Modeling the Effects of Space Travel on the Cardiovascular System Using a Bio-Mimetic In Vitro Hagfish Protein Model of the Myocardium

Weber State University

Long-term space travel is a harsh experience for the human body. Astronauts exposed to the effects of space travel often experience bone and muscle loss, as well as an increased risk of diseases, including heart disease[1]. While the human heart has shown an impressive ability to adapt to spaceflight, many of the long-term effects on cardiovascular health are unknown [2]. To plan for missions requiring longer flight durations, understanding these effects is neccessary to assess the risk to the astronauts undertaking these missions. However, evaluating these risks is difficult due to the lack of a sufficiently accurate model. While animal models and studies of returned astronauts can be informative, these methods also have significant limitations. The development of an accurate in vitro model of the myocardium would be a beneficial tool to further investigate the underlying cellular mechanisms affecting cardiac health during spaceflight. This project seeks to create and validate an accurate three-dimensional model of the myocardium using novel bio-mimetic hagfish proteins. Hagfish protein threads that mimic the properties of the myocardium and support cardiomyocyte cell culture were produced. Upon further validation, this model will be exposed to an artificial spaceflight environment incorporating simultaneous microgravity and radiation to investigate the effects of spaceflight on the myocardium.