Stem cells grown in space have unique qualities

Stem cells grown in microgravity aboard the International Space Station have unique qualities that may one day help power new biotherapies and cure complex diseases, judging by the conclusions reached in a new study.

The study was carried out by Fay Ghani and Abba C. Zubair, from the Center for Regenerative Biotherapies at the Mayo Clinic in the United States.

The analysis of experimental results has made it possible to determine that microgravity can strengthen the regenerative potential of cells. Dr. Zubair is a specialist in laboratory medicine and medical director of the Center for Regenerative Biotherapies at the Mayo Clinic, United States. Abdul Ghani is a research technologist at the Mayo Clinic.

Microgravity is gravity close to zero.

“The study of stem cells in space revealed cellular mechanisms that would otherwise be undetected or unknown in the presence of normal gravity,” explains Dr. Zubair. “This finding indicates broader scientific value for this research, including potential clinical applications.”

Dr. Zubair has launched stem cell experiments from his laboratory on three different missions to the International Space Station. Their results review study provides data on an important question: “Is space the ideal environment for the growth of large numbers of stem cells?” Another key concern is whether cells grown in space could maintain their strength and function after their return to Earth.

“The goal of almost all space flights studying stem cells is to increase the growth of large quantities of safe, high-quality clinical-grade stem cells with minimal cellular differentiation,” says Dr. Zubair. “Our hope is to study these cultured cells in space to improve the treatment of age-related conditions, such as stroke, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.”

The challenges of growing stem cells on Earth

Adult stem cells found in bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue do not divide or differentiate into specialized cells. Consequently, the number of adult stem cells in any patient is limited. To obtain enough stem cells for clinical research or for use in patients, the cells must multiply and expand. It is an expensive, slow process with inconsistent results.

Through research on the International Space Station, scientists have gained a new understanding of how cells multiply, function, and become specialized cells. Importantly, they have also found that microgravity promotes better cell growth and function compared to those grown in a terrestrial laboratory environment.

“The space environment offers an advantage for the growth of stem cells, providing a more natural three-dimensional state for their expansion, which closely resembles the growth of cells in the human body. In contrast, the two-dimensional cultures available on Earth are less conducive to mimicking human tissue,” explains Dr. Zubair.

Artistic recreation of the concept of stem cells grown in space. (Illustration: Jorge Munnshe for NCYT from Amazings)

Findings of stem cells grown in space

The most immediate use of space stem cell research may be for tissue growth and for disease modeling. Stem cells grown in space could be used to recreate real models of cancer and other diseases in a Petri dish. Researchers will therefore be able to use these models to track the progression of diseases and test new therapies to stop them.

A comprehensive review of study results shows that space research has applications that go beyond the laboratory. Several stem cell lines cultured in weightlessness have demonstrated clinical potential:

Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells that secrete growth factors with healing potential. Dr. Zubair’s team documented that mesenchymal stem cells expanded in microgravity have greater immunosuppressive capabilities than those grown on Earth.

Hematopoietic stem cells have the regenerative capabilities in the blood to fight infections, stop bleeding, and transport oxygen. Hematopoietic stem cells grown aboard the International Space Station have shown the ability to expand and differentiate into red or white blood cells that, one day, may be used to treat patients with blood cancers.

Cardiovascular progenitor cells provide the building blocks of blood vessels and heart muscle. They play a crucial role in muscle restoration. The growth of cardiovascular progenitor cells in space may one day provide new options for restoring tissues damaged by heart attacks.

Neural stem cells are found in the central nervous system and play a fundamental role in the development, maintenance and repair of the brain. Neuronal cells expanded in a gravity-free environment maintained their regenerative capabilities on Earth. Researchers are studying whether neuronal cells grown in space could offer replacement therapy for diseases of the central nervous system.

Obstacles to healing

Despite the promise of extraterrestrial stem cell research, researchers face many challenges. Cells can lose their strength and ability to function after prolonged exposure to microgravity. Over time, space radiation can damage DNA and affect cell growth. Another concern is whether cells grown in microgravity can become cancerous. However, Dr. Zubair’s team found no evidence of chromosomal damage that could trigger cancer in mesenchymal stem cells grown in space.

Stem cell research in the cosmos is in its early stages, and the full effects of cell multiplication in weightlessness are not yet fully understood. We will have to investigate more.

The study is titled “Discoveries from human stem cell research in space that are relevant to advancing cellular therapies on Earth.” And it has been published in the academic journal NPJ Microgravity. (Source: Mayo Clinic)