The effects of microgravity on differentiation and cell growth in stem cells and cancer stem cells

A spaceflight has enormous influence on the health of space voyagers due to the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. Known effects of microgravity (mu g) on cells are changes in differentiation and growth. Considering the commercialization of spaceflight, future space exploration, and long-term manned flights, research focusing on differentiation and growth of stem cells and cancer cells exposed to real (r-) and simulated (s-) mu g is of high interest for regenerative medicine and cancer research. In this review, we focus on platforms to study r- and s-mu g as well as the impact of mu g on cancer stem cells in the field of gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and osteosarcoma. Moreover, we review the current knowledge of different types of stem cells exposed to mu g conditions with regard to differentiation and engineering of cartilage, bone, vasculature, heart, skin, and liver constructs.