The subsequent biological effects of simulated microgravity on endothelial cell growth in HUVECs

PURPOSE: Microgravity is known to cause endothelium dysfunction in astronauts returning from spaceflight. We aimed to reveal the regulatory mechanism in alterations of human endothelial cells after simulated microgravity (SMG). METHODS: We utilized the rotary cell culture system (RCCS-1) to explore the subsequent effects of SMG on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS: SMG-treated HUVECs appeared obvious growth inhibition after return to normal gravity, which might be attributed to a set of responses including alteration of cytoskeleton, decreased cell adhesion capacity and increased apoptosis. Expression levels of mTOR and its downstream Apaf-1 were increased during subsequent culturing after SMG. miR-22 was up-regulated and its target genes SRF and LAMC1 were down-regulated at mRNA levels. LAMC1 siRNAs reduced cell adhesion rate and inhibited stress fiber formation while SRF siRNAs caused apoptosis. CONCLUSION: SMG has the subsequent biological effects on HUVECs, resulting in growth inhibition through mTOR signaling and miR-22-mediated mechanism.