Human Wharton's jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) are multipotent stem cells used in biotechnology. This study investigated the effects of simulated lunar microgravity (sµG) on hWJSC growth, differentiation, and viability. 72-hour sµG exposure significantly reduced hWJSC growth but not viability, decreasing expression of stemness markers (CD73, CD90, CD105) and key replication markers like MKI67. Conversely, osteocyte-chondrocyte lineage markers (SERPINI1, MSX2, etc.) were upregulated. Upon return to 1.0 G, growth accelerated, and stemness marker expression recovered. The findings suggest that acute sµG induces reversible growth changes and osteocyte-chondrocyte lineage differentiation in hWJSCs.

Arjunan Subramanian, Chelsea Han Lin IP, Wei Qin, Xiawen Liu, Sean W.D. Carter, Gokce Oguz, Adaikalavan Ramasamy, Sebastian E. Illanes, Arijit Biswas, Gabriel G. Perron, Erin L. Fee, Sarah W. L. Li, Michelle K.Y. Seah, Mahesh A. Choolani, Matthew W. Kemp