Human Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exhibit Resistance to Long-Term Simulated Microgravity

We performed a comprehensive analysis of changes in the functional state of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the umbilical cord tissue (UC-MSCs) after a 30-day simulated microgravity exposure. It was found that simulated microgravity induced changes in the expression of stromal markers and cell cycle regulators in UC-MSCs but did not alter their viability and expression of the cytoskeletal genes. We also observed shifts in the expression of adhesion molecules and enhanced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. These findings indicate that microgravity modulates functional properties of MSCs and confirm the possibility of using these cells as a model system for studies of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying adaptation to microgravity during long-term spaceflights.