Abstract

A Human iPSC-based 3D Microphysiological System for Modeling Cardiac Dysfunction in Microgravity

Peter Lee, Assistant Professor of Surgery, The Ohio State University

Extended periods of microgravity have been associated with alterations in cardiac function and increased arrhythmias. In addition to in vivo rodent studies, in vitro experiments using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in space have provided further insights into the effects of spaceflight on the heart and cardiomyocytes. However, considering the inherent limitations of single cell or monolayer cultures in extrapolating three-dimensional (3D) organ characteristics, our group has proposed to utilize a high-throughput 3D microphysiological model of human cardiac muscle derived from hiPSCs to more accurately study the effects of microgravity on cardiac tissue structure and physiological function. Miniaturized Engineered Heart Tissues (EHTs) with in vivo heart tissue characteristics will be flown aboard the International Space Station for approximately 1 month. Real-time functional measurements as well as inflight gene expression data will be acquired, providing valuable information regarding the effects of extended spaceflight on these tissues.