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Lorenz C, Bianchi E, Alberini A, Poggiali G, Benesperi R, Papini A, Brucato JR. UV photo-degradation of the secondary lichen substance parietin: A multi-spectroscopic analysis in astrobiology perspective. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:191-201. [PMID: 38670647 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.03.004] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The cortical anthraquinone yellow-orange pigment parietin is a secondary lichen substance providing UV-shielding properties that is produced by several lichen species. In our work, the secondary metabolite has been extracted from air-dried thalli of Xanthoria parietina. The aims of this study were to characterize parietin absorbance through UV-VIS spectrophotometry and with IR spectroscopy and to evaluate its photodegradability under UV radiation through in situ reflectance IR spectroscopy to understand to what extent the substance may have a photoprotective role. This allows us to relate parietin photo-degradability to the lichen UV tolerance in its natural terrestrial habitat and in extreme environments relevant for astrobiology such as Mars. Extracted crystals were UV irradiated for 5.59 h under N2 flux. After the UV irradiation, we assessed relevant degradations in the 1614, 1227, 1202, 1160 and 755 cm-1 bands. However, in light of Xanthoria parietina survivability in extreme conditions such as space- and Mars-simulated ones, we highlight parietin UV photo-resistance and its relevance for astrobiology as photo-protective substance and possible bio-hint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lorenz
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrew Alberini
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poggiali
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy; LESIA-Observatoire de Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 5 place Jules Janssen, 92190 Meudon, France
| | - Renato Benesperi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Papini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - John Robert Brucato
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy.
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He Z, Naganuma T, Nakai R, Imura S, Tsujimoto M, Convey P. Microbiomic Analysis of Bacteria Associated with Rock Tripe Lichens in Continental and Maritime Antarctic Regions. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080817. [PMID: 36012805 PMCID: PMC9409739 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased research attention is being given to bacterial diversity associated with lichens. Rock tripe lichens (Umbilicariaceae) were collected from two distinct Antarctic biological regions, the continental region near the Japanese Antarctic station (Syowa Station) and the maritime Antarctic South Orkney Islands (Signy Island), in order to compare their bacterial floras and potential metabolism. Bulk DNA extracted from the lichen samples was used to amplify the 18S rRNA gene and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, whose amplicons were Sanger- and MiSeq-sequenced, respectively. The fungal and algal partners represented members of the ascomycete genus Umbilicaria and the green algal genus Trebouxia, based on 18S rRNA gene sequences. The V3-V4 sequences were grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which were assigned to eight bacterial phyla, Acidobacteriota, Actinomyceota, Armatimonadota, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Deinococcota, Pseudomonadota and the candidate phylum Saccharibacteria (also known as TM7), commonly present in all samples. The OTU floras of the two biological regions were clearly distinct, with regional biomarker genera, such as Mucilaginibacter and Gluconacetobacter, respectively. The OTU-based metabolism analysis predicted higher membrane transport activities in the maritime Antarctic OTUs, probably influenced by the sampling area’s warmer maritime climatic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen He
- Graduate School of Integrated Science for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan;
| | - Takeshi Naganuma
- Graduate School of Integrated Science for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ryosuke Nakai
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2-17-2-1 Tsukisamu-Higashi, Sapporo 062-8517, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Imura
- National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3 Midori-Cho, Tachikawa 190-8518, Japan; (S.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Polar Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 10-3 Midori-cho, Tachikawa 190-8518, Japan
| | - Megumu Tsujimoto
- National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3 Midori-Cho, Tachikawa 190-8518, Japan; (S.I.); (M.T.)
