group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Valeria Jimenez, Senior Ally Schwennesen, Freshman
Lead Presenter's Name
Valeria Jimenez
Faculty Mentor Name
Emel Sen Kilic
Abstract
A genetic condition known as cystic fibrosis (CF) is brought on by mutations in the CFTR gene, which results in chronic lung inflammation and impaired chloride ion transport. CF bronchial epithelial cells enable direct comparison of disease pathology, while normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells offer an essential model for researching airway physiology. Realistic modeling of respiratory tissue and its reaction to environmental stressors like microgravity is made possible by the creation of 3D lung organoids from these cells. In this project, we developed apical-out organoids, which expose the apical surface of epithelial cells to the external environment. These organoids offer a powerful platform for studying host–pathogen interactions, mucociliary clearance, and drug response in a physiologically relevant orientation. This configuration closely mimics the in vivo airway environment and enables dynamic modeling of how external stimuli affect airway surfaces. The objective of this project is to identify the differences in structure, development, and function between NHBE and CF lung organoids, as well as how microgravity changes their shape, differentiation, and gene expression. NHBE and CF cells were cultured to primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Brightfield microscopy at 4X and 10X magnification was used to observe morphological changes at several time points during differentiation. To assess cellular organization, organoid types will be tested under altered gravitational conditions. Early organoid formation is successful by Day 4, and epithelial structures are more defined by Day 6, according to preliminary observations. We anticipate that CF lung organoids will exhibit more structural and functional abnormalities when exposed to microgravity. In addition to advancing our understanding of CF pathophysiology, understanding how bronchial epithelial cells react to microgravity is crucial to maintain astronauts' respiratory health during prolonged space travel. "
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
No
Apical-Out Lung Organoids: A Platform for Spaceflight and CF Research
A genetic condition known as cystic fibrosis (CF) is brought on by mutations in the CFTR gene, which results in chronic lung inflammation and impaired chloride ion transport. CF bronchial epithelial cells enable direct comparison of disease pathology, while normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells offer an essential model for researching airway physiology. Realistic modeling of respiratory tissue and its reaction to environmental stressors like microgravity is made possible by the creation of 3D lung organoids from these cells. In this project, we developed apical-out organoids, which expose the apical surface of epithelial cells to the external environment. These organoids offer a powerful platform for studying host–pathogen interactions, mucociliary clearance, and drug response in a physiologically relevant orientation. This configuration closely mimics the in vivo airway environment and enables dynamic modeling of how external stimuli affect airway surfaces. The objective of this project is to identify the differences in structure, development, and function between NHBE and CF lung organoids, as well as how microgravity changes their shape, differentiation, and gene expression. NHBE and CF cells were cultured to primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Brightfield microscopy at 4X and 10X magnification was used to observe morphological changes at several time points during differentiation. To assess cellular organization, organoid types will be tested under altered gravitational conditions. Early organoid formation is successful by Day 4, and epithelial structures are more defined by Day 6, according to preliminary observations. We anticipate that CF lung organoids will exhibit more structural and functional abnormalities when exposed to microgravity. In addition to advancing our understanding of CF pathophysiology, understanding how bronchial epithelial cells react to microgravity is crucial to maintain astronauts' respiratory health during prolonged space travel. "