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Project Title:  Dose-Response Study of Musculoskeletal Outcomes Following Centrifugation in Adult Mice on ISS Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2022 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 02/14/2019  
End Date: 12/31/2022  
Task Last Updated: 12/13/2021 		 Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Bouxsein, Mary  Ph.D. / Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Address:  Department of Orthopedic Surgery 
330 Brookline Ave, RN115 
Boston , MA 02215-5400 		 Email: mbouxsei@bidmc.harvard.edu 
Phone: 617-667-4594  
Congressional District: 7 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Farber, Charles  Ph.D. University of Virginia, Charlottesville 
Ferguson, Virginia  Ph.D. University of Colorado, Boulder 
Rutkove, Seward  M.D. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc./Harvard Medical School 
Willey, Jeffrey  Ph.D. Wake Forest University 
Wein, Marc  M.D., Ph.D. Masachusetts General Hospital 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: November 2020 report: Marc Wein, MD, PhD has been added as a co-investigator due to his expertise in mechanobiology and multi 'omic analyses.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC19K0534 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Stenger, Michael  
Center Contact: 281-483-1311 
michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2017-2018 HERO 80JSC017N0001-BPBA Topics in Biological, Physiological, and Behavioral Adaptations to Spaceflight. Appendix C 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC19K0534 
Project Type: FLIGHT,GROUND 
Flight Program: ISS 
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 1 
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:   		No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone (IRP Rev M)
(2) Muscle:Risk of Impaired Performance Due to Reduced Muscle Mass, Strength and Endurance
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) M02:Characterize in-flight and post-flight muscle performance (IRP Rev F)
(2) M09:Identify and validate exploration hardware for maintenance of muscle fitness (IRP Rev F)
(3) M14:Indentify adjuncts to exercise countermeasures that can be used to better mitigate muscle loss (IRP Rev F)
(4) Osteo04:We do not know the contribution of each risk factor on bone loss and recovery of bone strength, and which factors are the best targets for countermeasure application (IRP Rev E)
(5) Osteo06:How do skeletal changes due to spaceflight modify the terrestrial risk of osteoporotic fractures? (IRP Rev D)
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 12/31/2022 per NSSC information (Ed., 2/8/22)

NOTE: End date changed to 12/31/2021 per NSSC information (Ed., 4/7/21)

NOTE: End date changed to 12/15/2020 per NSSC information (Ed., 7/24/20)20)

Task Description: Mechanical loading is required for maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, exposure to spaceflight or reduced mechanical loading on Earth induces marked bone loss, muscle atrophy, and degradation of soft-tissue structures in both the knee (e.g., cartilage, menisci, and ligaments) and hip (e.g., cartilage) joints. This is a major concern for astronauts during and after long-duration spaceflight, as they may be at increased risk for reduced performance, bone fractures, and both early-onset osteoporosis and arthritis. Artificial gravity, generated by centrifugal force generation, is a possible approach to mitigate these deleterious changes. Yet, the ability of partial gravity induced by centrifugal acceleration to inhibit adverse musculoskeletal changes in spaceflight remains unknown. Given the constraints of studying centrifugation as a countermeasure on Earth, spaceflight-based studies are needed. We propose to determine the effects of varying partial gravity levels on bone, muscle, and soft tissues of the hip and knee joints in adult mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Mouse Habitat Unit. We will examine bone structure post-flight using high-resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT); bone cellularity using quantitative histomorphometry; bone function via biomechanical testing; and bone composition via Raman spectroscopy and quantitative backscattered electron imaging. We will examine neuromuscular function via pre- and post-flight gait analysis, balance beam walking, and grip strength measurements. Post-flight muscle analyses will include histology and electrical impedance myography. Post-flight analyses of joint soft-tissues will include structural measurements of cartilage, menisci, and ligaments using both contrast-enhanced high-resolution microCT and histology; molecular composition of cartilage and menisci using proteomics and Raman spectroscopy; and biomechanical properties of cartilage using nano-indentation. Cellular and molecular responses for bone, muscle, and joint soft tissues will also be evaluated via whole transcriptome analyses (e.g., RNASeq). Results from these integrated, comprehensive analyses will provide information regarding whether partial gravity, either induced by centrifugal acceleration or via Moon or Mars environments, will protect from musculoskeletal deterioration during spaceflight, or whether additional countermeasures will be necessary.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: A better understanding of the effects of different levels of mechanical loading via centrifugation on the musculoskeletal system may inform interventions and rehabilitation protocols for individuals exposed to chronic immobilization or unloading.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2022 
Task Progress: Spaceflight exposes physiologic systems to multiple stressors, including radiation, confinement, and lack of gravitational loading. Artificial gravity by centrifugation has been proposed as a potential countermeasure to mitigate physiologic changes due to lack of gravitational loading. Indeed, Shiba et al. (Sci Report 2017) reported that exposure of male mice to artificial gravity (at 1G) by centrifugation for 35 days on the ISS prevented deleterious musculoskeletal changes associated with microgravity. Yet, the physiologic responses to lesser magnitudes of artificial gravity are not well established. Thus, the aim of this multi-Principal Investigator (PI), multi-national collaborative study is to determine how different physiologic systems respond to various levels of partial gravity. Using the JAXA Multiple Artificial-gravity research system (MARS), adult male C57Bl/6 mice (age 12 weeks) will be exposed to either 0G, 0.33G, 0.67G, or 1G (6 mice per group) during a 30-day missing to the International Space Station. Two groups of ground controls will be utilized: one group (n=12) will be housed in identical environment as the artificial gravity cages and a second group (n=12) will be housed in normal cages in the NASA vivarium. All mice will be returned to Earth alive. Prior to launch, mice will undergo implantation of an intraperitoneal datalogger that continuously records body temperature for evaluation of circadian rhythms. Mice will also undergo a series of preflight testing, including muscle function (via grip strength), neuromotor function via gait analysis and rotarod testing, and assessment of bone mass and body composition via DXA. Fecal pellets will be collected for microbiome analyses. During flight, mice will be weighed and fecal pellets collected weekly in coordination with cage maintenance activities. Injection of fluorochromes towards the end of the flight period will facilitate assessment of bone formation rate via histomorphometry. Upon return, mice will repeat muscle function and neuromotor testing, and then tissues will be collected by each principal investigator for a variety of histologic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. It is expected the flight for this experiment will occur in Feb 2023.

