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Maffei ME, Balestrini R, Costantino P, Lanfranco L, Morgante M, Battistelli A, Del Bianco M. The physiology of plants in the context of space exploration. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1311. [PMID: 39394270 PMCID: PMC11470014 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The stress that the space environment can induce on plant physiology is of both abiotic and biotic nature. The abiotic space environment is characterized by ionizing radiation and altered gravity, geomagnetic field (GMF), pressure, and light conditions. Biotic interactions include both pathogenic and beneficial interactions. Here, we provide an overall picture of the effects of abiotic and biotic space-related factors on plant physiology. The knowledge required for the success of future space missions will lead to a better understanding of fundamental aspects of plant physiological responses, thus providing useful tools for plant breeding and agricultural practices on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E Maffei
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Plant Physiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Balestrini
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Costantino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", University of Rome "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Lanfranco
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Michele Morgante
- Institute of Applied Genomics, University of Udine, Via Jacopo Linussio 51, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Alberto Battistelli
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 2, 05010, Porano, Italy
| | - Marta Del Bianco
- Italian Space Agency, Viale del Politecnico s.n.c., 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Centre for Space Life Sciences, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Roma, Italy.
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2
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Olanrewaju GO, Haveman NJ, Naldrett MJ, Paul AL, Ferl RJ, Wyatt SE. Integrative transcriptomics and proteomics profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana elucidates novel mechanisms underlying spaceflight adaptation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1260429. [PMID: 38089794 PMCID: PMC10712242 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1260429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight presents a unique environment with complex stressors, including microgravity and radiation, that can influence plant physiology at molecular levels. Combining transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, this research gives insights into the coordination of transcriptome and proteome in Arabidopsis' molecular and physiological responses to Spaceflight environmental stress. Arabidopsis seedlings were germinated and grown in microgravity (µg) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in NASA Biological Research in Canisters - Light Emitting Diode (BRIC LED) hardware, with the ground control established on Earth. At 10 days old, seedlings were frozen in RNA-later and returned to Earth. RNA-seq transcriptomics and TMT-labeled LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of cellular fractionates from the plant tissues suggest the alteration of the photosynthetic machinery (PSII and PSI) in spaceflight, with the plant shifting photosystem core-regulatory proteins in an organ-specific manner to adapt to the microgravity environment. An overview of the ribosome, spliceosome, and proteasome activities in spaceflight revealed a significant abundance of transcripts and proteins involved in protease binding, nuclease activities, and mRNA binding in spaceflight, while those involved in tRNA binding, exoribonuclease activity, and RNA helicase activity were less abundant in spaceflight. CELLULOSE SYNTHASES (CESA1, CESA3, CESA5, CESA7) and CELLULOSE-LIKE PROTEINS (CSLE1, CSLG3), involved in cellulose deposition and TUBULIN COFACTOR B (TFCB) had reduced abundance in spaceflight. This contrasts with the increased expression of UDP-ARABINOPYRANOSE MUTASEs, involved in the biosynthesis of cell wall non-cellulosic polysaccharides, in spaceflight. Both transcripts and proteome suggested an altered polar auxin redistribution, lipid, and ionic intracellular transportation in spaceflight. Analyses also suggest an increased metabolic energy requirement for plants in Space than on Earth, hence, the activation of several shunt metabolic pathways. This study provides novel insights, based on integrated RNA and protein data, on how plants adapt to the spaceflight environment and it is a step further at achieving sustainable crop production in Space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gbolaga O. Olanrewaju
- Interdisciplinary Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University Athens, OH, United States
| | - Natasha J. Haveman
- NASA Utilization & Life Sciences Office (UB-A), Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Michael J. Naldrett
- Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Nebraska Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Anna-Lisa Paul
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Robert J. Ferl
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Office of Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sarah E. Wyatt
- Interdisciplinary Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University Athens, OH, United States
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3
