The Stellar Stem Cells Ax-2 investigation evaluated how microgravity affects methods for generating and growing stem cells into different tissue types. The cells studied, called induced pluripotent stem cells, can give rise to any type of human cell or tissue. NASA says understanding their processing in space could support regenerative medicine and future large-scale production of cellular therapies there. [S1]
Another station investigation, BFF Meniscus-2, used bioinks and cells to print knee cartilage tissue. NASA says the resulting meniscus was the first engineered tissue with an anatomically relevant shape printed on the station. Microgravity can help prevent tissue structures from deforming or collapsing, a challenge under Earth's gravity; manufactured tissue could eventually offer alternatives to scarce donor organs. [S1]
A separate study examined brain organoids made from neural stem cells of people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. NASA reports that neurons developed faster in microgravity than in cultures on Earth. The findings could help researchers understand neurological disease and develop treatments, and researchers plan further studies into the cause of the accelerated maturation. [S1]
Source documents
- Station Science Top News: Nov. 8, 2024https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/johnson/station-science-top-news-nov-8-2024/