Skin Physiology in Microgravity: A 3-Month Stay Aboard ISS Induces Dermal Atrophy and Affects Cutaneous Muscle and Hair Follicles Cycling in Mice

May 2015 in “ NPJ microgravity ”

Thibaut Neutelings, Betty Nusgens, Yi Liu, Sara Tavella, Alessandra Ruggiu, Ranieri Cancedda, Maude Gabriel, Alain Colige, Charles Lambert

dermal atrophy hair follicles anagen phase procollagen synthesis cutaneous muscle skin physiology

TLDR A 3-month stay in space causes skin thinning, disrupts hair growth, and changes muscle-related genes in mice.

The study investigated the effects of a 3-month stay aboard the ISS on mouse skin physiology, revealing significant dermal atrophy with a 15% reduction in dermal thickness and increased procollagen synthesis by 42%. Hair follicle cycling was disrupted, with more follicles in the anagen phase in space mice compared to ground controls. Additionally, 434 genes were significantly modulated, many related to striated muscle homeostasis. These findings suggested that prolonged space exposure could induce skin atrophy, disrupt hair follicle cycles, and alter the transcriptomic profile of cutaneous muscles, highlighting potential health impacts for astronauts during extended space missions.

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