Objective: To investigate the effects of rotating clinostat simulated weightlessness on the differentiation-related gene expression of ROS17/2.8 (rat osteosarcoma) cells.
Method: Cultured ROS17/2.8 cells were exposed to rotating clinostat simulated weightlessness for 24, 48 and 72 h with control group in 1 G condition. Total RNA in cells was isolated and reverse transcription PCR analysis was made. Gene expression of type I collagen alpha 1 chain and alkaline phosphatase were examined by their ratios to beta-actin.
Result: The expression of type I collagen alpha I chain and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene was significantly lower after 72 h exposure to clinostat simulated weightlessness than that of the control group (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Differentiation of rat osteosarcoma cells was reduced after exposure to rotating clinostat simulated weightlessness for 72 h.