Gene-Metabolite Networks for Bone Fracture Repair Impediment in Spaceflight

A 2026 dataset from NASA examines the molecular effects of spaceflight on bone fracture healing using a mouse model. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into ground and spaceflight groups, with surgeries performed 4 days before launch and a 4-week mission on the International Space Station. Data includes micro-computed tomography (µCT) scans and global transcriptomic and metabolomic assays from callus and sham tissue.

Use Cases

• Identify gene networks associated with impaired bone regeneration based on transcriptomic and metabolomic assays.
• Analyze changes in bone microstructure under spaceflight conditions based on µCT-derived trabecular spacing and connectivity.
• Model the role of the RANK-NFκB signaling axis in spaceflight-induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration.
• Compare molecular and morphological outcomes between ground control and spaceflight cohorts for sham and surgery groups.

Strengths

• Experimental design includes four distinct control and treatment groups (G-Sham, FLT-Sham, G-Surgery, FLT-Surgery).
• Data integrates multiple modalities: µCT imaging, transcriptomics, and metabolomics from the same study.
• Source is the authoritative NASA organization, with data last updated in March 2026.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data is stored in a BIN file format, which may require specialized tools for access and interpretation.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Controlled laboratory experiment with mouse models on the International Space Station and ground controls.

Time Range

Experimental period includes a 4-week spaceflight mission, with specific launch and euthanasia dates not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 19:43:00.075801; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Data collection involved the International Space Station and corresponding ground-based facilities.