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  • Review Article
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Using space-based investigations to inform cancer research on Earth

Nature Reviews Cancer volume 13, pages 315–327 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Key Points

  • In the microgravity environment of space, cells assemble into multicellular three-dimensional constructs.

  • Reduced gravitational force has been shown to have far-ranging effects on cell growth and function, including effects on gene expression, the production of soluble factors, cell signalling and cytoskeletal organization.

  • Suspension-based cell culture can be achieved using the rotating wall bioreactor, clinostat, random positioning machine and magnetic levitation. These models provide certain conditions that are observed during culture in microgravity, including lack of sedimentation, reduced fluid shear, optimized cellular colocation and three-dimensional growth.

  • Research approaches derived from space-based investigations may be applicable to advance our knowledge of tumour biology, as well as inform the development of new anticancer technologies and therapeutic strategies.

Abstract

Experiments conducted in the microgravity environment of space are not typically at the forefront of the mind of a cancer biologist. However, space provides physical conditions that are not achievable on Earth, as well as conditions that can be exploited to study mechanisms and pathways that control cell growth and function. Over the past four decades, studies have shown how exposure to microgravity alters biological processes that may be relevant to cancer. In this Review, we explore the influence of microgravity on cell biology, focusing on tumour cells grown in space together with work carried out using models in ground-based investigations.

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Figure 1: RWV bioreactor 3D cell culture.
Figure 2: The RPM.
Figure 3: Magnetic levitation 3D cell culture.
Figure 4: 3D tumour cell aggregates.
Figure 5: Culture of LN1 human mixed mullerian ovarian tumour cells aboard the ISS.

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Acknowledgements

The authors dedicate this article in memory of Neil Alden Armstrong, with grateful appreciation and respect for his dedication and commitment to the exploration of space.

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  1. Nano3D Biosciences, 7,000 Fannin Street, Suite 2140, Houston, 77030, TX, USA

    Jeanne L. Becker & Glauco R. Souza

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  1. Jeanne L. Becker
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Glossary

Nuclear force

The force holding together subatomic particles of the nucleus.

Electromagnetic force

The force associated with electric and magnetic fields.

Microgravity

Conditions of reduced gravity experienced specifically in the space environment.

Standard gravity

The natural force of attraction exerted by Earth on objects at or near its surface.

Low Earth orbit

A circular orbit extending to approximately 1,200 miles above the Earth's surface.

Gravity-dependent convection

Movement of fluid or gas affected by gravity.

Hydrodynamic shear

Stress arising in a fluid that is a function of the fluid velocity gradient and viscosity.

Sedimentation

The settling of solid material from a state of suspension.

Discoid

Disc-like shape of normal red blood cells.

Echinocytic

Abnormally shaped red blood cells exhibiting blunt spicule protrusions.

Spheroids

Three-dimensional multicellular clusters or aggregates.

Turbulence

Disordered motion in a fluid yielding disrupted and irregular flow.

Laminar flow

Fluid flow occurring in layers.

Clinostat

A horizontally rotating culture device.

Clinorotation

Rotation of a culture vessel about its horizontal axis.

Membrane oxygenation

Oxygen delivered to cells in a culture vessel via a gas-permeable membrane.

Gravitational vector

Unidirectional downward pull of the force of gravity.

Warm bore superconductive magnet

A strong field (∼100 T per m gradient) magnet, similar to a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic magnet.

Histogenesis

Growth and differentiation of cells to form specialized tissue.

Tensegrity

Also known as tensional integrity. A biomechanical principle of continuous tension or prestress that imparts stability and integrity in a spatial system and that facilitates responsiveness to environmental cues.

Prestress

Resting tension that provides structural integrity.

Oral mucositis

Inflammation and ulceration occurring in the mouth, often experienced as a side effect of receiving cancer chemotherapy.

Myeloablative treatment

The use of antitumour therapy to eliminate cancer in the bone marrow.

Light therapy

Administration of varying wavelengths of light to affect a biological outcome.

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Becker, J., Souza, G. Using space-based investigations to inform cancer research on Earth. Nat Rev Cancer 13, 315–327 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc3507

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