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK;
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams 6350000, Chile
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Lopez-Ramirez MR, Sancho LG, de Vera JP, Baqué M, Böttger U, Rabbow E, Martínez-Frías J, de la Torre Noetzel R. Detection of new biohints on lichens with Raman spectroscopy after space- and Mars like conditions exposure: Mission Ground Reference (MGR) samples. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 261:120046. [PMID: 34139661 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The extremophile lichen Circinaria gyrosa (C. gyrosa) is one of the selected species within the BIOMEX (Biology and Mars Experiment) experiment. Here we present the Raman study of a biohint found in this lichen, called whewellite (calcium oxalate monohydrate), and other organic compounds and mineral products of the biological activity of the astrobiologically relevant model system C. gyrosa. Samples were exposed to space- and simulated Mars-like conditions during the EXPOSE-R2 mission parallel ground reference experiment MGR performed at the space- and planetary chambers of DLR-Cologne to study Mars' habitability and resistance to real space conditions. In this work, we complete the information of natural C. gyrosa about the process of diagenesis by the identification of carbonate crystals in the inner medulla together with the biomineral whewellite. The analysis by Raman spectroscopy of simulated Space and Mars exposed samples confirm alterations and damages of the photobiont part of the lichen and changes related to the molecular structure of whewellite. The conclusions of this work will be important to understand what are the effects to consider when biological systems are exposed to space or Mars-like conditions and to expand our knowledge of how life survives in most extreme conditions that is a prerequisite in future planetary exploration projects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L G Sancho
- UCM, Univ. Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - J P de Vera
- DLR, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Planetary Laboratories Department, Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Baqué
- DLR, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Planetary Laboratories Department, Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - U Böttger
- DLR, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Rabbow
- DLR, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
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The Ground-Based BIOMEX Experiment Verification Tests for Life Detection on Mars. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111212. [PMID: 34833088 PMCID: PMC8619271 DOI: 10.3390/life11111212] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of an astrobiological search for life campaign on Mars, or other planetary bodies in the Solar System, relies on the detectability of past or present microbial life traces, namely, biosignatures. Spectroscopic methods require little or no sample preparation, can be repeated almost endlessly, and can be performed in contact or even remotely. Such methods are therefore ideally suited to use for the detection of biosignatures, which can be confirmed with supporting instrumentation. Here, we discuss the use of Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies for the detection and characterization of biosignatures from colonies of the fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, grown on Martian analogues and exposed to increasing doses of UV irradiation under dried conditions. The results report significant UV-induced DNA damage, but the non-exceeding of thresholds for allowing DNA amplification and detection, while the spectral properties of the fungal melanin remained unaltered, and pigment detection and identification was achieved via complementary analytical techniques. Finally, this work found that fungal cell wall compounds, likely chitin, were not degraded, and were still detectable even after high UV irradiation doses. The implications for the preservation and detection of biosignatures in extraterrestrial environments are discussed.
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Pichler G, Candotto Carniel F, Muggia L, Holzinger A, Tretiach M, Kranner I. Enhanced culturing techniques for the mycobiont isolated from the lichen Xanthoria parietina. Mycol Prog 2021; 20:797-808. [PMID: 34720793 PMCID: PMC8550697 DOI: 10.1007/s11557-021-01707-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Lichens and their isolated symbionts are potentially valuable resources for biotechnological approaches. Especially mycobiont cultures that produce secondary lichen products are receiving increasing attention, but lichen mycobionts are notoriously slow-growing organisms. Sufficient biomass production often represents a limiting factor for scientific and biotechnological investigations, requiring improvement of existing culturing techniques as well as methods for non-invasive assessment of growth. Here, the effects of pH and the supplement of growth media with either D-glucose or three different sugar alcohols that commonly occur in lichens, D-arabitol, D-mannitol and ribitol, on the growth of the axenically cultured mycobiont isolated from the lichen Xanthoria parietina were tested. Either D-glucose or different sugar alcohols were offered to the fungus at different concentrations, and cumulative growth and growth rates were assessed using two-dimensional image analysis over a period of 8 weeks. The mycobiont grew at a pH range from 4.0 to 7.0, whereas no growth was observed at higher pH values. Varying the carbon source in Lilly-Barnett medium (LBM) by replacing 1% D-glucose used in the originally described LBM by either 1%, 2% or 3% of D-mannitol, or 3% of D-glucose increased fungal biomass production by up to 26%, with an exponential growth phase between 2 and 6 weeks after inoculation. In summary, we present protocols for enhanced culture conditions and non-invasive assessment of growth of axenically cultured lichen mycobionts using image analysis, which may be useful for scientific and biotechnological approaches requiring cultured lichen mycobionts. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11557-021-01707-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Pichler