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Wang S, Wang J, Zeng X, Wang T, Yu Z, Wei Y, Cai M, Zhuoma D, Chu XY, Chen YZ, Zhao Y. Database of space life investigations and information on spaceflight plant biology. PLANTA 2023; 258:58. [PMID: 37528331 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04213-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Extensive spaceflight life investigations (SLIs) have revealed observable space effects on plants, particularly their growth, nutrition yield, and secondary metabolite production. Knowledge of these effects not only facilitates space agricultural and biopharmaceutical technology development but also provides unique perspectives to ground-based investigations. SLIs are specialized experimental protocols and notable biological phenomena. These require specialized databases, leading to the development of the NASA Science Data Archive, Erasmus Experiment Archive, and NASA GeneLab. The increasing interests of SLIs across diverse fields demand resources with comprehensive content, convenient search facilities, and friendly information presentation. A new database SpaceLID (Space Life Investigation Database http://bidd.group/spacelid/ ) was developed with detailed menu search tools and categorized contents about the phenomena, protocols, and outcomes of 459 SLIs (including 106 plant investigations) of 92 species, where 236 SLIs and 57 plant investigations are uncovered by the existing databases. The usefulness of SpaceLID as an SLI information source is illustrated by the literature-reported analysis of metabolite, nutrition, and symbiosis variations of spaceflight plants. In conclusion, this study extensively investigated the impact of the space environment on plant biology, utilizing SpaceLID as an information source and examining various plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa L., and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. The findings provide valuable insights into the effects of space conditions on plant physiology and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Junyong Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines and Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Zijie Yu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yiqi Wei
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Mengna Cai
- Institute of Civil Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | | | - Xin-Yi Chu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Yu Zong Chen
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and The Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China
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4
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Qiu D, Jian Y, Zhang Y, Xie G. Plant Gravitropism and Signal Conversion under a Stress Environment of Altered Gravity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111723. [PMID: 34769154 PMCID: PMC8583895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have been committed to space exploration and to find the next planet suitable for human survival. The construction of an ecosystem that adapts to the long-term survival of human beings in space stations or other planets would be the first step. The space plant cultivation system is the key component of an ecosystem, which will produce food, fiber, edible oil and oxygen for future space inhabitants. Many plant experiments have been carried out under a stimulated or real environment of altered gravity, including at microgravity (0 g), Moon gravity (0.17 g) and Mars gravity (0.38 g). How plants sense gravity and change under stress environment of altered gravity were summarized in this review. However, many challenges remain regarding human missions to the Moon or Mars. Our group conducted the first plant experiment under real Moon gravity (0.17 g) in 2019. One of the cotton seeds successfully germinated and produced a green seedling, which represents the first green leaf produced by mankind on the Moon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qiu
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Correspondence: (D.Q.); (G.X.)
| | - Yongfei Jian
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuanxun Zhang
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Gengxin Xie
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: (D.Q.); (G.X.)
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Monje O, Richards JT, Carver JA, Dimapilis DI, Levine HG, Dufour NF, Onate BG. Hardware Validation of the Advanced Plant Habitat on ISS: Canopy Photosynthesis in Reduced Gravity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:673. [PMID: 32625217 PMCID: PMC7314936 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) is the largest research plant growth facility deployed on the International Space Station (ISS). APH is a fully enclosed, closed-loop plant life support system with an environmentally controlled growth chamber designed for conducting both fundamental and applied plant research during experiments extending as long as 135 days. APH was delivered to the ISS in parts aboard two commercial resupply missions: OA-7 in April 2017 and SpaceX-11 in June 2017, and was assembled and installed in the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo in November 2018. We report here on a 7-week-long hardware validation test that utilized a root module planted with both Arabidopsis (cv. Col 0) and wheat (cv. Apogee) plants. The validation test examined the APH's ability to control light intensity, spectral quality, humidity, CO2 concentration, photoperiod, temperature, and root zone moisture using commanding from ground facilities at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The test also demonstrated the execution of programmed experiment profiles that scheduled: (1) changes in environmental combinations (e.g., a daily photoperiod at constant relative humidity), (2) predetermined photographic events using the three APH cameras [overhead, sideview, and sideview near-infrared (NIR)], and (3) execution of experimental sequences during the life cycle of a crop (e.g., measure photosynthetic CO2 drawdown experiments). Arabidopsis and wheat were grown in microgravity to demonstrate crew procedures, planting protocols and watering schemes within APH. The ability of APH to contain plant debris was assessed during the harvest of mature Arabidopsis plants. Wheat provided a large evaporative load that tested root zone moisture control and the recovery of transpired water by condensation. The wheat canopy was also used to validate the ability of APH to measure gas exchange of plants from non-invasive gas exchange measurements (i.e., canopy photosynthesis and respiration). These features were evaluated by executing experiment profiles that utilized the CO2 drawdown technique to measure daily rates of canopy photosynthesis and dark-period CO2 increase for respiration. This hardware validation test confirmed that APH can measure fundamental plant responses to spaceflight conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Monje
