Magnetic Levitation of Osteoblasts

描述(由申请人提供)：拟议研究的目标有两个。首先，1.5特斯拉到17特斯拉之间的不变磁场会影响基因表达和细胞分化吗？第二，对于天基轨道自由落体实验，磁悬浮是一种合适的地面替代方案吗？对于悬浮研究，我们计划通过微阵列分析监测基因表达，并通过实时定量聚合酶链式反应监测成骨细胞分化。小鼠颅骨成骨细胞系MC3T3-E1是这些实验的模型生物系统。当磁力抵消重力时，磁悬浮就发生了。将生物(抗磁)物体置于强磁场和强磁场梯度中会在系统上产生磁力。磁力是将系统上的净引力降低到1克以下的唯一手段。成骨细胞对重力载荷条件具有明显的敏感性。这些细胞将被培养在独特的17特斯拉/50毫米温孔超导磁体中，以研究从0-g到2-g的净重力对基因表达和成骨细胞生化标记的影响。这块磁铁能够一次持续悬浮数周。在净重力为变量的条件下监测成骨细胞的分化和功能，为了解重力对骨生长/吸收的影响提供了独特的场所。这是一个新的科学探索领域，由于获得能够磁悬浮的磁体系统的机会有限，尚未被探索。此外，有了这台仪器，现在可以在0.38g和0.167克的重量下研究生物功能，从而提供分别在火星和月球表面经历的引力的地面模拟。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of the proposed research is two-fold. First, does a time-invariant magnetic field, between 1.5 Tesla and 17 Tesla, affect gene expression and cell differentiation? Second, is magnetic levitation a suitable ground-based alternative for space-based orbital freefall experiments? For the levitation studies we plan to monitor gene expression via microarray analysis and osteoblast differentiation by quantitative real-time PCR. The murine calvarial osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1, is the model biological system for these experiments. Magnetic levitation occurs when a magnetic force counterbalances a gravitational force. Placing a biological (diamagnetic) object in a strong magnetic field and a strong magnetic field gradient creates a magnetic force on the system. A magnetic force is the only means to reduce the net gravitational force on a system to less than 1-g. Osteoblast cells have a demonstrated sensitivity to gravitational loading conditions. These cells will be cultured in a unique 17 Tesla/50 mm warm bore superconductive magnet to study the effect of a net 'gravitation force varying from 0-g through 2-g on gene expression and osteoblast biochemical markers. The magnet is capable of sustaining continuous levitation for weeks at a time. Monitoring bone osteoblast differentiation and function under conditions where net the gravitational force is a variable, represents a unique venue for understanding the effect of gravitational forces on bone growth/resorption. This is a new area of scientific exploration that has not been explored because of limited access to magnet systems capable of magnetic levitation. Furthermore, with this instrument it is now possible to study biological function at 0.38 g and 0.167 g, thus providing ground-based simulations of the gravitational forces experienced on the surface of mars and the moon, respectively.