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fabio Candotto Carniel
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucia Muggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andreas Holzinger
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mauro Tretiach
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilse Kranner
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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7
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Harańczyk H, Strzałka K, Kubat K, Andrzejowska A, Olech M, Jakubiec D, Kijak P, Palfner G, Casanova-Katny A. A comparative analysis of gaseous phase hydration properties of two lichenized fungi: Niebla tigrina (Follman) Rundel & Bowler from Atacama Desert and Umbilicaria antarctica Frey & I. M. Lamb from Robert Island, Southern Shetlands Archipelago, maritime Antarctica. Extremophiles 2021; 25:267-283. [PMID: 33942193 PMCID: PMC8102299 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-021-01227-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gaseous phase hydration properties for thalli of Niebla tigrina from Atacama Desert, and for Umbilicaria antarctica from Isla Robert, maritime Antarctica, were analyzed using 1H-NMR relaxometry, spectroscopy, and sorption isotherm analysis. The molecular dynamics of residual water was monitored to distinguish the sequential binding very tightly, tightly, and loosely bound water fractions. These two species differ in hydration kinetics faster for Desert N. tigrina [A1 = 0.51(4); t1 = 0.51(5) h, t2 = 15.0(1.9) h; total 0.7 for p/p0 = 100%], compared to Antarctic U. antarctica [A1 = 0.082(6), t1 = 2.4(2) h, t2 = [26.9(2.7)] h, total 0.6 for p/p0 = 100%] from humid polar area. The 1H-NMR measurements distinguish signal from tightly bound water, and two signals from loosely bound water, with different chemical shifts higher for U. antarctica than for N. tigrina. Both lichen species contain different amounts of water-soluble solid fraction. For U. antarctica, the saturation concentration of water soluble solid fraction, cs = 0.55(9), and the dissolution effect is detected at least up to Δm/m0 = 0.7, whereas for N. tigrina with the similar saturation concentration, cs = 053(4), this fraction is detected up to the threshold hydration level equal to ΔM/m0 = 0.3 only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Harańczyk
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, ul. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Cracow, Poland.
| | - K Strzałka
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland.,Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - K Kubat
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, ul. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Cracow, Poland
| | - A Andrzejowska
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, ul. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Cracow, Poland
| | - M Olech
- Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - D Jakubiec
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, ul. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Cracow, Poland
| | - P Kijak
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, ul. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Cracow, Poland
| | - G Palfner
- Mycological and Mycorrhizal Laboratory, Concepción University, Concepción, Chile
| | - Angélica Casanova-Katny
- Plant Ecophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Natural Resources, Catholic University of Temuco, Rudecindo Ortega, 03694, Temuco, Chile.
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Pacelli C, Cassaro A, Maturilli A, Timperio AM, Gevi F, Cavalazzi B, Stefan M, Ghica D, Onofri S. Multidisciplinary characterization of melanin pigments from the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6385-6395. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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de la Torre Noetzel R, Ortega García MV, Miller AZ, Bassy O, Granja C, Cubero B, Jordão L, Martínez Frías J, Rabbow E, Backhaus T, Ott S, García Sancho L, de Vera JPP. Lichen Vitality After a Space Flight on Board the EXPOSE-R2 Facility Outside the International Space Station: Results of the Biology and Mars Experiment. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:583-600. [PMID: 32364796 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As part of the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX; ILSRA 2009-0834), samples of the lichen Circinaria gyrosa were placed on the exposure platform EXPOSE-R2, on the International Space Station (ISS) and exposed to space and to a Mars-simulated environment for 18 months (2014-2016) to study: (1) resistance to space and Mars-like conditions and (2) biomarkers for use in future space missions (Exo-Mars). When the experiment returned (June 2016), initial analysis showed rapid recovery of photosystem II activity in the samples exposed exclusively to space vacuum and a Mars-like atmosphere. Significantly reduced recovery levels were observed in Sun-exposed samples, and electron and fluorescence microscopy (transmission electron microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope) data indicated that this was attributable to the combined effects of space radiation and space vacuum, as unirradiated samples exhibited less marked morphological changes compared with Sun-exposed samples. Polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed that there was DNA damage in lichen exposed to harsh space and Mars-like environmental conditions, with ultraviolet radiation combined with space vacuum causing the most damage. These findings contribute to the characterization of space- and Mars-resistant organisms that are relevant to Mars habitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa de la Torre Noetzel
