1
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Sephton MA, Freeman K, Hays L, Thiessen F, Benison K, Carrier B, Dworkin JP, Glamoclija M, Gough R, Onofri S, Peterson R, Quinn R, Russell S, Stüeken EE, Velbel M, Zolotov M. Thresholds of Temperature and Time for Mars Sample Return: Final Report of the Mars Sample Return Temperature-Time Tiger Team. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:443-488. [PMID: 38768433 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Sephton
- Imperial College London, Earth Science and Engineering, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Kate Freeman
- The Pennsylvania State University, Geosciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lindsay Hays
- NASA Headquarters, Mars Sample Return Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fiona Thiessen
- European Space Research and Technology Centre, Noordwijk, South Holland, Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Benison
- West Virginia University, Department of Geology and Geography, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Brandi Carrier
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Jason P Dworkin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Astrochemistry, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Mihaela Glamoclija
- Rutgers University Newark College of Arts and Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Raina Gough
- University of Colorado, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Silvano Onofri
- University of Tuscia, Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Largo dell'Università snc Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Richard Quinn
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Sara Russell
- Natural History Museum, Department of Earth Sciences, London, UK
| | - Eva E Stüeken
- University of St Andrews, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Michael Velbel
- Michigan State University, Earth and Environmental Sciences, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Smithsonian Institution, Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mikhail Zolotov
- Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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2
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Muñoz-Hisado V, Ruiz-Blas F, Sobrado JM, Garcia-Lopez E, Martinez-Alonso E, Alcázar A, Cid C. Bacterial molecular machinery in the Martian cryosphere conditions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1176582. [PMID: 37840745 PMCID: PMC10569478 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1176582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The exploration of Mars is one of the main objectives of space missions since the red planet is considered to be, or was in the past, potentially habitable. Although the surface of Mars is now dry and arid, abundant research suggests that water covered Mars billions of years ago. Recently, the existence of liquid water in subglacial lakes has been postulated below the South pole of Mars. Until now, experiments have been carried out on the survival of microorganisms in Martian surface conditions, but it remains unknown how their adaptation mechanisms would be in the Martian cryosphere. In this work, two bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis and Curtobacterium flacumfaciens) were subjected to a simulated Martian environment during 24 h using a planetary chamber. Afterward, the molecular machinery of both species was studied to investigate how they had been modified. Proteomes, the entire set of proteins expressed by each bacterium under Earth (named standard) conditions and Martian conditions, were compared using proteomic techniques. To establish this evaluation, both the expression levels of each protein, and the variation in their distribution within the different functional categories were considered. The results showed that these bacterial species followed a different strategy. The Bacillus subtilis resistance approach consisted of improving its stress response, membrane bioenergetics, degradation of biomolecules; and to a lesser extent, increasing its mobility and the formation of biofilms or resistance endospores. On the contrary, enduring strategy of Curtobacterium flacumfaciens comprised of strengthening the cell envelope, trying to protect cells from the extracellular environment. These results are especially important due to their implications for planetary protection, missions to Mars and sample return since contamination by microorganisms would invalidate the results of these investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fátima Ruiz-Blas
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | | | - Emma Martinez-Alonso
- Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Alcázar
- Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Cid
- Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Tarasashvili MV, Elbakidze K, Doborjginidze ND, Gharibashvili ND. Carbonate precipitation and nitrogen fixation in AMG (Artificial Martian Ground) by cyanobacteria. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 37:65-77. [PMID: 37087180 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This article describes experiments performed to study the survival, growth, specific adaptations and bioremediation potential of certain extreme cyanobacteria strains within a simulation of the atmospheric composition, temperature and pressure expected in a future Martian greenhouse. Initial species have been obtained from Mars-analogue sites in Georgia. The results clearly demonstrate that specific biochemical adaptations allow these autotrophs to metabolize within AMG (Artificial Martian Ground) and accumulate biogenic carbon and nitrogen. These findings may thus contribute to the development of future Martian agriculture, as well as other aspects of the life-support systems at habitable Mars stations. The study shows that carbonate precipitation and nitrogen fixation, performed by cyanobacterial communities thriving within the simulated Martian greenhouse conditions, are cross-linked biological processes. At the same time, the presence of the perchlorates (at low concentrations) in the Martian ground may serve as the initial source of oxygen and, indirectly, hydrogen via photo-Fenton reactions. Various carbonates, ammonium and nitrate salts were obtained as the result of these experiments. These affect the pH, salinity and solubility of the AMG and its components, and so the AMG's scanty biogenic properties improved, which is essential for the sustainable growth of the agricultural crops. Therefore, the use of microorganisms for the biological remediation and continuous in situ fertilization of Artificial Martian Ground is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Tarasashvili