- AECOM Management Services Inc., LASSO, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey T. Richards
- AECOM Management Services Inc., LASSO, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - John A. Carver
- TOSC, Jacobs Technology, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | | | - Howard G. Levine
- NASA, UB-A, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Nicole F. Dufour
- NASA, UB-A, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Bryan G. Onate
- NASA, UB-A, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
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6
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Vandenbrink JP, Herranz R, Poehlman WL, Alex Feltus F, Villacampa A, Ciska M, Javier Medina F, Kiss JZ. RNA-seq analyses of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings after exposure to blue-light phototropic stimuli in microgravity. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2019; 106:1466-1476. [PMID: 31709515 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Plants synthesize information from multiple environmental stimuli when determining their direction of growth. Gravity, being ubiquitous on Earth, plays a major role in determining the direction of growth and overall architecture of the plant. Here, we utilized the microgravity environment on board the International Space Station (ISS) to identify genes involved influencing growth and development of phototropically stimulated seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana. METHODS Seedlings were grown on the ISS, and RNA was extracted from 7 samples (pools of 10-15 plants) grown in microgravity (μg) or Earth gravity conditions (1-g). Transcriptomic analyses via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of differential gene expression was performed using the HISAT2-Stringtie-DESeq2 RNASeq pipeline. Differentially expressed genes were further characterized by using Pathway Analysis and enrichment for Gene Ontology classifications. RESULTS For 296 genes that were found significantly differentially expressed between plants in microgravity compared to 1-g controls, Pathway Analysis identified eight molecular pathways that were significantly affected by reduced gravity conditions. Specifically, light-associated pathways (e.g., photosynthesis-antenna proteins, photosynthesis, porphyrin, and chlorophyll metabolism) were significantly downregulated in microgravity. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression in A. thaliana seedlings grown in microgravity was significantly altered compared to that of the 1-g control. Understanding how plants grow in conditions of microgravity not only aids in our understanding of how plants grow and respond to the environment but will also help to efficiently grow plants during long-range space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Vandenbrink
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, E28040, Spain
| | - William L Poehlman
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - F Alex Feltus
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | | | - Malgorzata Ciska
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, E28040, Spain
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, E28040, Spain
| | - John Z Kiss
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
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7
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Cui J, Xia W, Wei S, Zhang M, Wang W, Zeng D, Liu M, Sun Y, Lu W. Photosynthetic Performance of Rice Seedlings Originated from Seeds Exposed to Spaceflight Conditions. Photochem Photobiol 2019; 95:1205-1212. [PMID: 30864196 DOI: 10.1111/php.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of the regulation on photosynthesis after spaceflight has not been fully understood. To learn more information about this, we conducted a series of experiments of photosystem, including photosynthetic physiological characteristics (fluorescence parameters, pigment contents), gene expression and proteomic change. We want to examine the response of rice (Oryza sativaDN416), whose seeds were placed in Bio-Radiation Box on the ShiJian-10(SJ-10) recoverable satellite. Our results demonstrated that the photosynthesis capacity of plants after spaceflight declined, compared to ground control plants. Specifically, Fv/Fm is significantly reduced for 7.5%. Chlorophyll content decreased in the three growth stages of rice, trefoil, tillering and mature stages. To further analyze changes under spaceflight environment, quantitative real-time PCR technology and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantization (iTRAQ) labeling technology were deployed. We found that the gene expression of important subunits of key enzymes and important structures had been decreased after spaceflight. As for the results of changes in proteins, we discovered that the content of proteins related to electron transport and photosynthesis key enzyme declined. Our experiments can provide reference for further research to learn more about the effects of spaceflight on photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cui
