Medical and Hospital News
SPACE MEDICINE
Space could revolutionize stem cell research for treating disease
illustration only
Reuters Events SMR and Advanced Reactor 2025
Space could revolutionize stem cell research for treating disease
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 05, 2024

Stem cell research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is revealing promising therapeutic potential that could transform biotherapies for complex diseases, according to two Mayo Clinic scientists. The analysis, led by Fay Abdul Ghani and Dr. Abba Zubair and published in 'NPJ Microgravity', demonstrates how microgravity can enhance the regenerative power of stem cells. Dr. Zubair, a laboratory medicine specialist and director at Mayo Clinic's Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, described microgravity as an environment with "weightlessness or near-zero gravity," which offers unique research opportunities.

"Studying stem cells in space has uncovered cell mechanisms that would otherwise be undetected or unknown within the presence of normal gravity," explained Dr. Zubair. "That discovery indicates a broader scientific value to this research, including potential clinical applications."

Dr. Zubair has launched multiple stem cell experiments to the ISS, with each mission examining whether space conditions are ideal for cultivating a large quantity of potent stem cells. His research investigates whether space-grown cells retain their efficacy upon returning to Earth.

"The goal of almost all space flight in which stem cells are studied is to enhance growth of large amounts of safe and high-quality clinical-grade stem cells with minimal cell differentiation," said Dr. Zubair. He hopes that studying these space-cultured cells could pave the way for treatments targeting age-related diseases, including stroke, dementia, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.

Challenges in Growing Stem Cells on Earth
Adult stem cells sourced from bone marrow and fat tissue naturally resist division and specialization, meaning the number of these cells in any patient remains limited. To meet the demand for clinical and research applications, scientists must multiply these cells, a process that is costly, time-consuming, and often yields inconsistent outcomes.

Experiments conducted on the ISS have shed light on the behavior of stem cells, showing how microgravity supports enhanced cell growth and function. In space, cells can grow in a more realistic three-dimensional structure, which mimics conditions in human tissue far better than the two-dimensional culture methods available on Earth.

"The space environment offers an advantage to the growth of stem cells by providing a more natural three-dimensional state for their expansion, which closely resembles growth of cells in the human body," Dr. Zubair noted.

Insights from Space-Grown Stem Cells
Research into space-expanded stem cells suggests potential applications in disease modeling. These cells could be grown to simulate realistic models of conditions like cancer, enabling scientists to observe disease progression and test innovative treatments in vitro.

Several cell types studied in space have demonstrated promising clinical implications:

- Mesenchymal stem cells, adult stem cells known for their healing properties, showed enhanced immunosuppressive abilities when expanded in microgravity.

- Hematopoietic stem cells, which are critical for blood regeneration, displayed potential to differentiate into red and white blood cells, offering a possible future therapy for blood cancers.

- Cardiovascular progenitor cells could support heart tissue repair by promoting growth in the blood vessels and muscles essential for recovery after a heart attack.

- Neural stem cells maintained regenerative abilities after returning from space, sparking interest in their potential for treating central nervous system diseases.

Addressing Obstacles in Space-Based Research
Despite the exciting possibilities, space stem cell research poses notable challenges. Prolonged exposure to microgravity might weaken cells, impacting their performance once back on Earth. Additionally, cosmic radiation may damage cellular DNA, though Dr. Zubair's team found no evidence of chromosomal damage leading to cancer in mesenchymal stem cells grown in space.

"Stem cell research in the cosmos is in its early stages, and the full effects of multiplying cells in weightlessness are not fully understood," Dr. Zubair wrote. He emphasized the need for continued research, funding, and a deeper exploration of space's potential for advancing regenerative medicine.

The research received funding from NASA and the Mayo Clinic's Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics.

Research Report:Discoveries from human stem cell research in space that are relevant to advancing cellular therapies on Earth

Related Links
Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics at Mayo Clinic
Space Medicine Technology and Systems

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SPACE MEDICINE
Irvine group creates enzyme for efficient synthetic genetic material production
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 09, 2024
A research team at the University of California, Irvine has developed an enzyme that efficiently produces threose nucleic acid (TNA), a synthetic genetic material that could lead to new therapeutic options for cancer, autoimmune disorders, metabolic conditions, and infectious diseases. The ability to synthesize TNA, which is more stable than DNA, brings researchers closer to creating future TNA-based drugs. Published in 'Nature Catalysis', the study highlights the creation of an enzyme called 10-9 ... read more

SPACE MEDICINE
Tens of thousands protest in Spain over handling of deadly floods

Fukushima trial nuclear debris removal complete

Online disinformation exacerbates Spain flood disaster

Having weathered Trump's first term, UN braces for more turmoil

SPACE MEDICINE
Successful demo showcases BAE Systems' next-gen M-Code GNSS technology

Aerodata earns EASA certification for GPS anti-jamming and anti-spoofing tech

Axient secures contract for Resilient GPS Constellation under USSF Initiative

BAE Systems showcases advanced M-Code Increment 2 GNSS technology

SPACE MEDICINE
Chimpanzees show improved performance on difficult computer tasks with an audience

New findings on Denisovans reveal their role in shaping early human genetics

Memories extend beyond the brain in new NYU study

Human culture's distinctiveness lies in its open-ended nature

SPACE MEDICINE
New tools give researchers hope for fungus-ravaged US bats

Critically endangered Sumatran elephant calf born in Indonesia

Young Again: Study Shows Comb Jellies Can Reverse Aging

Summit to save nature enters final day with disagreement on funding

SPACE MEDICINE
Spread of dengue fever in Bangladesh worries medics

Climate shifts and urbanisation drive Nepal dengue surge

Covid lessons learned? UN summit mulls plan for healthy planet, and humans

WHO launches plan to rein in 'alarming' dengue spread

SPACE MEDICINE
Chinese slimmers trim down at weight-loss camps

China's Myanmar consulate hit with explosive device: Junta chief to visit China next month

China to almost double support for unfinished housing projects

Myanmar junta chief to travel to China next month: sources close to military

SPACE MEDICINE
El Salvador troops target gangs in large-scale operation

Hungary's Orban says corks will pop if Trump wins US election

SPACE MEDICINE
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.