- BTU - Business and Technology University, 82 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Kh Elbakidze
- BTU - Business and Technology University, 82 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - N D Doborjginidze
- GSRA - Georgian Space Research Agency, 4 Vasil Petriashvili Street, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - N D Gharibashvili
- GSRA - Georgian Space Research Agency, 4 Vasil Petriashvili Street, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia; SpaceFarms Ltd, 14 Kostava Street, 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia
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4
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Liu B, Fu R, Wu B, Liu X, Xiang M. Rock-inhabiting fungi: terminology, diversity, evolution and adaptation mechanisms. Mycology 2022; 13:1-31. [PMID: 35186410 PMCID: PMC8856086 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2021.2002452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rock-inhabiting fungi (RIF) constitute an ecological group associated with terrestrial rocks. This association is generally restricted to the persistent colonisation of rocks and peculiar morphological features based on melanisation and slow growth, which endow RIF with significance in eukaryotic biology, special status in ecology, and exotic potential in biotechnology. There is a need to achieve a better understanding of the hidden biodiversity, antistress biology, origin and convergent evolution of RIF, which will facilitate cultural relic preservation, exploitation of the biogeochemical cycle of rock elements and biotechnology applications. This review focuses on summarising the current knowledge of rock-inhabiting fungi, with particular reference to terminology, biodiversity and geographic distribution, origin and evolution, and stress adaptation mechanisms. We especially teased out the definition through summing up the terms related to rock-inhabting fungi, and also provided a checklist of rock-inhabiting fungal taxa recorded following updated classification schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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5
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Muggia L, Coleine C, De Carolis R, Cometto A, Selbmann L. Antarctolichenia onofrii gen. nov. sp. nov. from Antarctic Endolithic Communities Untangles the Evolution of Rock-Inhabiting and Lichenized Fungi in Arthoniomycetes. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:935. [PMID: 34829222 PMCID: PMC8621061 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial endolithic communities are the main and most widespread life forms in the coldest and hyper-arid desert of the McMurdo Dry Valleys and other ice-free areas across Victoria Land, Antarctica. There, the lichen-dominated communities are complex and self-supporting assemblages of phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms, including bacteria, chlorophytes, and both free-living and lichen-forming fungi living at the edge of their physiological adaptability. In particular, among the free-living fungi, microcolonial, melanized, and anamorphic species are highly recurrent, while a few species were sometimes found to be associated with algae. One of these fungi is of paramount importance for its peculiar traits, i.e., a yeast-like habitus, co-growing with algae and being difficult to propagate in pure culture. In the present study, this taxon is herein described as the new genus Antarctolichenia and its type species is A. onofrii, which represents a transitional group between the free-living and symbiotic lifestyle in Arthoniomycetes. The phylogenetic placement of Antarctolichenia was studied using three rDNA molecular markers and morphological characters were described. In this study, we also reappraise the evolution and the connections linking the lichen-forming and rock-inhabiting lifestyles in the basal lineages of Arthoniomycetes (i.e., Lichenostigmatales) and Dothideomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Muggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (L.M.); (R.D.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’ Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Roberto De Carolis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (L.M.); (R.D.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnese Cometto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (L.M.); (R.D.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’ Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Mycological Section, Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), 16128 Genoa, Italy
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6
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Insights into the Survival Capabilities of Cryomyces antarcticus Hydrated Colonies after Exposure to Fe Particle Radiation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070495. [PMID: 34206448 PMCID: PMC8304246 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern concept of the evolution of Mars assumes that life could potentially have originated on the planet Mars, possibly during the end of the late heavy bombardment, and could then be transferred to other planets. Since then, physical and chemical conditions on Mars changed and now strongly limit the presence of terrestrial-like life forms. These adverse conditions include scarcity of liquid water (although brine solutions may exist), low temperature and atmospheric pressure, and cosmic radiation. Ionizing radiation is very important among these life-constraining factors because it damages DNA and other cellular components, particularly in liquid conditions where radiation-induced reactive oxidants diffuse freely. Here, we investigated the impact of high doses (up to 2 kGy) of densely-ionizing (197.6 keV/µm), space-relevant iron ions (corresponding on the irradiation that reach the uppermost layer of the Mars subsurface) on the survival of an extremophilic terrestrial organism—Cryomyces antarcticus—in liquid medium and under atmospheric conditions, through different techniques. Results showed that it survived in a metabolically active state when subjected to high doses of Fe ions and was able to repair eventual DNA damages. It implies that some terrestrial life forms can withstand prolonged exposure to space-relevant ion radiation.
