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Microgravity Associated Bone Loss-B (MABL-B)

Principal Investigator(s):

  • Abba Zubair, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic

Overview: Microgravity Associated Bone Loss-B (MABL-B) tests potential treatments to prevent bone loss in astronauts by examining how microgravity affects bone-forming and bone-degrading cells. The investigation focuses on blocking IL-6 protein signaling pathways that may contribute to bone deterioration in space.

Science objectives:

  • Evaluate the impact of microgravity on mesenchymal stem cell bone remodeling processes
  • Test IL-6 signaling pathway inhibitors as potential countermeasures against bone loss
  • Determine how blocking specific cellular communication pathways affects bone formation and breakdown in microgravity
Gloved hand holding circular laboratory culture plate with six wells containing samples for bone cell research.
MSCs, osteoclasts and osteocytes are seeded in the certified 6-well Biocell. Bone slices were placed in the wells for the bone resorption cultures.
Mayo Clinic

Potential Earth applications:

  • Could lead to new treatments for age-related bone loss and osteoporosis
  • May advance understanding of cellular mechanisms behind bone diseases

Potential space applications:

  • May lead to pharmacological countermeasures to protect astronaut bone health on long-duration missions
  • Could inform medical protocols for Moon and Mars exploration where emergency return to Earth is not possible
  • May contribute to development of preventive treatments for deep space missions

Related resources:

Microgravity Associated Bone Loss-B (MABL-B)

Microgravity Associated Bone Loss-A (MABL-A)

Bone Loss Research Launches Aboard NASA’s SpaceX-33 Resupply Mission