Project Accomplishments

Study Protocol & Administrative Tasks. We have worked with the multi-PI team to create a harmonized protocol that is able to complete the scientific aims of each individual PI. The PI team has met monthly. We reviewed, edited, and approved the Science Requirements Document. We attended a kick-off meeting with the service provider, Leidos.

Ground-based Test of Fluorochrome Labels. The primary aim of this technical experiment was to determine if the fluorophores would be stable and taken up in the bone if prepared and frozen for 5 weeks and then injected into the animals. We also tested different combinations of fluorophores (Calcein green, Calcein Blue, Alizarin red, and Xylenol orange). In addition, we collected fecal samples and soleus muscle tissue for Mouse Habitat Unit (MHU) MHU-8 co-principal investigators M. Vitaterna and S. Takahashi, respectively, to determine whether the fluorochrome injections impacted their proposed outcomes.

Reference: Shiba D, Mizuno H, Yumoto A, Shimomura M, Kobayashi H, Morita H, Shimbo M, Hamada M, Kudo T, Shinohara M, Asahara H, Shirakawa M, Takahashi S. Development of new experimental platform 'MARS'-Multiple Artificial-gravity Research System-to elucidate the impacts of micro/partial gravity on mice. Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 7;7(1):10837.

Bibliography Type: Description: (Last Updated: 10/14/2021) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography Listing
 
 None in FY 2022
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Dose-Response Study of Musculoskeletal Outcomes Following Centrifugation in Adult Mice on ISS Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2021 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 02/14/2019  
End Date: 12/31/2021  
Task Last Updated: 12/07/2020 		 Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Bouxsein, Mary  Ph.D. / Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Address:  Department of Orthopedic Surgery 
330 Brookline Ave, RN115 
Boston , MA 02215-5400 		 Email: mbouxsei@bidmc.harvard.edu 
Phone: 617-667-4594  
Congressional District: 7 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Farber, Charles  Ph.D. University of Virginia, Charlottesville 
Ferguson, Virginia  Ph.D. University of Colorado, Boulder 
Rutkove, Seward  M.D. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc./Harvard Medical School 
Willey, Jeffrey  Ph.D. Wake Forest University 
Wein, Marc  M.D., Ph.D. Masachusetts General Hospital 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: November 2020 report: Marc Wein, MD, PhD has been added as a co-investigator due to his expertise in mechanobiology and multi 'omic analyses.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC19K0534 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Stenger, Michael  
Center Contact: 281-483-1311 
michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2017-2018 HERO 80JSC017N0001-BPBA Topics in Biological, Physiological, and Behavioral Adaptations to Spaceflight. Appendix C 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC19K0534 
Project Type: FLIGHT,GROUND 
Flight Program: ISS 
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 1 
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:   		No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone (IRP Rev M)
(2) Muscle:Risk of Impaired Performance Due to Reduced Muscle Mass, Strength and Endurance
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) M02:Characterize in-flight and post-flight muscle performance (IRP Rev F)
(2) M09:Identify and validate exploration hardware for maintenance of muscle fitness (IRP Rev F)
(3) M14:Indentify adjuncts to exercise countermeasures that can be used to better mitigate muscle loss (IRP Rev F)
(4) Osteo04:We do not know the contribution of each risk factor on bone loss and recovery of bone strength, and which factors are the best targets for countermeasure application (IRP Rev E)
(5) Osteo06:How do skeletal changes due to spaceflight modify the terrestrial risk of osteoporotic fractures? (IRP Rev D)
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 12/31/2021 per NSSC information (Ed., 4/7/21)