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7
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Tesei D, Chiang AJ, Kalkum M, Stajich JE, Mohan GBM, Sterflinger K, Venkateswaran K. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on the Proteome and Secretome of the Polyextremotolerant Black Fungus Knufia chersonesos. Front Genet 2021; 12:638708. [PMID: 33815472 PMCID: PMC8012687 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.638708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Black fungi are a group of melanotic microfungi characterized by remarkable polyextremotolerance. Due to a broad ecological plasticity and adaptations at the cellular level, it is predicted that they may survive in a variety of extreme environments, including harsh niches on Earth and Mars, and in outer space. However, the molecular mechanisms aiding survival, especially in space, are yet to be fully elucidated. Based on these premises, the rock-inhabiting black fungus Knufia chersonesos (Wt) and its non-melanized mutant (Mut) were exposed to simulated microgravity-one of the prevalent features characterizing space conditions-by growing the cultures in high-aspect-ratio vessels (HARVs). Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses were performed on the mycelia and supernatant of culture medium (secretome) to assess alterations in cell physiology in response to low-shear simulated microgravity (LSSMG) and to ultimately evaluate the role of cell-wall melanization in stress survival. Differential expression was observed for proteins involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolic processes, transport, and ribosome biogenesis and translation via ribosomal translational machinery. However, no evidence of significant activation of stress components or starvation response was detected, except for the scytalone dehydratase, enzyme involved in the synthesis of dihydroxynaphthalene (DNH) melanin, which was found to be upregulated in the secretome of the wild type and downregulated in the mutant. Differences in protein modulation were observed between K. chersonesos Wt and Mut, with several proteins being downregulated under LSSMG in the Mut when compared to the Wt. Lastly, no major morphological alterations were observed following exposure to LSSMG. Similarly, the strains' survivability was not negatively affected. This study is the first to characterize the response to simulated microgravity in black fungi, which might have implications on future astrobiological missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Abby J. Chiang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research and Infectious Diseases, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute for Natural Sciences and Technology in the Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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8
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Coleine C, Stajich JE, de Los Ríos A, Selbmann L. Beyond the extremes: Rocks as ultimate refuge for fungi in drylands. Mycologia 2020; 113:108-133. [PMID: 33232202 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2020.1816761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In an era of rapid climate change and expansion of desertification, the extremely harsh conditions of drylands are a true challenge for microbial life. Under drought conditions, where most life forms cannot survive, rocks represent the main refuge for life. Indeed, the endolithic habitat provides thermal buffering, physical stability, and protection against incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation and solar radiation and, to some extent, ensures water retention to microorganisms. The study of these highly specialized extreme-tolerant and extremophiles may provide tools for understanding microbial interactions and processes that allow them to keep their metabolic machinery active under conditions of dryness and oligotrophy that are typically incompatible with active life, up to the dry limits for life. Despite lithobiontic communities being studied all over the world, a comprehensive understanding of their ecology, evolution, and adaptation is still nascent. Herein, we survey the fungal component of these microbial ecosystems. We first provide an overview of the main defined groups (i.e., lichen-forming fungi, black fungi, and yeasts) of the most known and studied Antarctic endolithic communities that are almost the only life forms ensuring ecosystem functionality in the ice-free areas of the continent. For each group, we discuss their main traits and their diversity. Then, we focus on the fungal taxonomy and ecology of other worldwide endolithic communities. Finally, we highlight the utmost importance of a global rock survey in order to have a comprehensive view of the diversity, distribution, and functionality of these fungi in drylands, to obtain tools in desert area management, and as early alarm systems to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, 900 University Ave , Riverside, California 92521
| | - Asunción de Los Ríos
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish National Resource Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.,Italian National Antarctic Museum, Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
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9
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Kashyap Jagadeesh M, Rao Valluri S, Kari V, Kubska K, Kaczmarek Ł. Indexing Exoplanets with Physical Conditions Potentially Suitable for Rock-Dependent Extremophiles. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10020010. [PMID: 31991857 PMCID: PMC7175269 DOI: 10.3390/life10020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for different life forms elsewhere in the universe is a fascinating area of research in astrophysics and astrobiology. Currently, according to the NASA Exoplanet Archive database, 3876 exoplanets have been discovered. The Earth Similarity Index (ESI) is defined as the geometric mean of radius, density, escape velocity, and surface temperature and ranges from 0 (dissimilar to Earth) to 1 (similar to Earth). The ESI was created to index exoplanets on the basis of their similarity to Earth. In this paper, we examined rocky exoplanets whose physical conditions are potentially suitable for the survival of rock-dependent extremophiles, such as the cyanobacteria Chroococcidiopsis and the lichen Acarospora. The Rock Similarity Index (RSI) is first introduced and then applied to 1659 rocky exoplanets. The RSI represents a measure for Earth-like planets on which physical conditions are potentially suitable for rocky extremophiles that can survive in Earth-like extreme habitats (i.e., hot deserts and cold, frozen lands).
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Kashyap Jagadeesh
- Department of Physics, Christ (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029, India
- Correspondence:
| | - Sagarika Rao Valluri
- Department of Electronics and Communication, RNSIT, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560098, India;
| | - Vani Kari
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006, India;
| | - Katarzyna Kubska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań 61-614, Poland; (K.K.)
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań 61-614, Poland; (K.K.)
