Effect of calcium oxalate microcrystals on kidney proximal tubule epithelial cell gene expression in microgravity

We evaluated the impact of spaceflight on a microphysiologic model of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stone disease. Proximal tubule epithelial cells cultured as confluent microtubules were exposed to CaOx crystals with or without potassium citrate (a potential countermeasure) to determine the impact on gene expression. Nine genes were differentially expressed in response to CaOx crystal exposure during spaceflight. This project presents the use of microgravity as a unique environment to study kidney pathophysiology.