SpaceBiomechanics: Effects of microgravity on cell and tissue mechanics during wound healing

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Humans are fascinated with the possibility of life beyond Earth. The last few decades have seen significant global investment in space exploration, with establishments such as the European and UK Space Agencies. However, even though space craft engineering is improving, one major problem with space travel is the unknown effects of reduced gravity on the biology of humans and other organisms. This knowledge is critical if we want to sustain life beyond Earth. From a cellular perspective, how are the mechanical forces experienced by tissues affected under microgravity? Given that cell shape and function are related, how is microgravity changing the shape, and therefore function, of cells? Critically, under microgravity conditions, tissue repair is severely compromised, yet the mechanistic reasons are still unknown. Does tissue mechanics play a role in wound repair during spaceflight? To address these questions, I will first elucidate the role of 3D cell and tissue mechanics during wound repair under regular (Earth) gravity. Then, I will determine how microgravity affects cell shape during tissue development and homeostasis. Finally, I will explore the role of cell andtissue mechanics on wound repair under microgravity. To achieve this, I will combine advanced 4D imaging, image analysis techniques, machine learning and computational mechanical simulations to analyse the 3D cell shape and mechanical dynamics of the Drosophila wing disc during tissue repair. To mimic microgravity conditions, I will use a Random Position Machine on Earth to grow flies, such that they develop and repair under microgravity. Altogether, this work will shed light on why tissue repair is disrupted during spaceflight, which will aid the development of treatments to improve the quality and longevity of human life on future space missions and life beyond Earth. My research plan, together with my proposed training, will enable me to develop the key skills to start my own Space Biomedicine lab.