# A Human iPSC-based 3D Microphysiological System for Modeling Cardiac Dysfunction in Microgravity

> **NIH NIH UH3** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $326,693

## Abstract

Contact PD/PI: Kim, Deok-Ho
PROJECT SUMMARY
Spaceflight has been shown to have a negative impact on the heart and the cardiovascular system. As we plan
for exploration class missions that will see humans spend longer periods of time in space, such as in a manned
missions to Mars, the potential impact of spaceflight on the heart and cardiovascular system will likely be
increased. Additionally, the effects of spaceflight on the human body appear to mimic an accelerated aging
process. Given that heart disease is the number one killer of all adults in the U.S., an understanding of the
cardiogenic effects of microgravity may have implications for helping to treat millions of heart disease patients
on Earth. Unfortunately, much is still unknown regarding the effect of spaceflight on the cardiovascular system
and the heart in particular. To address this issue, we will develop a high-throughput microphysiological model of
human cardiac muscle, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), in order to study the effects
of microgravity on cardiac tissue structure and physiological function. We will combine this cell source with a
cardiac-specific decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-based electroconductive composite scaffold to
promote the maturation of cultured cells. The technologies developed during this study will facilitate the
generation of mature 3D engineered cardiac tissues that recapitulate the microarchitecture and function of
human myocardium. The data collected using this platform aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will
provide a better understanding of how prolonged microgravity affects the structure and function of the human
heart. During the UG3 phase of this proposal, we will assess differences in cardiac function and physiological
maturation between cells maintained in normal gravity and microgravity environments. Engineered heart tissues
(EHTs) made from hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes will be flown aboard the ISS for one month and be compared
to identical ground controls. Real-time assessment of EHT contractility will be achieved via a novel magnetic
coil-based motion sensor array, facilitating real-time and continuous assessment of function with minimal
demands from the flight crew. Progressing to the UH3 phase, we will focus on the assessment of novel
therapeutic strategies with which to attenuate microgravity-induced cardiomyopathy. We will assess both drug
compounds and mechanical stimulation interventions and analyze each in isolation and in concert for their ability
to improve cardiac function in space. The outcomes of this research could further improve our understanding of
the progression of chronic heart diseases on Earth, and help drive the development of new therapeutic strategies
for these debilitating conditions.
Project Summary/Abstract Page 7

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10632929
- **Project number:** 3UH3TR003519-05S3
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Deok-Ho Kim
- **Activity code:** UH3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $326,693
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10632929

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10632929, A Human iPSC-based 3D Microphysiological System for Modeling Cardiac Dysfunction in Microgravity (3UH3TR003519-05S3). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10632929. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*