Inhibition of Cell Cycle Progression, Induction of Apoptosis, and Changes in Surface Markers of MEG-01 Megakaryoblastic Cells Exposed to a Random Positioning Machine

One cause of thrombocytopenia in astronauts after spaceflight is decreased platelet production. To increase our understanding of thrombopoiesis in humans while in space, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, achieved using a random positioning machine (RPM), on megakaryoblastic cells (MEG-01 cell line). Exposure of MEG-01 cells to simulated microgravity for up to one week significantly increased cellular apoptosis compared to...