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10
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Naranjo‐Ortiz MA, Gabaldón T. Fungal evolution: major ecological adaptations and evolutionary transitions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1443-1476. [PMID: 31021528 PMCID: PMC6850671 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are a highly diverse group of heterotrophic eukaryotes characterized by the absence of phagotrophy and the presence of a chitinous cell wall. While unicellular fungi are far from rare, part of the evolutionary success of the group resides in their ability to grow indefinitely as a cylindrical multinucleated cell (hypha). Armed with these morphological traits and with an extremely high metabolical diversity, fungi have conquered numerous ecological niches and have shaped a whole world of interactions with other living organisms. Herein we survey the main evolutionary and ecological processes that have guided fungal diversity. We will first review the ecology and evolution of the zoosporic lineages and the process of terrestrialization, as one of the major evolutionary transitions in this kingdom. Several plausible scenarios have been proposed for fungal terrestralization and we here propose a new scenario, which considers icy environments as a transitory niche between water and emerged land. We then focus on exploring the main ecological relationships of Fungi with other organisms (other fungi, protozoans, animals and plants), as well as the origin of adaptations to certain specialized ecological niches within the group (lichens, black fungi and yeasts). Throughout this review we use an evolutionary and comparative-genomics perspective to understand fungal ecological diversity. Finally, we highlight the importance of genome-enabled inferences to envision plausible narratives and scenarios for important transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Naranjo‐Ortiz
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyDr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona08003Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyDr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona08003Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)08003BarcelonaSpain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 2308010BarcelonaSpain
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11
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Blachowicz A, Chiang AJ, Elsaesser A, Kalkum M, Ehrenfreund P, Stajich JE, Torok T, Wang CCC, Venkateswaran K. Proteomic and Metabolomic Characteristics of Extremophilic Fungi Under Simulated Mars Conditions. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1013. [PMID: 31156574 PMCID: PMC6529585 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi have been associated with extreme habitats, including nuclear power plant accident sites and the International Space Station (ISS). Due to their immense adaptation and phenotypic plasticity capacities, fungi may thrive in what seems like uninhabitable niches. This study is the first report of fungal survival after exposure of monolayers of conidia to simulated Mars conditions (SMC). Conidia of several Chernobyl nuclear accident-associated and ISS-isolated strains were tested for UV-C and SMC sensitivity, which resulted in strain-dependent survival. Strains surviving exposure to SMC for 30 min, ISSFT-021-30 and IMV 00236-30, were further characterized for proteomic, and metabolomic changes. Differential expression of proteins involved in ribosome biogenesis, translation, and carbohydrate metabolic processes was observed. No significant metabolome alterations were revealed. Lastly, ISSFT-021-30 conidia re-exposed to UV-C exhibited enhanced UV-C resistance when compared to the conidia of unexposed ISSFT-021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Blachowicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Abby J Chiang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | | | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | | | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Tamas Torok
- Department of Ecology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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12
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Backhaus T, Meeßen J, Demets R, de Vera JP, Ott S. Characterization of Viability of the Lichen Buellia frigida After 1.5 Years in Space on the International Space Station. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:233-241. [PMID: 30742495 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The lichen Buellia frigida was exposed to space and simulated Mars analog conditions in the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX) project operated outside the International Space Station (ISS) for 1.5 years. To determine the effects of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) conditions on the lichen symbionts, a LIVE/DEAD staining analysis test was performed. After return from the ISS, the lichen symbionts demonstrated mortality rates of up to 100% for the algal symbiont and up to 97.8% for the fungal symbiont. In contrast, the lichen symbiont controls exhibited mortality rates of 10.3% up to 31.9% for the algal symbiont and 14.5% for the fungal symbiont. The results performed in the BIOMEX Mars simulation experiment on the ISS indicate that the potential for survival and the resistance of the lichen B. frigida to LEO conditions are very low. It is unlikely that Mars could be inhabited by this lichen, even for a limited amount of time, or even not habitable planet for the tested lichen symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Backhaus
- 1 Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Meeßen
- 1 Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - René Demets
- 2 European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- 3 Research Group, Astrobiological Laboratories, Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sieglinde Ott
- 1 Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
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The DNA of Bacteria of the World Ocean and the Earth in Cosmic Dust at the International Space Station. ScientificWorldJournal 2018; 2018:7360147. [PMID: 29849510 PMCID: PMC5932454 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7360147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cosmic dust samples from the surface of the illuminator of the International Space Station (ISS) were collected by a crew member during his spacewalk. The sampler with tampon in a vacuum container was delivered to the Earth. Washouts from the tampon's material and the tampon itself were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA by the method of nested PCR with primers specific to DNA of the genus Mycobacteria, DNA of the strains of capsular bacteria Bacillus, and DNA encoding 16S ribosomal RNA. The results of amplification followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of the bacteria of the genus Mycobacteria and the extreme bacterium of the genus Delftia in the samples of cosmic dust. It was shown that the DNA sequence of one of the bacteria of the genus Mycobacteria was genetically similar to that previously observed in superficial micro layer at the Barents and Kara seas' coastal zones. The presence of the wild land and marine bacteria DNA on the ISS suggests their possible transfer from the stratosphere into the ionosphere with the ascending branch of the global electric circuit. Alternatively, the wild land and marine bacteria as well as the ISS bacteria may all have an ultimate space origin.