NOTE: End date changed to 12/15/2020 per NSSC information (Ed., 7/24/20)20)

Task Description: Mechanical loading is required for maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, exposure to spaceflight or reduced mechanical loading on Earth induces marked bone loss, muscle atrophy, and degradation of soft-tissue structures in both the knee (e.g., cartilage, menisci, and ligaments) and hip (e.g., cartilage) joints. This is a major concern for astronauts during and after long-duration spaceflight, as they may be at increased risk for reduced performance, bone fractures, and both early-onset osteoporosis and arthritis. Artificial gravity, generated by centrifugal force generation, is a possible approach to mitigate these deleterious changes. Yet, the ability of partial gravity induced by centrifugal acceleration to inhibit adverse musculoskeletal changes in spaceflight remains unknown. Given the constraints of studying centrifugation as a countermeasure on Earth, spaceflight-based studies are needed. We propose to determine the effects of varying partial gravity levels on bone, muscle, and soft tissues of the hip and knee joints in adult mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Mouse Habitat Unit. We will examine bone structure post-flight using high-resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT); bone cellularity using quantitative histomorphometry; bone function via biomechanical testing; and bone composition via Raman spectroscopy and quantitative backscattered electron imaging. We will examine neuromuscular function via pre- and post-flight gait analysis, balance beam walking, and grip strength measurements. Post-flight muscle analyses will include histology and electrical impedance myography. Post-flight analyses of joint soft-tissues will include structural measurements of cartilage, menisci, and ligaments using both contrast-enhanced high-resolution microCT and histology; molecular composition of cartilage and menisci using proteomics and Raman spectroscopy; and biomechanical properties of cartilage using nano-indentation. Cellular and molecular responses for bone, muscle, and joint soft tissues will also be evaluated via whole transcriptome analyses (e.g., RNASeq). Results from these integrated, comprehensive analyses will provide information regarding whether partial gravity, either induced by centrifugal acceleration or via Moon or Mars environments, will protect from musculoskeletal deterioration during spaceflight, or whether additional countermeasures will be necessary.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: A better understanding of the effects of different levels of mechanical loading via centrifugation on the musculoskeletal system may inform interventions and rehabilitation protocols for individuals exposed to chronic immobilization or unloading.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2021 
Task Progress: During the flight definition phase, we have collaborated with the other principal investigators to develop an integrated protocol that accommodates the scientific requirements of all investigators. We met in person with JAXA colleagues at the Human Research Program (HRP) Investigator Workshop in Jan 2020 to further discuss project details. We (the NASA-funded investigators) have met regularly with our mission specialist, Rebecca Klotz, and others to discuss details of the experimental details, both for pre-flight science (ground-based) tests, as well as flight and post-flight considerations. We have revised our protocol to accommodate HRP requests to include neuromotor testing by identifying a replacement for the initially-proposed rotorod test. Specifically, we now propose two functional tests, namely the balance beam walk and the paw tape-removal test, validated protocols that probe different aspects of neuromotor function. In addition, we have identified a vendor willing to provide a new peripheral DXA device that will decrease scanning time by 5-fold relative to the standard PIXImus, used routinely for bone density and body composition analyses in rodents. We have also identified a vendor willing to provide us with an in-vivo microCT system for in vivo assessment of bone microstructure in the lower extremity pre- and post-flight. The addition of these two non-invasive imaging techniques will enable novel assessments of bone and bone composition.

