Ground-Based Facilities for Studies in Gravitational Biology

Abstract

Our group provides experimental platforms to simulate the conditions of microgravity on ground. Clinostats, a Random Positioning Machine and a Rotating Wall Vessel have been adapted to allow investigations employing a variety of different model organisms like larval fish, plants, algae, and unicellular organisms as well as adherent or suspended cells in culture. Different types of clinostats have been developed which meet a broad variety of scientific requirements in providing various kinds of experimental applications such as parallel operation of up to ten sample containments in a defined environment, direct microscopical observations of sample, their fixation during clinorotation, bioluminescence kinetic measurements within cell cultures and submersion of aquatic systems during rotation. Correspondingly, various centrifuge devices complete our experimental scenario, enabling hypergravity studies from cells to humans. Ground-based data should ideally be validated in the course of experiments carried out under real microgravity, which is regularly performed by us. Currently, our studies focus on the effects of simulated microgravity on macrophage signaling and stem cell development and differentiation. Simulation of microgravity as well as increased gravitational stimulation provide new insights how Biosystems cope with altered gravity conditions, showing changes in signaling pathways. Our results support the necessity of a ground-based facility program, which – at low costs in comparison to space flight – give scientists the opportunity to intensively prepare their space experiments and get sufficient and statistically reliable and relevant data.