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Olsson-Francis K, Ramkissoon NK, Price AB, Slade DJ, Macey MC, Pearson VK. The Study of Microbial Survival in Extraterrestrial Environments Using Low Earth Orbit and Ground-Based Experiments. J Microbiol Methods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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15
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Breitenbach R, Silbernagl D, Toepel J, Sturm H, Broughton WJ, Sassaki GL, Gorbushina AA. Corrosive extracellular polysaccharides of the rock-inhabiting model fungus Knufia petricola. Extremophiles 2017; 22:165-175. [PMID: 29275441 PMCID: PMC5847175 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-017-0984-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Melanised cell walls and extracellular polymeric matrices protect rock-inhabiting microcolonial fungi from hostile environmental conditions. How extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) perform this protective role was investigated by following development of the model microcolonial black fungus Knufia petricola A95 grown as a sub-aerial biofilm. Extracellular substances were extracted with NaOH/formaldehyde and the structures of two excreted polymers studied by methylation as well as NMR analyses. The main polysaccharide (~ 80%) was pullulan, also known as α-1,4-; α-1,6-glucan, with different degrees of polymerisation. Αlpha-(1,4)-linked-Glcp and α-(1,6)-linked-Glcp were present in the molar ratios of 2:1. A branched galactofuromannan with an α-(1,2)-linked Manp main chain and a β-(1,6)-linked Galf side chain formed a minor fraction (~ 20%). To further understand the roles of EPS in the weathering of minerals and rocks, viscosity along with corrosive properties were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The kinetic viscosity of extracellular K. petricola A95 polysaccharides (≈ 0.97 × 10−6 m2 s−1) ranged from the equivalent of 2% (w/v) to 5% glycerine, and could thus profoundly affect diffusion-dominated processes. The corrosive nature of rock-inhabiting fungal EPS was also demonstrated by its effects on the aluminium coating of the AFM cantilever and the silicon layer below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Breitenbach
- Department 4 (Materials and Environment), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorothee Silbernagl
- Division 6.6 (Nanotribology and Nano-Structuring), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Toepel
- Department of Solar Materials, Applied Biocatalytics, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heinz Sturm
- Division 6.6 (Nanotribology and Nano-Structuring), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Machine Tools and Factory Management, TU Berlin, Pascalstr. 8-9, 10587, Berlin, Germany
| | - William J Broughton
- Department 4 (Materials and Environment), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, CP 19046, Brazil
| | - Guilherme L Sassaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, CP 19046, Brazil
| | - Anna A Gorbushina
- Department 4 (Materials and Environment), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Earth Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Malteserstraße 74-100, 12249, Berlin, Germany.
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16
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Pacelli C, Selbmann L, Zucconi L, Raguse M, Moeller R, Shuryak I, Onofri S. Survival, DNA Integrity, and Ultrastructural Damage in Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Eukaryotic Microorganisms Exposed to Ionizing Radiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:126-135. [PMID: 28151696 PMCID: PMC5314979 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Life dispersal between planets, planetary protection, and the search for biosignatures are main topics in astrobiology. Under the umbrella of the STARLIFE project, three Antarctic endolithic microorganisms, the melanized fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515, a hyaline strain of Umbilicaria sp. (CCFEE 6113, lichenized fungus), and a Stichococcus sp. strain (C45A, green alga), were exposed to high doses of space-relevant gamma radiation (60Co), up to 117.07 kGy. After irradiation survival, DNA integrity and ultrastructural damage were tested. The first was assessed by clonogenic test; viability and dose responses were reasonably described by the linear-quadratic formalism. DNA integrity was evaluated by PCR, and ultrastructural damage was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The most resistant among the tested organisms was C. antarcticus both in terms of colony formation and DNA preservation. Besides, results clearly demonstrate that DNA was well detectable in all the tested organisms even when microorganisms were dead. This high resistance provides support for the use of DNA as a possible biosignature during the next exploration campaigns. Implication in planetary protection and contamination during long-term space travel are put forward. Key Words: Biosignatures-Ionizing radiation-DNA integrity-Eukaryotic microorganisms-Fingerprinting-Mars exploration. Astrobiology 17, 126-135.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marina Raguse
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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17
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Hodač L, Hallmann C, Spitzer K, Elster J, Faßhauer F, Brinkmann N, Lepka D, Diwan V, Friedl T. Widespread green algae Chlorella and Stichococcus exhibit polar-temperate and tropical-temperate biogeography. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016; 92:fiw122. [PMID: 27279416 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorella and Stichococcus are morphologically simple airborne microalgae, omnipresent in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The minute cell size and resistance against environmental stress facilitate their long-distance dispersal. However, the actual distribution of Chlorella- and Stichococcus-like species has so far been inferred only from ambiguous morphology-based evidence. Here we contribute a phylogenetic analysis of an expanded SSU and ITS2 rDNA sequence dataset representing Chlorella- and Stichococcus-like species from terrestrial habitats of polar, temperate and tropical regions. We aim to uncover biogeographical patterns at low taxonomic levels. We found that psychrotolerant strains of Chlorella and Stichococcus are closely related with strains originating from the temperate zone. Species closely related to Chlorella vulgaris and Muriella terrestris, and recovered from extreme terrestrial environments of polar regions and hot deserts, are particularly widespread. Stichococcus strains from the temperate zone, with their closest relatives in the tropics, differ from strains with the closest relatives being from the polar regions. Our data suggest that terrestrial Chlorella and Stichococcus might be capable of intercontinental dispersal; however, their actual distributions exhibit biogeographical patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Hodač
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christine Hallmann