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Wenyan Xia
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyun Wei
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Deyong Zeng
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Mengyao Liu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Weihong Lu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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8
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Onoiko EB, Podorvanov VV, Sytnik SK, Sivash AA. The effect of simulated microgravity on formation of the pigment apparatus in etiolated barley seedlings. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350917050177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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9
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Zabel P, Bamsey M, Schubert D, Tajmar M. Review and analysis of over 40 years of space plant growth systems. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2016; 10:1-16. [PMID: 27662782 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The cultivation of higher plants occupies an essential role within bio-regenerative life support systems. It contributes to all major functional aspects by closing the different loops in a habitat like food production, CO2 reduction, O2 production, waste recycling and water management. Fresh crops are also expected to have a positive impact on crew psychological health. Plant material was first launched into orbit on unmanned vehicles as early as the 1960s. Since then, more than a dozen different plant cultivation experiments have been flown on crewed vehicles beginning with the launch of Oasis 1, in 1971. Continuous subsystem improvements and increasing knowledge of plant response to the spaceflight environment has led to the design of Veggie and the Advanced Plant Habitat, the latest in the series of plant growth systems. The paper reviews the different designs and technological solutions implemented in higher plant flight experiments. Using these analyses a comprehensive comparison is compiled to illustrate the development trends of controlled environment agriculture technologies in bio-regenerative life support systems, enabling future human long-duration missions into the solar system.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zabel
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Systems, Bremen, Germany.
| | - M Bamsey
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Systems, Bremen, Germany.
| | - D Schubert
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Systems, Bremen, Germany.
| | - M Tajmar
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Dresden, Germany.
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10
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Chen B, Wang Y. Proteomic and Physiological Studies Provide Insight into Photosynthetic Response of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings to Microgravity. Photochem Photobiol 2016; 92:561-70. [PMID: 27096703 DOI: 10.1111/php.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms whereby how photosynthesis is regulated and maintained under conditions of microgravity remain incompletely understood. Herein, we took a combination of proteomic and physiological approaches to examine the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings to spaceflight conditions. Our results show that both PSI fluorescence emission peak and P700 absorbance amplitude are severely decreased in spaceflight seedlings under microgravity. This is consistent with an observed significant reduction in PSI efficiency (ϕI ). To further analyze global changes of protein profiles under microgravity, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantization (iTRAQ) labeling technology were deployed. Four hundred fifty-four differentially expressed proteins were identified by comparison of spaceflight and ground control. Of proteins relevant to photosynthesis, 34 were downregulated and 4 were upregulated. The significantly downregulated ones are essential components of PSI, NDH and the Cytb6 f complex. This downregulation of PSI proteins and/or protein structure changes may cause the overall reduction in PSI activity. Intriguingly, although abundance of some PSII proteins was altered under microgravity, no significant changes in PSII activity were detected. Taken together, our results suggest that PSI, rather than PSII being usually much more sensitive to environmental stresses, is more susceptible to spaceflight conditions in rice seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Chen
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural of Sciences, Changchun, China.,Changchun Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingping Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural of Sciences, Changchun, China
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11
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Wang M, Liu H, Dong C, Fu Y, Liu H. Elevated CO2 enhances photosynthetic efficiency, ion uptake and antioxidant activity of Gynura bicolor DC. grown in a porous-tube nutrient delivery system under simulated microgravity. