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Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
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Simulated Mars Gravity Impairs Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Integrity via Selective Modulation of Tight Junction

Laura Benvenuti1, Chiara Bertini2,3, Gemma Marcelli3

  • 1Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.

Biomolecules
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Simulated Mars gravity disrupts intestinal barrier function by altering tight junctions (TJs) and causing oxidative stress. These changes impact astronaut gut health during long-duration space missions.

Keywords:
MarsRPMSTAT3claudinsintestinal epithelial barriermicrogravitytight junctions

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Investigating Intestinal Barrier Breakdown in Living Organoids
07:18

Investigating Intestinal Barrier Breakdown in Living Organoids

Published on: March 26, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Space biology
  • Cell biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Long-duration space missions involve reduced gravity, leading to oxidative stress and epithelial barrier dysfunction.
  • The intestinal epithelial barrier, crucial for gut health, relies on tight junctions (TJs), but their response to partial gravity is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of simulated Mars gravity on intestinal epithelial barrier structure, function, and molecular composition.
  • To identify molecular pathways involved in the response to simulated Mars gravity.

Main Methods:

  • Differentiated intestinal epithelial monolayers were exposed to simulated Mars gravity.
  • Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess TJ ultrastructure.
  • Barrier function was measured by assessing paracellular permeability.
  • Molecular changes in TJ proteins and signaling pathways were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Simulated Mars gravity caused TJ ultrastructural remodeling, widening of the paracellular space, and impaired barrier function.
  • Oxidative stress and lipid droplet accumulation were observed.
  • Selective downregulation of CLDN1, CLDN3, and ZO-1 occurred without mislocalization.
  • STAT3 activation was associated with these alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Simulated Mars gravity disrupts intestinal barrier homeostasis.
  • TJ remodeling and oxidative stress are key responses to simulated Mars gravity.
  • Targeting TJ remodeling may be crucial for maintaining gut integrity in astronauts during space missions.