Cell Biology Research

Theme: Gravitational Modulation of Cellular Function, Differentiation, and Development
The overall goal of the Cell Biology Research is to determine how gravitational alterations are transduced in cells; how cells respond to variations in gravity and the role of gravity on the development, function and differentiation of cells and tissues. This is accomplished by using both hypergravity and simulated microgravity as research tools to advance our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying the cellular effects of gravity.

Considerable data is available to suggest that altered gravity conditions influence mammalian cell growth and differentiation. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects however, remain obscure. It is becoming apparent that cellular differentiation can be also modulated by extracellular matrices. Gravitational changes may affect cell function and differentiation through modulation of cytoskeletal organization and cell - extracellular matrix interactions. These interactions are important in development and tissue remodeling and are fundamental for proper organ formation and physiology. The research projects comprising Cell Biology Research seek to delineate cellular function and differentiation using a variety of gravitational research tools.

These projects utilize common gravitational models, e.g., the rotating bioreactor for simulated microgravity and cell culture centrifuge for hypergravity. The long term goal of these projects is to also provide some cross collaborative studies by using co-cultures of different cell lines. Cell biology research also provides cellular support for physiological research projects. For example, the vascular studies could utilize vascular cells isolated from the Dahl rats (the model used by cardiovascular projects) to examine the function and behavior of these cells with the gravitational models that will be utilized. A shared-used Cell Core Laboratory provides the equipment necessary for simulating microgravity and hypergravity for cell and organ cultures.

Kamla Dutt, Ph.D.

Brenda Klement, Ph.D.

Sandra Harris-Hooker, Ph.D.

Gary L. Sanford, Ph.D.