New Study Reveals: Stem Cells Age Faster in Space – What This Means for Future Exploration

Recent research sheds new light on how spaceflight affects human stem cells, revealing that they age more quickly in space. This important study enhances our understanding of how space exploration impacts the human body.

Stem cells are crucial for our body. They can multiply and turn into specialized cells, like those found in the brain or blood, to help repair damage. According to Catriona Jamieson, a key author of the study and director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego, “In space, stem cells lose some of their function.” They struggle to renew and regenerate, which is vital for long-term missions.

This NASA-funded study looked at stem cells during four SpaceX missions from late 2021 to early 2023. It was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Jamieson described it as the first real-time examination of stem cells in low Earth orbit, emphasizing its importance for astronaut health management.

She further explained, “Studying stem cell health helps us predict who can handle the stress of space better.” Stress factors include getting to and from space and residing in orbit.

In earlier experiments, NASA had investigated stem cell responses to microgravity in 2010 using the space shuttle Discovery. Recent studies examined human bone marrow stem cells from patients undergoing hip surgeries. These cells were kept in special bioreactors and monitored with advanced AI on the ISS.

Jamieson noted, “Ideally, stem cells remain inactive 80% of the time to function correctly.” However, in space, microgravity and radiation led to heightened activity. “The stem cells became worn out,” she explained. This exhaustion harms their ability to contribute to a healthy immune system.

Some cells remained active for up to 45 days in space, leading to accelerated aging. This phenomenon activates previously dormant sections of DNA, known as the “dark genome,” which can be harmful. Jamieson likened this reaction to stress seen in preleukemic disorders, where cells stay on edge, risking conversion into cancer.

Jamieson, with extensive experience in space stem cell research, plans future studies focusing on strategies to counteract this accelerated aging. “We can utilize bioreactors to identify who is likely to adapt well in space and develop countermeasures,” she stated. Early findings suggest that astronauts can recover from this accelerated aging once they return to Earth, albeit it may take a year.

These discoveries carry significance not only for astronauts but also for cancer patients. The stress-related damage observed in stem cells in space mirrors what cancer patients experience. Jamieson believes these insights can speed up cancer research.

Health risks for astronauts include weakened blood and immune systems during extended missions. Arun Sharma, a stem cell biologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, affirmed Jamieson’s findings, noting their importance in understanding aging and developing new therapies.

The study underscores how radiation and microgravity can harm stem cells, pointing out potential health concerns for future long-term space missions. Luis Villa-Diaz from Oakland University highlighted the need to develop preventive strategies to ensure astronaut health.

While some previous research hinted at vulnerabilities in stem cells due to space, this study provides clearer evidence of the aging process. Elena Kozlova from Sweden’s University of Uppsala noted that some studies show that space may, under certain conditions, actually boost stem cell growth. This nuanced understanding shows that responses may vary among different stem cell types.

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