Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati

(a.a. 2022-2023) Cell modifications in microgravity and the Random Positioning Machine (RPM)
Analyzing the effects of microgravity (µg) on the human body is crucial in the era of space exploration to understand how to preserve the health and performance of astronauts during prolonged space missions. This Research Project aims to analyze the effects of gravitational field removal on cultured cells. Since these cells undergo modifications that affect their phenotype, research on microgravity biology implies the need for clarification on the differentiation process. For this purpose, a study by biologist C.H. Waddington (The Strategy of the Genes) is examined, for which a mathematical model is proposed. Studies of this kind are practically conducted using the Random Positioning Machine (RPM), for which optimization is suggested. The drawbacks of both the existing and optimized models are also presented.
Examining the modifications involving the cytoskeleton and experimental results on changes in proliferation and apoptosis, a simple synthesis is reached to provide an initial explanation of the effects of microgravity on various types of cells. In this regard, it is concluded that gravity represents a constraint on the cell differentiation process and that terrestrial gravity (1g) and microgravity are two attractor states toward which the phenotype spontaneously evolves.
Finally, perspectives on research in the field of space biomedicine are discussed, and the results obtained in the laboratory with the application of the RPM on bovine ovarian granulosa cells (bGCs) are briefly reported. It is discovered that steroidogenic activity is significantly reduced in these cells.

(a.a. 2023-2024) Effect of different gravity regimes (Earth, Moon, Mars and space) on female fertility: gene expression analysis in co-culture of bovine Theca and Granulosa cells