- Departamentos de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Victoria Ortega García
- Departamentos de Sistemas de Defensa NBQ y Materiales Energéticos, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Zélia Miller
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- HERCULES Laboratory, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Olga Bassy
- ISDEFE (ISDEFE as External Consultant for INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Granja
- Departamentos de Sistemas de Defensa NBQ y Materiales Energéticos, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Cubero
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luisa Jordão
- INSA-Instituto Nacional Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Elke Rabbow
- DLR-German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Theresa Backhaus
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf (HHU), Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sieglinde Ott
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf (HHU), Duesseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Paul de Vera
- DLR-German Aerospace Center, Management and Infrastructure, Astrobiology Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
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Miki K, Kawashima S, Takahashi Y, Yonemura S. Potential survival of the lichen Caloplaca flavovirescens under high helium-beam doses. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2019; 58:449-454. [PMID: 31222610 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-019-00803-3] [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: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Testing the limits of survivability in space is the primary focus in astrobiological research. Although a number of previous studies have examined terrestrial life survival in an extraterrestrial environment, only a few have investigated how life systems respond to high doses of alpha cosmic ray, the main component of cosmic rays. We used respiration and photosynthetic rates as indicators of the vital signs of the lichen Caloplaca flavovirescens, which is a symbiotic life form including fungi and algae. Our experiment demonstrated that the photosynthetic rate decreased with increased helium-beam doses, whereas the respiration rate was relatively unaffected. Specifically, under a helium-beam dose greater than 10 Gy, the respiration rate remained nearly constant regardless of further increases in the radiation rate. Our results indicate that the different metabolic systems of terrestrial life forms might exhibit different survival characteristics when they are in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Miki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - S Kawashima
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Y Takahashi
- Department of Astrophysics, Interactive Symbiosphere Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yamagata, 990-8560, Japan
| | - S Yonemura
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
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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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Determeyer-Wiedmann N, Sadowsky A, Convey P, Ott S. Physiological life history strategies of photobionts of lichen species from Antarctic and moderate European habitats in response to stressful conditions. Polar Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-018-2430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Pacelli C, Selbmann L, Zucconi L, De Vera JP, Rabbow E, Horneck G, de la Torre R, Onofri S. BIOMEX Experiment: Ultrastructural Alterations, Molecular Damage and Survival of the Fungus Cryomyces antarcticus after the Experiment Verification Tests. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2017; 47:187-202. [PMID: 27033201 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The search for traces of extinct or extant life in extraterrestrial environments is one of the main goals for astrobiologists; due to their ability to withstand stress producing conditions, extremophiles are perfect candidates for astrobiological studies. The BIOMEX project aims to test the ability of biomolecules and cell components to preserve their stability under space and Mars-like conditions, while at the same time investigating the survival capability of microorganisms. The experiment has been launched into space and is being exposed on the EXPOSE-R2 payload, outside of the International Space Station (ISS) over a time-span of 1.5 years. Along with a number of other extremophilic microorganisms, the Antarctic cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515 has been included in the experiment. Before launch, dried colonies grown on Lunar and Martian regolith analogues were exposed to vacuum, irradiation and temperature cycles in ground based experiments (EVT1 and EVT2). Cultural and molecular tests revealed that the fungus survived on rock analogues under space and simulated Martian conditions, showing only slight ultra-structural and molecular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre De Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Linder Hoehe, D 51170, Köln, Germany
| | - Gerda Horneck
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Linder Hoehe, D 51170, Köln, Germany
| | - Rosa de la Torre