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2016; 18:391-9. [PMID: 26669703 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that plants can grow under space conditions, however, perturbations of many biological phenomena have been highlighted due to the effect of altered gravity and its possible interaction with other factors (e.g., CO2 , ion radiation, etc. Our aim was to test whether elevated CO2 could provide 'protection' to Gynura bicolor against the damaging effects of simulated microgravity (SM) on photosynthesis, ion uptake and antioxidant activity. As compared to G. bicolor grown in ambient CO2 with no SM (ACO2 ), growth and yield of the plants increased under elevated ambient CO2 with no SM (ECO2 ) and decreased under ACO2 +SM, whereas there was no significant effect on ECO2 +SM. Reductions in the content of Chl a, carotenoids and Chl a+b were 17.9%, 20.7% and 17.9% under ACO2 +SM, respectively, but under ECO2 there was a significant effect on all photosynthetic pigments except Chl b, compared to ACO2 . Photosynthesis was improved under ECO2 with SM and such an improvement was associated with improved water use efficiency and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency. Furthermore, SM caused a reduction in ion absorption rate, except for Ca(2+) , while ECO2 increased the uptake rate. Finally, the activity of SOD, POD and the content of MDA and H2 O2 were enhanced under SM treatments and were highest in ACO2 +SM. In contrast, T-AOC activity and GSH content significantly declined in ACO2 +SM compared to other treatments. These results suggest that ACO2 is not sufficient to counteract SM impact, but the increase is usually caused by improvement in CO2 nutrition in ECO2 +SM in comparison with ACO2 +SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - H Liu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - C Dong
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Y Fu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, University, Beijing, China
| | - H Liu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, University, Beijing, China
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12
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Harper LD, Neal CR, Poynter J, Schalkwyk JD, Wingo DR. Life Support for a Low-Cost Lunar Settlement: No Showstoppers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/space.2015.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn D. Harper
- Space Portal, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Clive R. Neal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | | | | | - Dennis Ray Wingo
- Skycorp Incorporated, NASA Ames Research Park, Moffett Field, California
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13
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Carman JG, Hole P, Salisbury FB, Bingham GE. Developmental, nutritional and hormonal anomalies of weightlessness-grown wheat. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2015; 6:59-68. [PMID: 26256629 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of water in weightlessness, as occurs in orbiting spacecraft, presents multiple challenges for plant growth. Soils remain saturated, impeding aeration, and leaf surfaces remain wet, impeding gas exchange. Herein we report developmental and biochemical anomalies of "Super Dwarf" wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown aboard Space Station Mir during the 1996-97 "Greenhouse 2" experiment. Leaves of Mir-grown wheat were hyperhydric, senesced precociously and accumulated aromatic and branched-chain amino acids typical of tissues experiencing oxidative stress. The highest levels of stress-specific amino acids occurred in precociously-senescing leaves. Our results suggest that the leaf ventilation system of the Svet Greenhouse failed to remove sufficient boundary layer water, thus leading to poor gas exchange and onset of oxidative stress. As oxidative stress in plants has been observed in recent space-flight experiments, we recommend that percentage water content in apoplast free-spaces of leaves be used to evaluate leaf ventilation effectiveness. Mir-grown plants also tillered excessively. Crowns and culms of these plants contained low levels of abscisic acid but high levels of cytokinins. High ethylene levels may have suppressed abscisic acid synthesis, thus permitting cytokinins to accumulate and tillering to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Carman
- Department of Plants, Soils and Climate, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4820, USA.
| | - P Hole
- Utah State University Analytical Laboratory, Logan, UT 84322-4830, USA.
| | - F B Salisbury
- Department of Plants, Soils and Climate, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4820, USA.
| | - G E Bingham
- Space Dynamics Laboratory, Utah State University, 1695 North Research Park Way, Logan, UT 84341-1942, USA.
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14
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Foster JS, Wheeler RM, Pamphile R. Host-microbe interactions in microgravity: assessment and implications. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:250-66. [PMID: 25370197 PMCID: PMC4187166 DOI: 10.3390/life4020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight imposes several unique stresses on biological life that together can have a profound impact on the homeostasis between eukaryotes and their associated microbes. One such stressor, microgravity, has been shown to alter host-microbe interactions at the genetic and physiological levels. Recent sequencing of the microbiomes associated with plants and animals have shown that these interactions are essential for maintaining host health through the regulation of several metabolic and immune responses. Disruptions to various environmental parameters or community characteristics may impact the resiliency of the microbiome, thus potentially driving host-microbe associations towards disease. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of host-microbe interactions in microgravity and assess the impact of this unique environmental stress on the normal physiological and genetic responses of both pathogenic and mutualistic associations. As humans move beyond our biosphere and undergo longer duration space flights, it will be essential to more fully understand microbial fitness in microgravity conditions in order to maintain a healthy homeostasis between humans, plants and their respective microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie S Foster
- Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA.
| | | | - Regine Pamphile
- Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA.
