The Shenzhou-20 crew will conduct three new cytology experiments during their mission in China's space station.
The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Thursday, sending astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie to space.
The three astronauts took over the space station from the Shenzhou-19 crew on Sunday, after which they will gradually start assigned space experiments, including those related to cell science.
The samples for the cytology experiments were delivered to the spacecraft only 6.5 hours before the launching, while the ground-based researchers simulated the sample loading process before that to make sure the samples can be in the best state.
"We loaded the cells at the last minute before launching, aiming to provide them with the most suitable and optimal environmental conditions. During this process, we try to keep the cells in a dormant state as much as possible, so that their response to the environment can be minimized. After entering the orbit, we have specialized cell culture incubators inside the space medicine experiment cabinet, which are set to 37 degrees Celsius. This is when we activate the cells," said Li Yinghui, a researcher from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.
Cytology has always been an important component of China's space medicine experiments. The research primarily focuses on studying the effects of space environment on cells, as well as the characteristics and patterns of cellular responses.
Li introduced the focuses and targets of the three new cytology experiments.
"In space, there have been examples of astronauts developing blood clots, so we are focusing on the mechanisms of thrombosis. We have chosen cardiac muscle cells and endothelial cells to conduct co-cultivation, to observe their interactions under microgravity conditions. Additionally, for the first time internationally, we will co-culture three types of brain region cells, those of cortex, thalamus and cerebellum, into a tri-brain-like organoid to study their interactions from the perspective of motor ability under weightlessness. Furthermore, we have selected classical clinical formulas from traditional medicine. By regulating neural cells, we hope to see whether they can have a better effect on improving memory," said Li.
In previous manned spacecraft missions, China had sent 19 types of cells, including human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, skin stem cells, osteoblasts, human skeletal muscle satellite cells and artificial blood vessel chips, into space.
A total of 22 cytology experiments were conducted in orbit, achieving a series of innovative results in areas such as experimental technology, experimental models and scientific research. Some of these results have already contributed to enhancing public health, providing a research platform for exploring health issues such as osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular decline and cognitive function decline.
Shenzhou-20 crew to conduct three new cytology experiments in space
