduced contractile forces, increased arrhythmias, and cellular damage.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed altered gene expression linked to metabolic disorders, heart failure, and oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged microgravity adversely affects cardiac function and cellular health in EHTs.
- The study provides an in vitro model to simulate spaceflight's detrimental effects on heart tissue.
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