Abstract
With the increasing number of spaceflights, it is crucial to understand the changes occurring in human cells exposed to real microgravity (r-µg) conditions. We tested the effect of r-µg on MCF-7 breast cancer cells with the objective to investigate cytoskeletal alterations and early changes in the gene expression of factors belonging to the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, focal adhesion, and cytokines. In the Technische Experimente unter Schwerelosigkeit (TEXUS) 54 rocket mission, we had the opportunity to conduct our experiment during 6 min of r-µg and focused on cytoskeletal alterations of MCF-7 breast cancer cells expressing the Lifeact-GFP marker protein for the visualization of F-actin as well as the mCherry-tubulin fusion protein using the Fluorescence Microscopy Analysis System (FLUMIAS) for fast live-cell imaging under r-µg. Moreover, in a second mission we investigated changes in RNA transcription and morphology in breast cancer cells exposed to parabolic flight (PF) maneuvers (31st Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) PF campaign). The MCF-7 cells showed a rearrangement of the F-actin and tubulin with holes, accumulations in the tubulin network, and the appearance of filopodia- and lamellipodia-like structures in the F-actin cytoskeleton shortly after the beginning of the r-µg period. PF maneuvers induced an early up-regulation of KRT8, RDX, TIMP1, CXCL8 mRNAs, and a down-regulation of VCL after the first parabola. E-cadherin protein was significantly reduced and is involved in cell adhesion processes, and plays a significant role in tumorigenesis. Changes in the E-cadherin protein synthesis can lead to tumor progression. Pathway analyses indicate that VCL protein has an activating effect on CDH1. In conclusion, live-cell imaging visualized similar changes as those occurring in thyroid cancer cells in r-µg. This result indicates the presence of a common mechanism of gravity perception and sensation.
Highlights
Cancer is a burden of mankind with a high morbidity and mortality and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) data indicated in 2018 [1]
In this study we investigated Michigan cancer foundation (MCF)-7 breast cancer cells in real microgravity using two experimental platforms offered by a sounding rocket mission and a parabolic flight
The Fluorescence Microscopy Analysis System (FLUMIAS) microscope has been shown to be an elegant device suitable for live-cell imaging in real microgravity [11,30]
Summary
Cancer is a burden of mankind with a high morbidity and mortality and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) data indicated in 2018 [1]. More women are diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 than with any other cancer, besides skin cancer. In 2019, an estimated 268,600 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 62,930 women with in situ breast cancer [2]. An estimated 2670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Due to the high mortality, new ways must be taken to find new approaches and therapeutic strategies in cancer research. Studying the mechanisms of microgravity-dependent cellular and molecular changes is necessary to improve space medicine and to develop new treatment strategies for cancer patients [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