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15
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Effects of the Extraterrestrial Environment on Plants: Recommendations for Future Space Experiments for the MELiSSA Higher Plant Compartment. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:189-204. [PMID: 25370192 PMCID: PMC4187168 DOI: 10.3390/life4020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to logistical challenges, long-term human space exploration missions require a life support system capable of regenerating all the essentials for survival. Higher plants can be utilized to provide a continuous supply of fresh food, atmosphere revitalization, and clean water for humans. Plants can adapt to extreme environments on Earth, and model plants have been shown to grow and develop through a full life cycle in microgravity. However, more knowledge about the long term effects of the extraterrestrial environment on plant growth and development is necessary. The European Space Agency (ESA) has developed the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) program to develop a closed regenerative life support system, based on micro-organisms and higher plant processes, with continuous recycling of resources. In this context, a literature review to analyze the impact of the space environments on higher plants, with focus on gravity levels, magnetic fields and radiation, has been performed. This communication presents a roadmap giving directions for future scientific activities within space plant cultivation. The roadmap aims to identify the research activities required before higher plants can be included in regenerative life support systems in space.
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16
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Ruyters G, Braun M. Plant biology in space: recent accomplishments and recommendations for future research. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2014; 16 Suppl 1:4-11. [PMID: 24373009 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Gravity has shaped the evolution of life since its origin. However, experiments in the absence of this overriding force, necessary to precisely analyse its role, e.g. for growth, development, and orientation of plants and single cells, only became possible with the advent of spaceflight. Consequently, this research has been supported especially by space agencies around the world for decades, mainly for two reasons: first, to enable fundamental research on gravity perception and transduction during growth and development of plants; and second, to successfully grow plants under microgravity conditions with the goal of establishing a bioregenerative life support system providing oxygen and food for astronauts in long-term exploratory missions. For the second time, the International Space Life Sciences Working Group (ISLSWG), comprised of space agencies with substantial life sciences programmes in the world, organised a workshop on plant biology research in space. The present contribution summarises the outcome of this workshop. In the first part, an analysis is undertaken, if and how the recommendations of the first workshop held in Bad Honnef, Germany, in 1996 have been implemented. A chapter summarising major scientific breakthroughs obtained in the last 15 years from plant research in space concludes this first part. In the second part, recommendations for future research in plant biology in space are put together that have been elaborated in the various discussion sessions during the workshop, as well as provided in written statements from the session chairs. The present paper clearly shows that plant biology in space has contributed significantly to progress in plant gravity perception, transduction and responses - processes also relevant for general plant biology, including agricultural aspects. In addition, the interplay between light and gravity effects has increasingly received attention. It also became evident that plants will play a major role as components of bioregenerative life support and energy systems that are necessary to complement physico-chemical systems in upcoming long-term exploratory missions. In order to achieve major progress in the future, however, standardised experimental conditions and more advanced analytical tools, such as state-of-the-art onboard analysis, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ruyters
- German Space Administration (DLR), Bonn, Germany
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17
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Kordyum EL. Plant cell gravisensitivity and adaptation to microgravity. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2014; 16 Suppl 1:79-90. [PMID: 23731198 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A short overview on the effects of real and simulated microgravity on certain cell components and processes, including new information obtained recently, is presented. Attention is focused on the influence of real and simulated microgravity on plant cells that are not specialised to gravity perception and on seed formation. The paper considers the possibility of full adaptation of plants to microgravity, and suggests some questions for future plant research in order to make decisions on fundamental and applied problems of plant space biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Kordyum
- Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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18
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Chen B, Zhang A, Lu Q, Kuang T, Lu C, Wen X. Characterization of photosystem I in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings upon exposure to random positioning machine. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2013; 116:93-105. [PMID: 23943138 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-013-9908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
