Simulated Microgravity Reprograms Host Cell Architecture and Mitochondrial Function, Altering Toxoplasma gondii
Musfika Tasnim Shirin1, Takafumi Yamada1, Daisuke Kondoh2
1Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Osaki Miyagi Japan.
FASEB Bioadvances
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Simulated microgravity alters host cell mitochondria, impacting Toxoplasma gondii infection. This research reveals how physical environmental changes affect host-pathogen interactions and mitochondrial function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Space Biology
Background:
- Simulated microgravity (SMG) affects host cell structure and function.
- Toxoplasma gondii relies on host cell mitochondrial activity for growth.
- The impact of SMG on host-pathogen interactions is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SMG's effects on host cell mitochondria.
- To determine how SMG influences Toxoplasma gondii infection.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and Vero cells were subjected to SMG.
- Morphological and functional analyses of mitochondria were performed.
- T. gondii infection was assessed in SMG-exposed cells.
Main Results:
- SMG induced mitochondrial abnormalities and altered membrane potential and ATP levels in host cells.
- T. gondii growth varied depending on the host cell type under SMG.
- Vero cells showed increased parasite growth, while HFF cells showed decreased growth.
Conclusions:
- SMG-induced mitochondrial remodeling is linked to changes in host cell susceptibility to T. gondii.
- Physical environmental changes can modulate host-pathogen interactions via host mitochondrial function.
Keywords:
ATPHFFROSToxoplasma gondiiVero cellsmitochondriamitochondrial membrane potentialsimulated microgravityMore Related Videos
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