Microgravity modulates keratinocyte, fibroblast, and endothelial cell communication during wound healing

In microgravity, skin tissue is particularly susceptible to damage from collisions, increasing the risk of injury for astronauts. This environment often delays wound healing, raising the potential for infections and adversely affecting astronaut health. The interplay between wound healing stages and cytokines in simulated microgravity remains poorly understood despite its importance. Microgravity exposure impacts key cell types in skin healing, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Noteworthy changes include enhanced keratinocyte migration, reduced fibroblast proliferation, and alterations in endothelial cell morphology and gene expression. These changes can hinder extracellular matrix remodeling and disrupt cell-to-cell adhesion during healing. Furthermore, advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of skin wound healing in microgravity. This review highlights new perspectives on the dynamics of skin wound healing under these unique conditions.