Cytoskeleton structure and adhesion properties of human stromal precursors under conditions of simulated microgravity

Microgravity induces a number of significant physiological changes in the cardiovascular, nervous, immune systems, as well as the bone tissue of astronauts. Changes in cell adhesion properties are one aspect affected during long-term spaceflights in mammalian cells. Cellular adhesion behaviors can be divided into cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion. These behaviors trigger cell–cell recognition, conjugation, migration, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and signal transduction. Cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) is a general term for macromolecules that mediate the contact and binding between cells or between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this review, we summarize the four major classes of adhesion molecules that regulate cell adhesion, including integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily (Ig-SF), cadherins, and selectin. Moreover, we discuss the effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on the adhesion of endothelial cells, immune cells, tumor cells, stem cells, osteoblasts, muscle cells, and other types of cells. Further studies on the effects of microgravity on cell adhesion and the corresponding physiological behaviors may help increase the safety and improve the health of astronauts in space.

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Increased proliferation and adhesion properties of human dental pulp stem cells in PLGA scaffolds via simulated microgravity

International Endodontic Journal ◽

10.1111/iej.12441 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 161-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

L. He ◽

S. Pan ◽

Y. Li ◽

L. Zhang ◽

W. Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Dental Pulp ◽

Simulated Microgravity ◽

Dental Pulp Stem Cells ◽

Adhesion Properties ◽

Human Dental Pulp

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Short-term effects of simulated microgravity on morphology and gene expression in human breast cancer cells

Physiology International ◽

10.1556/2060.106.2019.29 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 106 (4) ◽

pp. 311-322 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

F Strube ◽

M Infanger ◽

C Dietz ◽

A Romswinkel ◽

A Kraus

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Gene Expression ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Human Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Cancer Cells ◽

Simulated Microgravity ◽

Adherent Cells ◽

Human Breast Cancer Cells ◽

Human Breast ◽

Adhesion Properties

Introduction Microgravity has been shown to impose various effects on breast cancer cells. We exposed human breast cancer cells to simulated microgravity and studied morphology and alterations in gene expression. Materials and methods Human breast cancer cells were exposed to simulated microgravity in a random positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h. Morphology was observed under light microscopy, and gene alteration was studied by qPCR. Results After 24 h, formation of three-dimensional structures (spheroids) occurred. BRCA1 expression was significantly increased (1.9×, p < 0.05) in the adherent cells under simulated microgravity compared to the control. Expression of KRAS was significantly decreased (0.6×, p < 0.05) in the adherent cells compared to the control. VCAM1 was significantly upregulated (6.6×, 2.0×, p < 0.05 each) in the adherent cells under simulated microgravity and in the spheroids. VIM expression was significantly downregulated (0.45×, 0.44×, p < 0.05 each) in the adherent cells under simulated microgravity and in the spheroids. There was no significant alteration in the expression of MAPK1, MMP13, PTEN, and TP53. Conclusions Simulated microgravity induces spheroid formation in human breast cancer cells within 24 h and alters gene expression toward modified adhesion properties, enhanced cell repair, and phenotype preservation. Further insights into the underlying mechanisms could open up the way toward new therapies.

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