A University of Notre Dame study published in PNAS reveals that glioblastoma organoids grown in microgravity on the International Space Station replicate aggressive human brain tumors better and faster than Earth-grown models. Led by Meenal Datta, researchers cultured tumor and immune cells for 40 days, producing multiomics data showing heightened expression of inflammatory and vascular genes. The team has launched follow-up trials, including one on SpaceX CRS-35.
Space-grown glioblastoma organoids
- ▪A University of Notre Dame study published in PNAS found that glioblastoma organoids grown on the International Space Station better replicate human tumor architecture and biology than Earth-grown models.
- ▪The Notre Dame research team, led by Meenal Datta, cultured glioblastoma cells and innate immune cells in space for 40 days starting in 2024 with support from Space Tango.
Microgravity cell culture benefits
- ▪In microgravity, cultured cells assemble into three-dimensional structures without sedimentation interference that causes cells to settle on Earth.
- ▪Space-grown organoids recapitulate human glioblastoma tumor phenotypes better and faster than Earth-based models, according to Meenal Datta of the University of Notre Dame.
Glioblastoma treatment challenges
- ▪Glioblastoma resists medical treatment by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment that helps cancer cells evade immune attack.
- ▪Glioblastoma is difficult to remove surgically because microscopic tentacles extend from the primary tumor into healthy brain tissue.
Multi-omics analysis findings
- ▪Multiomics analysis of space-grown glioblastoma organoids revealed elevated activity in genes associated with inflammation, immune responses, tissue remodeling, and blood vessel formation.
- ▪Analysis of 40-day space-grown organoids yielded the first multiomics dataset capturing gene activity, protein expression, and cellular organization in microgravity-grown organoids.
ISS cancer research program
- ▪Meenal Datta's laboratory launched two additional International Space Station investigations using patient-derived glioblastoma organoids, including one on the SpaceX CRS-35 mission for NASA.
- ▪International Space Station National Lab Chief Scientist Michael Roberts stated that combining human glioblastoma cells with immune cells in space demonstrates microgravity's ability to improve mini-tumor models.
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