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karolin Spitzer
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Josef Elster
- Centre for Polar Ecology, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Institute of Botany, Phycology Centrum, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37982 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Fabian Faßhauer
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Brinkmann
- Department of Forest Botany, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Lepka
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vaibhav Diwan
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Friedl
- Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (SAG), University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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18
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Brandt A, Posthoff E, de Vera JP, Onofri S, Ott S. Characterisation of Growth and Ultrastructural Effects of the Xanthoria elegans Photobiont After 1.5 Years of Space Exposure on the International Space Station. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2016; 46:311-21. [PMID: 26526425 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-015-9470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The lichen Xanthoria elegans has been exposed to space and simulated Mars-analogue environment in the Lichen and Fungi Experiment (LIFE) on the EXPOSE-E facility at the International Space Station (ISS). This long-term exposure of 559 days tested the ability of various organisms to cope with either low earth orbit (LEO) or Mars-analogue conditions, such as vacuum, Mars-analogue atmosphere, rapid temperature cycling, cosmic radiation of up to 215 ± 16 mGy, and insolation of accumulated doses up to 4.87 GJm(-2), including up to 0.314 GJm(-2) of UV irradiation. In a previous study, X. elegans demonstrated considerable resistance towards these conditions by means of photosynthetic activity as well as by post-exposure metabolic activity of 50-80% in the algal and 60-90% in the fungal symbiont (Brandt et al. Int J Astrobiol 14(3):411-425, 2015). The two objectives of the present study were complementary: First, to verify the high post-exposure viability by using a qualitative cultivation assay. Second, to characterise the cellular damages by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which were caused by the space and Mars-analogue exposure conditions of LIFE. Since the algal symbiont of lichens is considered as the more susceptible partner (de Vera and Ott 2010), the analyses focused on the photobiont. The study demonstrated growth and proliferation of the isolated photobiont after all exposure conditions of LIFE. The ultrastructural analysis of the algal cells provided an insight to cellular damages caused by long-term exposure and highlighted that desiccation-induced breakdown of cellular integrity is more pronounced under the more severe space vacuum than under Mars-analogue atmospheric conditions. In conclusion, desiccation-induced damages were identified as a major threat to the photobiont of X. elegans. Nonetheless, a fraction of the photobiont cells remained cultivable after all exposure conditions tested in LIFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Brandt
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU), Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Eva Posthoff
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU), Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Sieglinde Ott
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU), Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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19
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Onofri S, de Vera JP, Zucconi L, Selbmann L, Scalzi G, Venkateswaran KJ, Rabbow E, de la Torre R, Horneck G. Survival of Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Fungi in Simulated Martian Conditions On Board the International Space Station. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:1052-9. [PMID: 26684504 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dehydrated Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities and colonies of the rock inhabitant black fungi Cryomyces antarcticus (CCFEE 515) and Cryomyces minteri (CCFEE 5187) were exposed as part of the Lichens and Fungi Experiment (LIFE) for 18 months in the European Space Agency's EXPOSE-E facility to simulated martian conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Upon sample retrieval, survival was proved by testing colony-forming ability, and viability of cells (as integrity of cell membrane) was determined by the propidium monoazide (PMA) assay coupled with quantitative PCR tests. Although less than 10% of the samples exposed to simulated martian conditions were able to proliferate and form colonies, the PMA assay indicated that more than 60% of the cells and rock communities had remained intact after the "Mars exposure." Furthermore, a high stability of the DNA in the cells was demonstrated. The results contribute to assessing the stability of resistant microorganisms and biosignatures on the surface of Mars, data that are valuable information for further search-for-life experiments on Mars. KEY WORDS Endoliths-Eukaryotes-Extremophilic microorganisms-Mars-Radiation resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Onofri
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- 2 Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Zucconi
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuliano Scalzi
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Elke Rabbow
- 4 Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Cologne, Germany
| | - Rosa de la Torre
- 5 Department of Earth Observation, Spanish Aerospace Research Establishment-INTA , Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerda Horneck
- 4 Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Cologne, Germany
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20
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Sathishkumar Y, Krishnaraj C, Rajagopal K, Sen D, Lee YS. High throughput de novo RNA sequencing elucidates novel responses in Penicillium chrysogenum under microgravity. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2015; 39:223-31. [PMID: 26603994 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-015-1506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the transcriptional alterations in Penicillium chrysogenum under simulated microgravity conditions were analyzed for the first time using an RNA-Seq method. The increasing plethora of eukaryotic microbial flora inside the spaceship demands the basic understanding of fungal biology in the absence of gravity vector. Penicillium species are second most dominant fungal contaminant in International Space Station. Penicillium chrysogenum an industrially important organism also has the potential to emerge as an opportunistic pathogen for the astronauts during the long-term space missions. But till date, the cellular mechanisms underlying the survival and adaptation of Penicillium chrysogenum to microgravity conditions are not clearly elucidated. A reference genome for Penicillium chrysogenum is not yet available in the NCBI database. Hence, we performed comparative de novo transcriptome analysis of Penicillium chrysogenum grown under microgravity versus normal gravity. In addition, the changes due to microgravity are documented at the molecular level. Increased response to the environmental stimulus, changes in the cell wall component ABC transporter/MFS transporters are noteworthy. Interestingly, sustained increase in the expression of Acyl-coenzyme A: isopenicillin N acyltransferase (Acyltransferase) under microgravity revealed the significance of gravity in the penicillin production which could be exploited industrially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesupatham Sathishkumar
