Here at CIRM, we see California as a global leader in stem cell research. In this guest blog, Michael Roberts of CASIS explains how his organization is literally out of this world stem cell research in space.
In stem cell biology—so critical to health and drug development—exploring new research pathways is vital. One emerging pathway exposes stem cells to reduced gravity, which alters growth and differentiation. This work is now accessible at far lower cost through a CASIS Request for Proposals.
What is CASIS?
About two years ago, CASIS, a nonprofit, took over management of the U.S. National Laboratory on the International Space Station. NASA transferred management to increase use of the National Lab by academia, industry, and non‑NASA agencies for research that improves life on Earth. CASIS provides grant funding and helps investigators navigate NASA and service‑provider logistics. Its newest RFP, “The Impact of Microgravity on Fundamental Stem Cell Properties,” supports spaceflight and ground studies.
Although space biology may seem radical, CASIS helps investigators turn research questions into space experiments. Stem cell research in microgravity may improve ex vivo models of differentiation and tissue formation and deepen our understanding of biological processes for disease treatment. Microgravity alters gene expression and promotes the formation of larger, more organized 3‑D structures with tissue‑like function.
Microgravity
Research in microgravity has already enabled breakthroughs in human health, medicine, and fundamental biology (you can read more on our website —and when applied to stem cell science, microgravity research has the potential to advance stem cell therapies and to significantly reduce costs of drug development/screening by identifying accelerated models of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Much of what we know about microgravity’s effects on stem cells comes from ground‑based experiments using rotating bioreactors that simulate microgravity. In both space‑based and simulated studies, stem and progenitor cells show distinct responses. Some cell types, such as cord‑blood and embryonic stem cells, show increased growth. Others, including hepatic, neuronal, and adipocyte precursors, show enhanced differentiation. In some cases, simulated microgravity induces differentiation without added signals.
Depending on the cell type, microgravity may speed maturation, maintain pluripotency, or drive lineage restriction. Affected properties include morphology, migration, cytoskeletal structure, adhesion, and cell‑cycle behavior. References for these studies appear on the CASIS website.
CASIS believes microgravity can advance stem cell research and complement ground studies. Simulated microgravity results suggest further exploration is warranted, and new access to the space station’s National Lab now allows long‑term stem cell studies in orbit. CASIS has allocated funding for both ground and spaceflight work to encourage investigators to explore the benefits of microgravity research.
CIRM funding
Projects funded through the CASIS stem cell RFP receive grant support, help coordinating services, and flight arrangements. Investigators do not need prior experience in space research. One goal of the CASIS model is making space studies accessible to new researchers. All U.S. individuals and organizations are encouraged to apply.
The National Lab supports research in cell biology, physical and life sciences, technology demonstration, and Earth and space observations. CASIS issues several funding calls each year and accepts unsolicited proposals anytime. Staff are available to discuss how space‑based research can complement ground studies and accelerate discovery.
To learn more about the stem cell RFP and other opportunities, visit http://www.iss‑casis.org/solicitations.
Michael Roberts, CASIS Staff Scientist