Dr. Arun Sharma Monday 10-27-25 Space Show

Quick Summary:

Our program focused on the establishment and operations of Cedars-Sinai’s new Space Medicine Research Center, including its research programs, educational components, and institutional support. Arun discussed their stem cell research initiatives, particularly the creation of 3D heart tissue organoids grown in microgravity on the ISS, and explained their approach to training astronauts and conducting space-based medical research. The conversation covered the potential of AI and telemedicine in space missions, regulatory challenges in stem cell research, and the future opportunities presented by commercial space stations for conducting biomedical research. David and Arun were joined by participant Dr. Sherry Bell.

Detailed Summary:

David and Dr. Sherry Bell discussed the establishment of the Center for Space Medicine Research at Cedars-Sinai, led by Arun. Arun confirmed the center’s functionality and its institutional support, emphasizing its research and educational components. After Arun was welcomed back to The Space Show to discuss Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s new Space Medicine Research Center. Arun explained that the center, established about a year ago, builds on their 10 years of work in stem cell and biomanufacturing research, including 8 missions to the ISS. He noted that the center has both research and educational components, offering courses in space medicine and biosciences as part of their master’s and PhD programs. Arun emphasized their institutional support and goal to become an academic partner for the growing private space industry in Los Angeles.

Arun discussed Cedars’ expansion beyond cardiovascular focus to broader biomanufacturing and space research, with plans to establish a clinical arm leveraging their hospital’s expertise. He mentioned ongoing conversations with local space industry players in LA, though details are not yet public. Arun also outlined their vision for a comprehensive space medicine program, including pre-flight workups, in-flight diagnostics, and post-flight checkups, while acknowledging the need for space medical training for their network of providers.

Arun further discussed his research on 3D heart tissue, or cardiac organoids, created from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). He explained that these tissues are grown in microgravity on the ISS, as microgravity may improve their growth compared to simulated microgravity on Earth. Arun clarified that the iPSCs and necessary chemicals were launched on SpaceX 33 in August and are now orbiting Earth. David inquired about astronaut training, and Arun explained that they work with engineers and partners like BioServe Space Technologies to train astronauts, as most are not life scientists. Arun expressed a desire for more direct communication with astronauts in the future.

The discussion then focused on stem cell research and space medicine training. Arun explained that stem cells are sourced from de-identified donor samples at Cedars-Sinai, with consent for medical research use. The long-term goal is to create patient-specific bioengineered organs, starting with heart tissues, though this remains an area of ongoing research. Arun clarified that the initial training program will focus on biosciences for research scientists, with plans to expand to clinical training in the future.

Arun did talk about the potential of AI and telemedicine in supporting deep space missions, emphasizing the value of human-focused research over animal studies. He clarified that his lab uses patient-specific stem cell models, focusing on human biology, and does not work with embryonic stem cells. Arun also addressed the cost and funding challenges of conducting research in space, mentioning partnerships with government agencies and the need to explore alternative funding sources for future collaborations. David inquired about simulating microgravity studies, to which Arun explained that while some ground-based simulations exist, they do not perfectly replicate the conditions of true space microgravity.

Arun explained that the stem cell research at Cedars Space Lab involves creating three-dimensional organoids to study human biology and potentially identify new drugs, but emphasized that these cells cannot be transplanted back into people due to ethical and regulatory constraints. He clarified that the research is outcome-oriented, focusing on whether stem cells can be improved in space, with the goal of creating better models for understanding heart development and drug efficacy. David raised concerns about potential regulatory differences between countries, particularly regarding stem cell research, and Arun acknowledged that while the US has strict guidelines, some international research may go unpublished, making it difficult to track all ongoing work in this field.

Arun discussed his work as a stem cell biologist and highlighted the potential of space biology research, mentioning a recent publication by UC San Diego on growing cancer cells in space. He expressed concerns about the transition from the ISS to commercial space stations, acknowledging the ISS’s valuable contributions to research but seeing an opportunity for the commercial industry to fill the gap. Arun also considered the possibility of conducting research on a commercial space station, emphasizing the potential for more biomedical researchers in space and the possibility of accelerated training in a private space capacity. He expressed interest in the idea of conducting his own research on a private space station, such as SpaceX’s Starship, and noted the importance of access and opportunities for further research.

Arun discussed the differences between microgravity and partial gravity environments in space, highlighting the potential for developing unique therapeutic options that may only be applicable in space. He explained that while some treatments could be brought back to Earth, others might require patients to travel to space for treatment. Arun also touched on the current state of stem cell research, including clinical trials for various applications, and expressed optimism about future advancements in bioprinting and organoid manufacturing in space. He emphasized the importance of personalized medicine using patient-specific stem cells and encouraged continued interest in both stem cell and space biology research.

Be sure to see the video of this program at doctorspace.substack.com.

Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment

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