XconomyNational
More than 250 miles above the Earths surface aboard the International Space Station, a first-in-kind study of neurodegenerative disease is expected to reveal never-before-seen cell interactions.
The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) is funding the study, which is the result of a bi-coastal collaboration between the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute and Aspen Neuroscience, a San Diego startup developing personalized cell therapies for Parkinsons disease.
Collaborating with the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute on the other side of the country, the two teams have been working together for more than two years, exchanging and sharing technology to develop patient-derived, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) organoid models.
The 3D human organoid models were launched to the International Space Station earlier this month for research in microgravity, with the goal of furthering our understanding of neurogenerative diseases back on earth.
The models incorporate microglia, the inflammatory cells of the immune system that are implicated in the development of Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases, explains Paula Grisanti, CEO of NSCF.
Studying the 3D models in microgravity, researchers are able to observe cell interaction, gene expression, and other developments not seen in a regular lab.
Its not possible for you to have this same 3D model of cell interaction on Earth. This will be the first time in space where we can see these in 3D, Grisanti tells Xconomy.
Cells behave differently in space, though its not completely understood why. Cartilage grows faster and bigger, proteins fold differently, and cells mature more rapidly. Being able to see this happen in real-timethe models will be filmed for the full 30 dayswill offer researchers unprecedented insight into neurodegenerative disease.
To see how those cells talk to each other for 30 days when they are up on the international space station will allow scientists to see the point at which things start to go awry in those diseases and hopefully identify a new place or a new point at which you could intervene with a cell or gene therapy that may or may not currently exist, says Grisanti.
The research will touch back down to earth in early January at which time both labs will analyze the models to determine what exactly happened during their time in space. All data will be published for full dissemination.
(Paul Kuehl, Jason Rexroat, Gentry Barnett, Valentina Fossati, Jason Stein, Scott Noggle, Jana Stoudemire. Image courtesy of Space Tango)
NSCF has budgeted for a year of post-flight research after which the researchers will send the models back to the space station for a second flight to confirm what they saw and test new hypotheses, explains Grisanti. A second year of post-flight research also is funded, as is a second flight at the end of 2020.
We know were going to see something new because it has never been done before, says Grisanti, who explains that the budget and project will continue to be extended as long as new theories and opportunities are being developed.
The December flight was the second for the research teams at Apsen and NYSCF. A preliminary flight was conducted in July 2019 to test the hardware systems and prepare for the SpaceX CRS-19 launch.
Aspen has also been pressing ahead with its own research on solid ground. Last week, the company closed a $6.5 million seed round led by Domain Associates and Axon Ventures.
Aspens cell therapy approach was developed by its co-founders, Jeanne Loring, professor emeritus and founding director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute and Andres Bratt-Leal, a former post-doctoral researcher in Lorings lab. Also serving as Aspens chief scientific officer, Jeanne Loring was in May named Xconomys Stem Cell Pioneer of the Year.
(Main image: Experiment loaded for launch at Kennedy Space Center. Courtesy of Space Tango)
Melissa Fassbender is an Xconomy editor based in Chicago. You can reach her at mfassbender@xconomy.com.