- Department of Earth Observation, INTA - National Institute of Aerospace Technique, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
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de la Torre R, Miller AZ, Cubero B, Martín-Cerezo ML, Raguse M, Meeßen J. The Effect of High-Dose Ionizing Radiation on the Astrobiological Model Lichen Circinaria gyrosa. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:145-153. [PMID: 28206822 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The lichen Circinaria gyrosa is an astrobiological model defined by its high capacity of resistance to space conditions and to a simulated martian environment. Therefore, it became part of the currently operated BIOMEX experiment on board the International Space Station and the recent STARLIFE campaign to study the effects of four types of space-relevant ionizing radiation. The samples were irradiated with helium and iron ions at doses up to 2 kGy, with X-rays at doses up to 5 kGy and with γ rays at doses from 6 to 113 kGy. Results on C. gyrosa's resistance to simulated space ionizing radiation and its post-irradiation viability were obtained by (i) chlorophyll a fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII), (ii) epifluorescence microscopy, (iii) confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and (iv) field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Results of photosynthetic activity and epifluorescence show no significant changes up to a dose of 1 kGy (helium ions), 2 kGy (iron ions), 5 kGy (X-rays)-the maximum doses applied for those radiation qualities-as well as a dose of 6 kGy of γ irradiation, which was the lowest dose applied for this low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. Significant damage in a dose-related manner was observed only at much higher doses of γ irradiation (up to 113 kGy). These data corroborate the findings of the parallel STARLIFE studies on the effects of ionizing radiation on the lichen Circinaria gyrosa, its isolated photobiont, and the lichen Xanthoria elegans. Key Words: Simulated space ionizing radiation-Gamma rays-Extremotolerance-Lichens-Circinaria gyrosa-Photosynthetic activity. Astrobiology 17, 145-153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa de la Torre
- 1 Departamento de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Zélia Miller
- 2 Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla-CSIC , Sevilla, Spain
| | - Beatriz Cubero
- 2 Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla-CSIC , Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Luisa Martín-Cerezo
- 1 Departamento de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Raguse
- 3 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Joachim Meeßen
- 4 Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
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Meeßen J, Backhaus T, Brandt A, Raguse M, Böttger U, de Vera JP, de la Torre R. The Effect of High-Dose Ionizing Radiation on the Isolated Photobiont of the Astrobiological Model Lichen Circinaria gyrosa. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:154-162. [PMID: 28206823 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lichen symbioses between fungi and algae represent successful life strategies to colonize the most extreme terrestrial habitats. Consequently, space exposure and simulation experiments have demonstrated lichens' high capacity for survival, and thus, they have become models in astrobiological research with which to discern the limits and limitations of terrestrial life. In a series of ground-based irradiation experiments, the STARLIFE campaign investigated the resistance of astrobiological model organisms to galactic cosmic radiation, which is one of the lethal stressors of extraterrestrial environments. Since previous studies have identified that the alga is the more sensitive lichen symbiont, we chose the isolated photobiont Trebouxia sp. of the astrobiological model Circinaria gyrosa as a subject in the campaign. Therein, γ radiation was used to exemplify the deleterious effects of low linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation at extremely high doses up to 113 kGy in the context of astrobiology. The effects were analyzed by chlorophyll a fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII), cultivation assays, live/dead staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and Raman laser spectroscopy (RLS). The results demonstrate dose-dependent impairment of photosynthesis, the cessation of cell proliferation, cellular damage, a decrease in metabolic activity, and degradation of photosynthetic pigments. While previous investigations on other extraterrestrial stressors have demonstrated a high potential of resistance, results of this study reveal the limits of photobiont resistance to ionizing radiation and characterize γ radiation-induced damages. This study also supports parallel STARLIFE studies on the lichens Circinaria gyrosa and Xanthoria elegans, both of which harbor a Trebouxia sp. photobiont. Key Words: Astrobiology-Gamma rays-Extremotolerance-Ionizing radiation-Lichens-Photobiont. Astrobiology 17, 154-162.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Meeßen
- 1 Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Theresa Backhaus
- 1 Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annette Brandt
- 1 Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marina Raguse
- 2 Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ute Böttger
- 3 Institute of Optical Sensor Systems , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- 4 Institute of Planetary Research , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosa de la Torre
- 5 Departamento de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) , Madrid, Spain