- Department of Forest Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chandran Krishnaraj
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dwaipayan Sen
- School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, 632014, India
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Yang Soo Lee
- Department of Forest Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Murukesan G, Leino H, Mäenpää P, Ståhle K, Raksajit W, Lehto HJ, Allahverdiyeva-Rinne Y, Lehto K. Pressurized Martian-Like Pure CO2 Atmosphere Supports Strong Growth of Cyanobacteria, and Causes Significant Changes in their Metabolism. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2015; 46:119-31. [PMID: 26294358 PMCID: PMC4679102 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-015-9458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Surviving of crews during future missions to Mars will depend on reliable and adequate supplies of essential life support materials, i.e. oxygen, food, clean water, and fuel. The most economical and sustainable (and in long term, the only viable) way to provide these supplies on Martian bases is via bio-regenerative systems, by using local resources to drive oxygenic photosynthesis. Selected cyanobacteria, grown in adequately protective containment could serve as pioneer species to produce life sustaining substrates for higher organisms. The very high (95.3 %) CO2 content in Martian atmosphere would provide an abundant carbon source for photo-assimilation, but nitrogen would be a strongly limiting substrate for bio-assimilation in this environment, and would need to be supplemented by nitrogen fertilizing. The very high supply of carbon, with rate-limiting supply of nitrogen strongly affects the growth and the metabolic pathways of the photosynthetic organisms. Here we show that modified, Martian-like atmospheric composition (nearly 100 % CO2) under various low pressure conditions (starting from 50 mbar to maintain liquid water, up to 200 mbars) supports strong cellular growth. Under high CO2 / low N2 ratio the filamentous cyanobacteria produce significant amount of H2 during light due to differentiation of high amount of heterocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Murukesan
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hannu Leino
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pirkko Mäenpää
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kurt Ståhle
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wuttinun Raksajit
- Centre of Integrated Bioscience for Animal Health and Alternative Energy, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Harry J Lehto
- Tuorla Observatory, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku, Piikkiö, Finland
| | | | - Kirsi Lehto
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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22
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Schiaparelli S, Selbmann L, Onofri S, Zucconi L, Isola D, Rottigni M, Ghiglione C, Piazza P, Alvaro MC. Distributional records of Antarctic fungi based on strains preserved in the Culture Collection of Fungi from Extreme Environments (CCFEE) Mycological Section associated with the Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA). MycoKeys 2015. [DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.10.5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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23
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Selbmann L, Zucconi L, Isola D, Onofri S. Rock black fungi: excellence in the extremes, from the Antarctic to space. Curr Genet 2014; 61:335-45. [PMID: 25381156 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-014-0457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This work focuses on rock-inhabiting fungi (RIF) of Antarctic rocky deserts, considered the closest to a possible Martian habitat, as the best example of adaptation to the extremes. The study of RIF ecophysiology, resistance and adaptation provides tools that shed light on the evolution of extremophily. These studies also help define the actual limits for life and provide insight for investigating its existence beyond our planet. The scientific results obtained from over 20 years of research on the biodiversity, phylogeny and evolution toward extremotolerance reviewed here demonstrate how these fascinating organisms can withstand conditions well beyond those in their natural environment. A final focus is given on results and perspectives arising from a recent proteomic approach, and from astrobiological experiments and their significance for future space exploration. These studies demonstrate that Antarctic RIF offer an excellent opportunity to investigate many basic, but also applicative areas of research on extremophily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy,
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24
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Zakharova K, Marzban G, de Vera JP, Lorek A, Sterflinger K. Protein patterns of black fungi under simulated Mars-like conditions. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5114. [PMID: 24870977 PMCID: PMC4037706 DOI: 10.1038/srep05114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Two species of microcolonial fungi – Cryomyces antarcticus and Knufia perforans - and a species of black yeasts–Exophiala jeanselmei - were exposed to thermo-physical Mars-like conditions in the simulation chamber of the German Aerospace Center. In this study the alterations at the protein expression level from various fungi species under Mars-like conditions were analyzed for the first time using 2D gel electrophoresis. Despite of the expectations, the fungi did not express any additional proteins under Mars simulation that could be interpreted as stress induced HSPs. However, up-regulation of some proteins and significant decreasing of protein number were detected within the first 24 hours of the treatment. After 4 and 7 days of the experiment protein spot number was increased again and the protein patterns resemble the protein patterns of biomass from normal conditions. It indicates the recovery of the metabolic activity under Martian environmental conditions after one week of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Zakharova
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Muthgasse 18, A - 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gorji Marzban
