Chrondrogenesis in micromass cultures of embryonic mouse limb mesenchymal cells exposed to microgravity (7-IML-1)

A basic question of space biology is whether changes in gravity are perceived at the cellular level. Previous studies with a variety of cells have shown that this is the case, but to date the response of skeletal cells has not been examined, even though the skeleton is sensitive to gravitational changes. The objective of the CELLS Experiment is to examine the effect of microgravity in vitro on a skeletal cell known to be sensitive to gravitational changes both in vivo and in vitro - the mammalian chondrocyte. Various aspects of the experiment are discussed.