The Effect Of Microgravity On The Cytoskeleton Of Cancerous Cells

Microgravity on space flights effect on the physiology of a cell by affects molecular and cellularfunctions that are still unclear. In the microgravity environment of space, the apparent weight of asystem is reduced compared with its real weight in standard gravity. microgravity or zero gravityalter cancer growth and progression. However, various cancers respond differently to microgravityby changes in cellular processes and functions. As a result of all cell types exposed to microgravity؛the alteration of cytoskeletal elements: actin, microfilaments and microtubules occur that cancause changes in cell signaling and migration to cell cycling and apoptosis. Studies illustrate thatmicrogravity effects on cell structure and function, gene expression and signal transduction.Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of extra- cellular zinc-dependent neutralendopeptidases that can degrading various components of the extracellular matrix. Their activityis modulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs and TIMPs play a crucialrole in metastasis by the degradation of collagen IV, gelatin, and laminin in the basementmembrane, an important step in tumor invasion.TIMP-1 is one of inhibitors of the (MMPs) thatprevents apoptosis and grow up the cancer. For example, MMP-9 Considered to be a prognosticmarker in stomach cancer. The MMPs acts as mediators of tumor invasion and metastasis by disruptthe tissue barriers. There studies show the role of MMPs in invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis ofvarious cancers. Microgravity has been shown to alter cancer growth However, their responses aredifferent by losing or enhancing cellular functions.