The current study design includes four experimental groups of adult male C57BL/6J mice (12 weeks at launch): flight (FL, n=24), habitat ground control (HGC, n=12), vivarium ground control (VGC, n=12), and baseline ground control (n=12). Flight mice will be exposed to one of four gravity conditions (n=6 / group) between 0 and 1G while on a 30-day mission to the International Space Station. Mice will be implanted with an intraperitoneal datalogger pre-flight to measure body temperature for circadian rhythm analyses (Principal Investigator: Fuller). Additional pre- and post-flight in vivo testing includes microbiome analyses, gait analysis, neuromotor testing (e.g., balance beam walk), bone mineral density, and lower extremity bone microstructure by microcomputed tomography. Post-flight ex vivo analyses will include histology and transcriptomic analyses of multiple tissues. Altogether this comprehensive evaluation will provide new insights on the gravity dose vs physiologic response relationship for multiple tissues and biologic systems.

Additional work over the past year includes reviewing and editing of the Science Requirements Document (SRD), which outlines the detailed requirements related to pre- and post-flight animal care and data collection.

Bibliography Type: Description: (Last Updated: 10/14/2021) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography Listing
 
 None in FY 2021
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Dose-Response Study of Musculoskeletal Outcomes Following Centrifugation in Adult Mice on ISS Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2020 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 02/14/2019  
End Date: 12/15/2020  
Task Last Updated: 12/26/2019 		 Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Bouxsein, Mary  Ph.D. / Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Address:  Department of Orthopedic Surgery 
330 Brookline Ave, RN115 
Boston , MA 02215-5400 		 Email: mbouxsei@bidmc.harvard.edu 
Phone: 617-667-4594  
Congressional District: 7 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Farber, Charles  Ph.D. University of Virginia, Charlottesville 
Ferguson, Virginia  Ph.D. University of Colorado, Boulder 
Rutkove, Seward  M.D. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. 
Willey, Jeffrey  Ph.D. Wake Forest University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC19K0534 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Norsk, Peter  
Center Contact:  
Peter.norsk@nasa.gov  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2017-2018 HERO 80JSC017N0001-BPBA Topics in Biological, Physiological, and Behavioral Adaptations to Spaceflight. Appendix C 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC19K0534 
Project Type: FLIGHT,GROUND 
Flight Program: ISS 
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 1 
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:   		No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone (IRP Rev M)
(2) Muscle:Risk of Impaired Performance Due to Reduced Muscle Mass, Strength and Endurance
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) M02:Characterize in-flight and post-flight muscle performance (IRP Rev F)
(2) M09:Identify and validate exploration hardware for maintenance of muscle fitness (IRP Rev F)
(3) M14:Indentify adjuncts to exercise countermeasures that can be used to better mitigate muscle loss (IRP Rev F)
(4) Osteo04:We do not know the contribution of each risk factor on bone loss and recovery of bone strength, and which factors are the best targets for countermeasure application (IRP Rev E)
(5) Osteo06:How do skeletal changes due to spaceflight modify the terrestrial risk of osteoporotic fractures? (IRP Rev D)
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 12/15/2020 per NSSC information (Ed., 7/24/20)

Task Description: Mechanical loading is required for maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, exposure to spaceflight or reduced mechanical loading on Earth induces marked bone loss, muscle atrophy, and degradation of soft-tissue structures in both the knee (e.g., cartilage, menisci, and ligaments) and hip (e.g., cartilage) joints. This is a major concern for astronauts during and after long-duration spaceflight, as they may be at increased risk for reduced performance, bone fractures, and both early-onset osteoporosis and arthritis. Artificial gravity, via centripetal acceleration, is a possible approach to mitigate these deleterious changes. Yet, the ability of partial gravity induced by centripetal acceleration to inhibit adverse musculoskeletal changes in spaceflight remains unknown. Given the constraints of studying centrifugation as a countermeasure on Earth, spaceflight-based studies are needed. We propose to determine the effects of varying partial gravity levels on bone, muscle, and soft tissues of the hip and knee joints in adult mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Mouse Habitat Unit. We will examine bone structure post-flight using high-resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT); bone cellularity using quantitative histomorphometry; bone function via biomechanical testing and nano-indentation; and bone composition via Raman spectroscopy and quantitative backscattered electron imaging. We will examine neuromuscular function via pre- and post-flight Rotorod testing, gait analysis, and grip strength measurements. Post-flight muscle analyses will include histology and electrical impedance myography. Post-flight analyses of joint soft-tissues will include structural measurements of cartilage, menisci, and ligaments using both contrast-enhanced high-resolution microCT and histology; molecular composition of cartilage and menisci using proteomics and Raman spectroscopy; and biomechanical properties of cartilage using nano-indentation. Cellular and molecular responses for bone, muscle, and joint soft tissues will also be evaluated via whole transcriptome analyses (e.g., RNASeq). Results from these integrated, comprehensive analyses will provide information regarding whether partial gravity, either induced by centripetal acceleration or via Moon or Mars environments, will protect from musculoskeletal deterioration during spaceflight, or whether additional countermeasures will be necessary.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: A better understanding of the effects of different levels of mechanical loading via centrifugation on the musculoskeletal system may inform interventions and rehabilitation protocols for individuals exposed to chronic immobilization or unloading.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2020 
Task Progress: We have generated a combined study protocol with 3 principal investigators, and have also considered how to make the study protocol work with the objectives and requirements of our Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) colleagues.