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Muthgasse 18, A - 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Rutherfordstrasse 2, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Lorek
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Rutherfordstrasse 2, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Muthgasse 18, A - 1190 Vienna, Austria
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25
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Meessen J, Sánchez FJ, Sadowsky A, de la Torre R, Ott S, de Vera JP. Extremotolerance and resistance of lichens: comparative studies on five species used in astrobiological research II. Secondary lichen compounds. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2013; 43:501-26. [PMID: 24362711 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-013-9348-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Lichens, which are symbioses of a fungus and one or two photoautotrophs, frequently tolerate extreme environmental conditions. This makes them valuable model systems in astrobiological research to fathom the limits and limitations of eukaryotic symbioses. Various studies demonstrated the high resistance of selected extremotolerant lichens towards extreme, non-terrestrial abiotic factors including space exposure, hypervelocity impact simulations as well as space and Martian parameter simulations. This study focusses on the diverse set of secondary lichen compounds (SLCs) that act as photo- and UVR-protective substances. Five lichen species used in present-day astrobiological research were compared: Buellia frigida, Circinaria gyrosa, Rhizocarpon geographicum, Xanthoria elegans, and Pleopsidium chlorophanum. Detailed investigation of secondary substances including photosynthetic pigments was performed for whole lichen thalli but also for axenically cultivated mycobionts and photobionts by methods of UV/VIS-spectrophotometry and two types of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, a set of chemical tests is presented to confirm the formation of melanic compounds in lichen and mycobiont samples. All investigated lichens reveal various sets of SLCs, except C. gyrosa where only melanin was putatively identified. Such studies will help to assess the contribution of SLCs on lichen extremotolerance, to understand the adaptation of lichens to prevalent abiotic stressors of the respective habitat, and to form a basis for interpreting recent and future astrobiological experiments. As most of the identified SLCs demonstrated a high capacity in absorbing UVR, they may also explain the high resistance of lichens towards non-terrestrial UVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Meessen
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Universitätsstr.1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany,
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Meeßen J, Sánchez FJ, Brandt A, Balzer EM, de la Torre R, Sancho LG, de Vera JP, Ott S. Extremotolerance and resistance of lichens: comparative studies on five species used in astrobiological research I. Morphological and anatomical characteristics. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2013; 43:283-303. [PMID: 23868319 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-013-9337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Lichens are symbioses of two organisms, a fungal mycobiont and a photoautotrophic photobiont. In nature, many lichens tolerate extreme environmental conditions and thus became valuable models in astrobiological research to fathom biological resistance towards non-terrestrial conditions; including space exposure, hypervelocity impact simulations as well as space and Martian parameter simulations. All studies demonstrated the high resistance towards non-terrestrial abiotic factors of selected extremotolerant lichens. Besides other adaptations, this study focuses on the morphological and anatomical traits by comparing five lichen species-Circinaria gyrosa, Rhizocarpon geographicum, Xanthoria elegans, Buellia frigida, Pleopsidium chlorophanum-used in present-day astrobiological research. Detailed investigation of thallus organization by microscopy methods allows to study the effect of morphology on lichen resistance and forms a basis for interpreting data of recent and future experiments. All investigated lichens reveal a common heteromerous thallus structure but diverging sets of morphological-anatomical traits, as intra-/extra-thalline mucilage matrices, cortices, algal arrangements, and hyphal strands. In B. frigida, R. geographicum, and X. elegans the combination of pigmented cortex, algal arrangement, and mucilage seems to enhance resistance, while subcortex and algal clustering seem to be crucial in C. gyrosa, as well as pigmented cortices and basal thallus protrusions in P. chlorophanum. Thus, generalizations on morphologically conferred resistance have to be avoided. Such differences might reflect the diverging evolutionary histories and are advantageous by adapting lichens to prevalent abiotic stressors. The peculiar lichen morphology demonstrates its remarkable stake in resisting extreme terrestrial conditions and may explain the high resistance of lichens found in astrobiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Meeßen
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine Universität HHU, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Rai B, Kaur J. Human Factor Studies on a Mars Analogue During Crew 100b International Lunar Exploration Working Group EuroMoonMars Crew: Proposed New Approaches for Future Human Space and Interplanetary Missions. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2012. [PMID: 23181225 PMCID: PMC3503372 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.103313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Knowing the risks, costs, and complexities associated with human missions to Mars, analogue research can be a great (low-risk) tool for exploring the challenges associated with the preparation for living, operating, and undertaking research in interplanetary missions. Short-duration analogue studies, such as those being accomplished at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), offer the chance to study mission operations and human factors in a simulated environment, and therefore contribute to exploration of the Moon and Mars in planned future missions. This article is based upon previously published articles, abstracts, and presentations by a series of independent authors, human factor studies performed on mars analogue station by Crew 100B. The MDRS Crew 100B performed studies over 15 days providing a unique insight into human factor issues in simulated short-duration Mars mission. In this study, 15 human factors were evaluated and analyzed by subjective and objective means, and from the summary of results it was concluded that optimum health of an individual and the crew as a whole is a necessity in order to encourage and maintain high performance and the satisfaction of project goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balwant Rai
- Kepler Space University, South Carolina, USA ; Simulated, Icrogravity and Human Body, JBR Institute of Health Education Research and Technology, Punjab, India
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