Vascular biology in altered gravity conditions

The physical environment of Endothelial Cells profoundly affects their gene expression, structure, function, growth, differentiation and apoptosis. However, the mechanisms by which the genetic and local growth determinants driving morphogenesis are established and maintained remain unknown. Understanding how gravity affects vascular cells will offer new insights for novel therapeutical approaches for cardiovascular disease in general. In terms of tissue engineering and stem-cell therapy, significant future developments will depend on a profound understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of angiogenesis and of the biology of circulating Endothelial Precursor Cells. This MAP project has demonstrated how modelled microgravity influences endothelial proliferation and differentiation with the involvement of anti-angiogenic factors that may be responsible for the non-spontaneous formation of blood vessels. In addition, the team has performed hypergravity/microgravity experiments in order to better understand Endothelial Cells' behaviour under variable gravity conditions. Advantage was taken of modelled microgravity to optimise stromal stem-cell culture conditions for autologous stem-cell therapy. To integrate molecular biology with energy metabolism studies, the team developed a new bioreactor, suitable for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, in which modelled microgravity conditions can be reached. The advantages of this new prototype can be exploited for industrial applications in metabolite productions significant example is discussed.