To gain a better understanding of how photosynthesis is adapted under altered gravity forces, photosynthetic apparatus and its functioning were investigated in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings grown in a random positioning machine (RPM). A decrease in fresh weight and dry weight was observed in rice seedlings grown under RPM condition. No significant changes were found in the chloroplast ultrastructure and total chlorophyll content between the RPM and control samples. Analyses of chlorophyll fluorescence and thermoluminescence demonstrate that PSII activity was unchanged under RPM condition. However, PSI activity decreased significantly under RPM condition. 77 K fluorescence emission spectra show a blue-shift and reduction of PSI fluorescence emission peak in the RPM seedlings. In addition, RPM caused a significant decrease in the amplitude of absorbance changes of P700 at 820 nm (A 820) induced by saturated far-red light. Moreover, the PSI efficiency (Φ I) decreased significantly under RPM condition. Immunoblot and blue native gel analyses further illustrate that accumulation of PSI proteins was greatly decreased in the RPM seedlings. Our results suggest that PSI, but not PSII, is down-regulated under RPM condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Chen
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
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19
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Giardi MT, Rea G, Lambreva MD, Antonacci A, Pastorelli S, Bertalan I, Johanningmeier U, Mattoo AK. Mutations of photosystem II D1 protein that empower efficient phenotypes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under extreme environment in space. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64352. [PMID: 23691201 PMCID: PMC3653854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Space missions have enabled testing how microorganisms, animals and plants respond to extra-terrestrial, complex and hazardous environment in space. Photosynthetic organisms are thought to be relatively more prone to microgravity, weak magnetic field and cosmic radiation because oxygenic photosynthesis is intimately associated with capture and conversion of light energy into chemical energy, a process that has adapted to relatively less complex and contained environment on Earth. To study the direct effect of the space environment on the fundamental process of photosynthesis, we sent into low Earth orbit space engineered and mutated strains of the unicellular green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which has been widely used as a model of photosynthetic organisms. The algal mutants contained specific amino acid substitutions in the functionally important regions of the pivotal Photosystem II (PSII) reaction centre D1 protein near the QB binding pocket and in the environment surrounding Tyr-161 (YZ) electron acceptor of the oxygen-evolving complex. Using real-time measurements of PSII photochemistry, here we show that during the space flight while the control strain and two D1 mutants (A250L and V160A) were inefficient in carrying out PSII activity, two other D1 mutants, I163N and A251C, performed efficient photosynthesis, and actively re-grew upon return to Earth. Mimicking the neutron irradiation component of cosmic rays on Earth yielded similar results. Experiments with I163N and A251C D1 mutants performed on ground showed that they are better able to modulate PSII excitation pressure and have higher capacity to reoxidize the QA− state of the primary electron acceptor. These results highlight the contribution of D1 conformation in relation to photosynthesis and oxygen production in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Giardi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Maya D. Lambreva
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Amina Antonacci
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Pastorelli
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council of Italy, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Bertalan
- Institute of Plant Physiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Udo Johanningmeier
- Institute of Plant Physiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Autar K. Mattoo
- The Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Paul AL, Wheeler RM, Levine HG, Ferl RJ. Fundamental plant biology enabled by the space shuttle. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2013; 100:226-34. [PMID: 23281389 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1200338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between fundamental plant biology and space biology was especially synergistic in the era of the Space Shuttle. While all terrestrial organisms are influenced by gravity, the impact of gravity as a tropic stimulus in plants has been a topic of formal study for more than a century. And while plants were parts of early space biology payloads, it was not until the advent of the Space Shuttle that the science of plant space biology enjoyed expansion that truly enabled controlled, fundamental experiments that removed gravity from the equation. The Space Shuttle presented a science platform that provided regular science flights with dedicated plant growth hardware and crew trained in inflight plant manipulations. Part of the impetus for plant biology experiments in space was the realization that plants could be important parts of bioregenerative life support on long missions, recycling water, air, and nutrients for the human crew. However, a large part of the impetus was that the Space Shuttle enabled fundamental plant science essentially in a microgravity environment. Experiments during the Space Shuttle era produced key science insights on biological adaptation to spaceflight and especially plant growth and tropisms. In this review, we present an overview of plant science in the Space Shuttle era with an emphasis on experiments dealing with fundamental plant growth in microgravity. This review discusses general conclusions from the study of plant spaceflight biology enabled by the Space Shuttle by providing historical context and reviews of select experiments that exemplify plant space biology science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lisa Paul