Read more:
Orbiting Organoids: Research in Space to Unveil New Neurodegeneration Insight - Xconomy
- Exercise Helps Heart Disease Patients Live Longer [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- If You Have A Heart Attack, Dial 911, Don't Drive To The ER [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dried Plums, Tart Cherries, Grapes- What do they have in common? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Vitamin D for Me! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Bangkok Hospital Named Best Global Hospital [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 10 Years of Stem Cell Science? Where's the Beef? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Women Underestimate Heart Disease Risks [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- A Stem Cell First- New Organ Created and Transplanted Using Adult Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cells Injected Directly Into the Heart- Sounds Familiar [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Disease and Depression Are Linked [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- TheraVitae Wishes Everyone A Happy Thanksgiving [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- VesCell Adult Stem Cells Helping Pulmonary Hypertension [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- VesCell Adult Stem Cells Help Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Another Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient Helped by VesCell Adult Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Clinical Data of VesCell Used On Heart Disease Patients [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Results of Patients Treated with Adult Stem Cells for Heart Disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Results of Doctor Using VesCell for Heart Disease Published in Medical Journal [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cells from VesCell Help Another Patient With Congestive Heart Failure [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- VesCell Uses Adult Stem Cells Not Fetal Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy Continues Improving After Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- American Doctors Form Group to Oppose FDA's Stance On Adult Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Adult Stem Cell Pioneer Passes Away [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient Celebrates His 1 Year Stem Cell Treatment Anniversary [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Vescell Featured In Forbes Magazine! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Adult Stem Cells Repair Damaged Heart Muscle [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- No Scooter Needed for Schlueter- Heart Disease Patient Back in Gym After Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem cells provide second chance [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Scientific Advisory Board [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Partner hospitals give Heart Disease treatment with Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Treating Physicians for Heart Disease - Vescell by Theravitae [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Disease Treatment FAQs - Adult Stem Cells Treats Heart Disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Checklist of 12 Must-Ask Questions for Overseas Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Health teaching for patients with heart disease | VesCell adult stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Ethical Debates Adult Stem Cell Research | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart disease and health policy and nurse | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- After Stent Symptoms | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- What is adult stem cell research | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Alternative Medicine for Coronary Artery Disease | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Diabetic, Seven Heart Attack Patient Experiences on Adult Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Congestive Heart Failure and Life Expectancy | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Chest Pain After Angioplasty with Stent | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Use of Stem Cells for Heart Repair | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Women health heart attack [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Health Facts on the Heart | VesCell Adult Stem Cells Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- The Process of Stem Cells | VesCell Adult Stem Cells Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Rest Pain Leg | VesCell adult stem cells for peripheral artery disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Health Supplements Heart Diabetes | VesCell Adult Stem Cells Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Failure Epidemic | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Muscle Health Aspects | VesCell adult stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- adult stem cells | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Updated article about adult stem cells therapy, VesCell, as featured in Forbes Magazine [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Forbes: Vescell Stem Cell Therapy Saves Heart Failure Patient [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Foetal Stem Cells Offer Hope for Stroke Victims [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem cells could spell end for diabetes jabs [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Full text answers about stem cell research [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Transplant from Umbilical Cord Blood Is The Only Hope for SCID Sufferer [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- New Studies About Umbilical Cord Blood And Children With Diabetes [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Engineered Blood Vessels Function Like Native Tissu [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Provide Hope for Life Threatening Diseases [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs SB962 to Create a System to Collect and Store Umbilical Cord Blood [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Baby Boy Treated for Cerebral Palsey with His Own Cord Blood Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood May Preserve Insulin Production in Newly Diagnosed Children With Type 1 Diabetes [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- A "Holy Grail" Of Healing, CBS Evening News [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- After Receiving Unusual Stem Cell Transplant, Coppell Toddler Comes Home from Hospital [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Hope for Bone Fractures [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood Stem Cells And Cardiovascular Disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Creating a Cord-Blood Lifeline [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Saving Cord Blood [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Implant to the Brain Helps Improve Parkinson's Symptoms: Presented at SIR [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Governor Rendell Signs Bill Into Law [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Curing Blood Diseases: How Cord Blood Saves Lives [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood Registry Gains Momentum in First Quarter; Forecasts Strong Enrollment Growth in 2008 [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Study findings from University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics provide new insights into cord blood [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood Can Be Used To Treat Adult Leukemia [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Umbilical cord a lifeline for 2 kids [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- For Stem Cells, a Role on the Battlefield [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cochlear Repair After Transplant Of Human Cord Blood Cells May Make Hearing Restoration Possible [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- About Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem cells: Small wonders [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Therapy Lessens Damage Caused By Stroke [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]