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Simulated Microgravity can Promote the Apoptosis and Change Inflammatory State of Kupffer Cells
Jun Ge1, Fei Liu2, Hongyun Nie3
1Clinical laboratory, the Ninth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100101, China.
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Simulated microgravity triggers Kupffer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. This process involves M1 polarization and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα) secretion, enhancing cell death.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Space Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Kupffer cells are crucial immune cells in the liver.
- Microgravity's impact on cellular function is an area of active research.
- Understanding microgravity-induced apoptosis is vital for astronaut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which simulated microgravity induces apoptosis in Kupffer cells.
- To analyze the transcriptomic and proteomic changes in Kupffer cells under simulated microgravity.
- To determine the role of M1 polarization in microgravity-induced Kupffer cell apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Simulated microgravity model using a rotary cell culture system.
- Transcriptome sequencing, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG pathway analysis.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), Western Blotting, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Simulated microgravity altered Kupffer cell apoptosis and inflammatory status.
- Upregulation of apoptosis-related genes (CASP3, CASP9, BCL2L11) observed.
- Simulated microgravity promoted Kupffer cell apoptosis and M1 polarization.
Conclusions:
- Simulated microgravity facilitates Kupffer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.
- Microgravity induces M1 polarization in Kupffer cells, leading to TNFα secretion and enhanced apoptosis.