Bibliography Type: Description: (Last Updated: 10/14/2021) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography Listing
 
 None in FY 2020
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Dose-Response Study of Musculoskeletal Outcomes Following Centrifugation in Adult Mice on ISS Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2019 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
 Start Date: 02/14/2019  
End Date: 02/13/2020  
Task Last Updated: 03/15/2019 		 Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Bouxsein, Mary  Ph.D. / Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Address:  Department of Orthopedic Surgery 
330 Brookline Ave, RN115 
Boston , MA 02215-5400 		 Email: mbouxsei@bidmc.harvard.edu 
Phone: 617-667-4594  
Congressional District: 7 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Farber, Charles  Ph.D. University of Virginia, Charlottesville 
Ferguson, Virginia  Ph.D. University of Colorado, Boulder 
Rutkove, Seward  M.D. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. 
Willey, Jeffrey  Ph.D. Wake Forest University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. 80NSSC19K0534 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Norsk, Peter  
Center Contact:  
Peter.norsk@nasa.gov  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2017-2018 HERO 80JSC017N0001-BPBA Topics in Biological, Physiological, and Behavioral Adaptations to Spaceflight. Appendix C 
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC19K0534 
Project Type: FLIGHT 
Flight Program: ISS 
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:   		No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone (IRP Rev M)
(2) Muscle:Risk of Impaired Performance Due to Reduced Muscle Mass, Strength and Endurance
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) M02:Characterize in-flight and post-flight muscle performance (IRP Rev F)
(2) M09:Identify and validate exploration hardware for maintenance of muscle fitness (IRP Rev F)
(3) M14:Indentify adjuncts to exercise countermeasures that can be used to better mitigate muscle loss (IRP Rev F)
(4) Osteo04:We do not know the contribution of each risk factor on bone loss and recovery of bone strength, and which factors are the best targets for countermeasure application (IRP Rev E)
(5) Osteo06:How do skeletal changes due to spaceflight modify the terrestrial risk of osteoporotic fractures? (IRP Rev D)
Task Description: Mechanical loading is required for maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, exposure to spaceflight or reduced mechanical loading on Earth induces marked bone loss, muscle atrophy, and degradation of soft-tissue structures in both the knee (e.g., cartilage, menisci, and ligaments) and hip (e.g., cartilage) joints. This is a major concern for astronauts during and after long-duration spaceflight, as they may be at increased risk for reduced performance, bone fractures, and both early-onset osteoporosis and arthritis. Artificial gravity, via centripetal acceleration, is a possible approach to mitigate these deleterious changes. Yet, the ability of partial gravity induced by centripetal acceleration to inhibit adverse musculoskeletal changes in spaceflight remains unknown. Given the constraints of studying centrifugation as a countermeasure on Earth, spaceflight-based studies are needed. We propose to determine the effects of varying partial gravity levels on bone, muscle, and soft tissues of the hip and knee joints in adult mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Mouse Habitat Unit. We will examine bone structure post-flight using high-resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT); bone cellularity using quantitative histomorphometry; bone function via biomechanical testing and nano-indentation; and bone composition via Raman spectroscopy and quantitative backscattered electron imaging. We will examine neuromuscular function via pre- and post-flight Rotorod testing, gait analysis, and grip strength measurements. Post-flight muscle analyses will include histology and electrical impedance myography. Post-flight analyses of joint soft-tissues will include structural measurements of cartilage, menisci, and ligaments using both contrast-enhanced high-resolution microCT and histology; molecular composition of cartilage and menisci using proteomics and Raman spectroscopy; and biomechanical properties of cartilage using nano-indentation. Cellular and molecular responses for bone, muscle, and joint soft tissues will also be evaluated via whole transcriptome analyses (e.g., RNASeq). Results from these integrated, comprehensive analyses will provide information regarding whether partial gravity, either induced by centripetal acceleration or via Moon or Mars environments, will protect from musculoskeletal deterioration during spaceflight, or whether additional countermeasures will be necessary.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2019 
Task Progress: New project for FY2019.

Bibliography Type: Description: (Last Updated: 10/14/2021) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography Listing
 
 None in FY 2019
Back to Search Results