The results from a stem cell research project that took place on Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) and the NG-21 mission were recently published in the journal NPJ Microgravity. The research project aimed to explore how the unique conditions of space can enhance stem cell production, which has immense potential for speeding the development of stem cell-based therapeutic interventions.
This project was a collaboration between Cedars-Sinai, led by Clive Svendsen, PhD, executive director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute; Arun Sharma, PhD, research scientist for the Regenerative Medicine Institute and Smidt Heart Institute; and Axiom Space and Bioserve Space Technologies. Together, the teams successfully performed on orbit the first step in cellular reprogramming known as transfection and introduced DNA into skin and stem cells. Results showed that the cells then formed three-dimensional spheres in space, which has not been previously published.
“We are pleased to partner with the Cedars-Sinai team on this NASA-funded in-space manufacturing program, leveraging microgravity to establish the production of stem cell therapies,” said Pinar Mesci, PhD, Global Head of Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling at Axiom Space. “This publication is an important step toward demonstrating how human pluripotent stem cells can be cultured, transfected, and grown in low-Earth orbit using commercial-off-the-shelf hardware that will accelerate research and discovery, as well as support opportunities for in-space manufacturing.”
“Our goal was to harness those [microgravity-induced] differences to produce stem cells in a way that’s impossible on Earth,” Sharma said. “Cedars-Sinai is now the first to successfully introduce DNA into human-induced pluripotent stem cells in space. And this work establishes the foundation for our next step toward large-scale manufacturing of stem cells on orbit.”
The NPJ Microgravity publication marks many scientific firsts:
· The first successful transfection of stem cells and skin cells with DNA in microgravity;
· The first demonstration of the formation of 3D cell structures called spheroids in microgravity;
· And the first use of commercial off-the-shelf hardware for cell culture in in microgravity.
Beyond the scientific achievements, this publication highlights the collaborative nature of in-space research and manufacturing with academic and commercial partners working side-by-side. It is one of the first publications from the Ax-2 mission, released just one year after the experiments on the ISS in May 2023 — a rapid timeline for such groundbreaking work. Notably, this is also the first publication where Axiom Space Astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson and astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi female to go to space, are co-authors.
“I’m filled with hope and gratitude for what humanity can achieve together in space,” said Barnawi. “Working alongside brilliant scientists in advancing stem cell research is a powerful testament to the strength of collaboration across borders. Each experiment embodies the dreams of those who believe in the power of science to heal, connect, and transform lives in Earth.”
The journey on this joint project began in 2022 when Cedars-Sinai, led by Svendsen and Sharma, and Axiom Space received NASA's In-Space Production Applications Award.
Axiom Space's innovative efforts demonstrate how commercial space companies and private astronaut missions can drive international collaboration and scientific advancements.
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