Research

Introduction to Space Cell Biology Research

Cells have been shown to respond to low gravity environments, although the mechanism of gravity-induced responses is unknown.  New theories are emerging about how gravity affects cellular changes.  When gravity is less than that of Earth, intermolecular and extrinsic forces are reordered and culture conditions change, such as convection, mass transfer, and boundary conditions.  This reordering changes the fluid conditions within the cell and sets off a cascade of changes in cell shape, organelle orientation, and membrane architecture.  Altered gravity can affect:

• Cell shape
• Signal transduction
• Cell division
• Gene expression (possibly causing DNA damage)
• Orientation of subcellular components
• Programmed cell death
• Cellular movement
• Synthesis and orientation of macromolecules
• Cellular repair
• Cytokine synthesis and secretion
• Glycosylation
• Biofilm formation

Microgravity, used as a research tool, allows investigators to probe underlying mechanisms in cell biology.  The Biological Systems Office (BSO) at NASA's Johnson Space Center combines NASA technology and the microgravity of space to provide unique cell culture settings that address applied and fundamental cell research challenges.  Furthermore, understanding the effects of microgravity at the cellular level can provide insight into the adaptations that crewmembers experience in space.

We offer the resources, both ground- and space-based, to investigators that need microgravity and altered gravity environments to achieve their research goals in cell biology, tissue engineering, and related sciences.  We support an extensive research program that attracts national and international investigators from government, academia, and industry.

To date, we have made great strides towards achieving our 5 milestones:

• Three-dimensional freedom of assembly without sedimentation;
• Three-dimensional growth of cell assemblies;
• Synthesis and elaboration of native matrix to strengthen and stabilize the tissue;
• Differentiation of cells to conduct specialized functions within the tissue; and
• Development of artificial or natural capillaries for delivery of nutrients and the dissipation of waste

Learn More About Our Research

+ Current Ground Investigations
+ Past Ground Investigations
+ Investigator Profiles
+ Publications

Learn More About BSO's Flight Activities and Capabilities

+ Flight Experiments
+ Flight Hardware
+ Flight Definition Laboratory