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Extreme dehydration observed in Antarctic Turgidosculum complicatulum and in Prasiola crispa. Extremophiles 2016; 21:331-343. [PMID: 28000023 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-016-0905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Gaseous phase hydration effect of extremely dehydrated thallus of the Antarctic lichenized fungus Turgidosculum complicatulum and of green alga Prasiola crispa was observed using hydration kinetics, sorption isotherm, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and relaxometry. Three bound water fractions were distinguished: (1) very tightly bound water, (2) tightly bound water and (3) a loosely bound water fraction detected at higher levels of hydration. Sorption isotherm was sigmoidal in form and well fitted using Dent model. The relative mass of water saturating primary water binding sites was ΔM/m 0 = 0.055 for T. complicatulum and ΔM/m 0 = 0.131 for P. crispa. 1H-NMR free induction decays (FIDs) for T. complicatulum and for P. crispa were superpositions of a solid signal component, and one averaged liquid signal component for P. crispa thallus ([Formula: see text] ≈ 80 µs) or two liquid signal components coming from a tightly bound ([Formula: see text]≈ 71 µs) and from a loosely bound water fraction ([Formula: see text]≈ 278 µs) for T. complicatulum. 1H-NMR spectra recorded for T. complicatulum and for P. crispa thalli revealed one averaged mobile proton signal component L. The total liquid signal component expressed in units of solid (L 1 + L 2)/S suggests the presence of water soluble fraction in T. complicatulum thallus.
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Gomoiu I, Chatzitheodoridis E, Vadrucci S, Walther I, Cojoc R. Fungal Spores Viability on the International Space Station. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2016; 46:403-418. [PMID: 27106019 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the security of a spaceflight experiment from two points of view: spreading of dried fungal spores placed on the different wafers and their viability during short and long term missions on the International Space Station (ISS). Microscopic characteristics of spores from dried spores samples were investigated, as well as the morphology of the colonies obtained from spores that survived during mission. The selected fungal species were: Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum, Ulocladium chartarum, and Basipetospora halophila. They have been chosen mainly based on their involvement in the biodeterioration of different substrate in the ISS as well as their presence as possible contaminants of the ISS. From biological point of view, three of the selected species are black fungi, with high melanin content and therefore highly resistant to space radiation. The visual inspection and analysis of the images taken before and after the short and the long term experiments have shown that all biocontainers were returned to Earth without damages. Microscope images of the lids of the culture plates revealed that the spores of all species were actually not detached from the surface of the wafers and did not contaminate the lids. From the adhesion point of view all types of wafers can be used in space experiments, with a special comment on the viability in the particular case of iron wafers when used for spores that belong to B. halophila (halophilic strain). This is encouraging in performing experiments with fungi without risking contamination. The spore viability was lower in the experiment for long time to ISS conditions than that of the short experiment. From the observations, it is suggested that the environment of the enclosed biocontainer, as well as the species'specific behaviour have an important effect, reducing the viability in time. Even the spores were not detached from the surface of the wafers, it was observed that spores used in the long term experiment lost the outer layer of their coat without affecting the viability since they were still protected by the middle and the inner layer of the coating. This research highlights a new protocol to perform spaceflight experiments inside the ISS with fungal spores in microgravity conditions, under the additional effect of possible cosmic radiation. According to this protocol the results are expressed in terms of viability, microscopic and morphological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gomoiu
- Institute of Biology, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - E Chatzitheodoridis
- School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechneiou str., Gr-15780 Zografou, Athens, Greece
| | - S Vadrucci
- Space Biology Group, ETH Zurich, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - I Walther
- Space Biology Group, ETH Zurich, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Cojoc
- Institute of Biology, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
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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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Meeßen J, Wuthenow P, Schille P, Rabbow E, de Vera JPP, Ott S. Resistance of the Lichen Buellia frigida to Simulated Space Conditions during the Preflight Tests for BIOMEX--Viability Assay and Morphological Stability. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:601-615. [PMID: 26218403 PMCID: PMC4554929 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Samples of the extremotolerant Antarctic endemite lichen Buellia frigida are currently exposed to low-Earth orbit-space and simulated Mars conditions at the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX), which is part of the ESA mission EXPOSE-R2 on the International Space Station and was launched on 23 July 2014. In preparation for the mission, several preflight tests (Experimental and Scientific Verification Tests, EVT and SVT) assessed the sample preparation and hardware integration procedures as well as the resistance of the candidate organism toward the abiotic stressors experienced under space and Mars conditions. Therefore, we quantified the post-exposure viability with a live/dead staining technique utilizing FUN-1 and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In addition, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate putative patterns of morphological-anatomical damage that lichens may suffer under the extreme exposure conditions. The present results demonstrate that Buellia frigida is capable of surviving the conditions tested in EVT and SVT. The mycobiont showed lower average impairment of its viability than the photobiont (viability rates of >83% and >69%, respectively), and the lichen thallus suffered no significant damage in terms of thalline integrity and symbiotic contact. These results will become essential to substantiate and validate the results prospectively obtained from the returning space mission. Moreover, they will help assess the limits and limitations of terrestrial organisms under space and Mars conditions as well as characterize the adaptive traits that confer lichen extremotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Meeßen
- 1 Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine Universität (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - P Wuthenow
- 1 Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine Universität (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - P Schille
- 1 Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine Universität (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - E Rabbow
- 2 Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrtmedizin, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) , Köln, Germany
| | - J-P P de Vera
- 3 Institut für Planetenforschung, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) , Berlin, Germany
| | - S Ott
- 1 Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine Universität (HHU) , Düsseldorf, Germany
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Sadowsky A, Ott S. Symbiosis as a successful strategy in continental Antarctica: performance and protection of Trebouxia photosystem II in relation to lichen pigmentation. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kumar J, Dhar P, Tayade AB, Gupta D, Chaurasia OP, Upreti DK, Arora R, Srivastava RB. Antioxidant capacities, phenolic profile and cytotoxic effects of saxicolous lichens from trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98696. [PMID: 24937759 PMCID: PMC4061001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fourteen saxicolous lichens from trans-Himalayan Ladakh region were identified by morpho-anatomical and chemical characteristics. The n-hexane, methanol and water extracts of the lichens were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. The lichen extracts showing high antioxidant capacities and rich phenolic content were further investigated to determine their cytotoxic activity on human HepG2 and RKO carcinoma cell lines. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging capacities and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching property exhibited analogous results where the lichen extracts showed high antioxidant action. The lichen extracts were also found to possess good amount of total proanthocyanidin, flavonoid and polyphenol. The methanolic extract of Lobothallia alphoplaca exhibited highest FRAP value. Methanolic extract of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging capacity. The n-hexane extract of Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca exhibited highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity. Highest antioxidant capacity in terms of β-carotene linoleic acid bleaching property was observed in the water extract of Xanthoria elegans. Similarly, Melanelia disjuncta water extract showed highest NO scavenging capacity. Among n-hexane, methanol and water extracts of all lichens, the methanolic extract of Xanthoparmelia mexicana showed highest total proanthocyanidin, flavonoid and polyphenol content. From cytotoxic assay, it was observed that the methanolic extracts of L. alphoplaca and M. disjuncta were exhibiting high cytotoxic effects against cancer cell growth. Similarly, the water extract of Dermatocarpon vellereum, Umbilicaria vellea, X. elegans and M. disjuncta and the methanolic extract of M. disjuncta and X. stenophylla were found to possess high antioxidant capacities and were non-toxic and may be used as natural antioxidants for stress related problems. Our studies go on to prove that the unique trans-Himalayan lichens are a hitherto untapped bioresource with immense potential for discovery of new chemical entities, and this biodiversity needs to be tapped sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Kumar
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Priyanka Dhar
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Amol B. Tayade
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Damodar Gupta
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Laboratory, Radiation Biotechnology Group, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Delhi, India
| | - Om P. Chaurasia
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Dalip K. Upreti
- Lichenology Laboratory, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Division, CSIR- National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Arora
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Laboratory, Radiation Biotechnology Group, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Delhi, India
- Office of the Director General-Life Sciences, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi B. Srivastava
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
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