Stem Cell Culture in Microgravity and Its Application in Cell-Based Therapy

Stem Cells Dev. 2018 Sep 15;27(18):1298-1302. doi: 10.1089/scd.2017.0298. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a rapid increase in space experiments. Initially, scientists focused on understanding the phenomenon of microgravity to discover countermeasures for preventing the adverse effects of microgravity on the astronauts' bodies. Lately, the application of microgravity environment has been gradually increasing with diverse objectives. Protein crystallization and three-dimensional cell culture are typical examples of microgravity application. Our recent studies suggested that microgravity is a useful tool for cell culture in cell-based therapy. In this review, we discussed microgravity-induced changes at cellular and molecular levels observed in experiments conducted during space flight or using simulated microgravity device. In addition, we summarized the utility of microgravity environment in cell-based therapy for central nervous system diseases.

Keywords: cell-based therapy; microgravity; stem cells.

MeSH terms

  • Aerospace Medicine / trends*
  • Astronauts
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Space Flight
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / radiation effects
  • Weightlessness Simulation