# Effect of calcium oxalate microcrystals on kidney proximal tubule epithelial cell gene expression in microgravity

## TL;DR

This study examines how spaceflight affects kidney cells exposed to calcium oxalate crystals, a cause of kidney stones.

## Contribution

The study introduces microgravity as a novel environment to investigate kidney stone disease mechanisms.

## Key findings

- Nine genes showed altered expression in kidney cells exposed to calcium oxalate crystals during spaceflight.
- Potassium citrate may act as a potential countermeasure for kidney stone formation in microgravity.

## Abstract

We evaluated the impact of spaceflight on a microphysiologic model of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stone disease. Proximal tubule epithelial cells cultured as confluent microtubules were exposed to CaOx crystals with or without potassium citrate (a potential countermeasure) to determine impact on gene expression. Nine genes were differentially expressed in response to CaOx crystal exposure during spaceflight. This project presents the use of microgravity as a unique environment to study kidney pathophysiology.