Abstract

Stem Cell-derived Neural Organoids on the ISS

Jeanne Loring, Director/Professor, The Scripps Research Institute

To begin to understand the possible effects of microgravity on the brain, we sent neural organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to the ISS. The organoids, representing 4 different people, were cultured for about 30 days on the ISS. The organoids thrived in microgravity and were returned alive for analysis. Compared to organoids that remained on Earth, the organoids in low earth orbit had significant differences in gene expression.  These results are preliminary, based on only one mission, but are being validated with results from two additional missions.