- Horticultural Science Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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21
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Saei AA, Omidi AA, Barzegari A. Screening and genetic manipulation of green organisms for establishment of biological life support systems in space. Bioengineered 2012; 4:65-71. [PMID: 22992434 DOI: 10.4161/bioe.22286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Curiosity has driven humankind to explore and conquer space. However, today, space research is not a means to relieve this curiosity anymore, but instead has turned into a need. To support the crew in distant expeditions, supplies should either be delivered from the Earth, or prepared for short durations through physiochemical methods aboard the space station. Thus, research continues to devise reliable regenerative systems. Biological life support systems may be the only answer to human autonomy in outposts beyond Earth. For construction of an artificial extraterrestrial ecosystem, it is necessary to search for highly adaptable super-organisms capable of growth in harsh space environments. Indeed, a number of organisms have been proposed for cultivation in space. Meanwhile, some manipulations can be done to increase their photosynthetic potential and stress tolerance. Genetic manipulation and screening of plants, microalgae and cyanobacteria is currently a fascinating topic in space bioengineering. In this commentary, we will provide a viewpoint on the realities, limitations and promises in designing biological life support system based on engineered and/or selected green organism. Special focus will be devoted to the engineering of key photosynthetic enzymes in pioneer green organisms and their potential use in establishment of transgenic photobioreactors in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ata Saei
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Astrobiology and Space Medicine Laboratory, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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22
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Lu J, Xue H, Pan Y, Kan S, Liu M, Nechitailo GS. Effect of spaceflight duration of subcellular morphologies and defense enzyme activities in earth-grown tomato seedlings propagated from space-flown seeds. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990793109060190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Plans by the space program to use plants for food supply and environmental regeneration have led to an examination of how plants grow in microgravity. Because secondary metabolic compounds are so important in determining the nutritional and flavor characteristics of plants-as well as making plants more resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses-their responses to altered gravity are now being studied. These experiments are technically challenging because temperature, humidity, atmospheric composition, light, and water status must be maintained around the plant while simultaneously altering the g-load, either in the free-fall of orbital spacecraft or on a centrifuge rotor. In general, plants have shown increased accumulation of small secondary metabolites in microgravity (<10(-3) g), while these have decreased in hypergravity (>1-g). Gravity-related changes in the plant environment as well as mechanical loading effects account for these responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey K Tuominen
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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24
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Stutte GW, Monje O, Hatfield RD, Paul AL, Ferl RJ, Simone CG. Microgravity effects on leaf morphology, cell structure, carbon metabolism and mRNA expression of dwarf wheat. PLANTA 2006; 224:1038-49. [PMID: 16708225 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-006-0290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 04/03/2006] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of higher plants as the basis for a biological life support system that regenerates the atmosphere, purifies water, and produces food has been proposed for long duration space missions. The objective of these experiments was to determine what effects microgravity (microg) had on chloroplast development, carbohydrate metabolism and gene expression in developing leaves of Triticum aestivum L. cv. USU Apogee. Gravity naive wheat plants were sampled from a series of seven 21-day experiments conducted during Increment IV of the International Space Station. These samples were fixed in either 3% glutaraldehyde or RNAlater or frozen at -25 degrees C for subsequent analysis. In addition, leaf samples were collected from 24- and 14-day-old plants during the mission that were returned to Earth for analysis. Plants grown under identical light, temperature, relative humidity, photoperiod, CO(2), and planting density were used as ground controls. At the morphological level, there was little difference in the development of cells of wheat under microg conditions. Leaves developed in mug have thinner cross-sectional area than the 1g grown plants. Ultrastructurally, the chloroplasts of microg grown plants were more ovoid than those developed at 1g, and the thylakoid membranes had a trend to greater packing density. No differences were observed in the starch, soluble sugar, or lignin content of the leaves grown in microg or 1g conditions. Furthermore, no differences in gene expression were detected leaf samples collected at microg from 24-day-old leaves, suggesting that the spaceflight environment had minimal impact on wheat metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Stutte
- Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Dynamac Corporation, Mail Code Dyn-3, Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy, FL 32899, USA.
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