ICAM-1 expression and organization in human endothelial cells is sensitive to gravity

Transendothelial migration (TEM) of immune cells is a crucial process during a multitude of physiological and pathological conditions such as development, defense against infections and wound healing. Migration within the body tissues and through endothelial barriers is strongly dependent and regulated both by cytoskeletal processes and by expression of surface adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Space flight experiments have confirmed that TEM will be inhibited and may cause astronauts’ immune function decreased and make them easy for infection. We used NASA RCCS to provide a simulated microgravity environment; endothelial cells were cultured on microcarrier beads and activated by TNF-α. Results demonstrate after clinorotation ICAM-1 expression increased, consistent with the notion in parabolic flights. However, VCAM-1 showed no significant change between activated or inactivated cells. Depolymerization of F-actin and clustering of ICAM-1 on cell membrane were also observed in short-term simulated microgravity, and after 24 h clinorotation, actin fiber rearrangement was initiated and clustering of ICAM-1 became stable. ICAM-1 mRNA and VCAM-1 mRNA were up-regulated after 30 min clinorotation, and returned to the same level with controls after 24 h clinorotation.