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Nickerson CA, McLean RJC, Barrila J, Yang J, Thornhill SG, Banken LL, Porterfield DM, Poste G, Pellis NR, Ott CM. Microbiology of human spaceflight: microbial responses to mechanical forces that impact health and habitat sustainability. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024:e0014423. [PMID: 39158275 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00144-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYUnderstanding the dynamic adaptive plasticity of microorganisms has been advanced by studying their responses to extreme environments. Spaceflight research platforms provide a unique opportunity to study microbial characteristics in new extreme adaptational modes, including sustained exposure to reduced forces of gravity and associated low fluid shear force conditions. Under these conditions, unexpected microbial responses occur, including alterations in virulence, antibiotic and stress resistance, biofilm formation, metabolism, motility, and gene expression, which are not observed using conventional experimental approaches. Here, we review biological and physical mechanisms that regulate microbial responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analog environments from both the microbe and host-microbe perspective that are relevant to human health and habitat sustainability. We highlight instrumentation and technology used in spaceflight microbiology experiments, their limitations, and advances necessary to enable next-generation research. As spaceflight experiments are relatively rare, we discuss ground-based analogs that mimic aspects of microbial responses to reduced gravity in spaceflight, including those that reduce mechanical forces of fluid flow over cell surfaces which also simulate conditions encountered by microorganisms during their terrestrial lifecycles. As spaceflight mission durations increase with traditional astronauts and commercial space programs send civilian crews with underlying health conditions, microorganisms will continue to play increasingly critical roles in health and habitat sustainability, thus defining a new dimension of occupational health. The ability of microorganisms to adapt, survive, and evolve in the spaceflight environment is important for future human space endeavors and provides opportunities for innovative biological and technological advances to benefit life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Nickerson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Robert J C McLean
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Laura L Banken
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - D Marshall Porterfield
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - George Poste
- Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - C Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Zhu XT, Sanz-Jimenez P, Ning XT, Tahir Ul Qamar M, Chen LL. Direct RNA sequencing in plants: Practical applications and future perspectives. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024:101064. [PMID: 39155503 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The transcriptome serves as a bridge that links genomic variation to phenotypic diversity. A vast number of studies using next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) over the last 2 decades have emphasized the essential roles of the plant transcriptome in response to developmental and environmental conditions, providing numerous insights into the dynamic changes, evolutionary traces, and elaborate regulation of the plant transcriptome. With substantial improvement in accuracy and throughput, direct RNA sequencing (DRS) has emerged as a new and powerful sequencing platform for precise detection of native and full-length transcripts, overcoming many limitations such as read length and PCR bias that are inherent to short-read RNA-seq. Here, we review recent advances in dissecting the complexity and diversity of plant transcriptomes using DRS as the main technological approach, covering many aspects of RNA metabolism, including novel isoforms, poly(A) tails, and RNA modification, and we propose a comprehensive workflow for processing of plant DRS data. Many challenges to the application of DRS in plants, such as the need for machine learning tools tailored to plant transcriptomes, remain to be overcome, and together we outline future biological questions that can be addressed by DRS, such as allele-specific RNA modification. This technology provides convenient support on which the connection of distinct RNA features is tightly built, sustainably refining our understanding of the biological functions of the plant transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Tong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Pablo Sanz-Jimenez
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Ning
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Ul Qamar
- Integrative Omics and Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Kimotho RN, Maina S. Unraveling plant-microbe interactions: can integrated omics approaches offer concrete answers? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:1289-1313. [PMID: 37950741 PMCID: PMC10901211 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances in high throughput omics techniques provide avenues to decipher plant microbiomes. However, there is limited information on how integrated informatics can help provide deeper insights into plant-microbe interactions in a concerted way. Integrating multi-omics datasets can transform our understanding of the plant microbiome from unspecified genetic influences on interacting species to specific gene-by-gene interactions. Here, we highlight recent progress and emerging strategies in crop microbiome omics research and review key aspects of how the integration of host and microbial omics-based datasets can be used to provide a comprehensive outline of complex crop-microbe interactions. We describe how these technological advances have helped unravel crucial plant and microbial genes and pathways that control beneficial, pathogenic, and commensal plant-microbe interactions. We identify crucial knowledge gaps and synthesize current limitations in our understanding of crop microbiome omics approaches. We highlight recent studies in which multi-omics-based approaches have led to improved models of crop microbial community structure and function. Finally, we recommend holistic approaches in integrating host and microbial omics datasets to achieve precision and efficiency in data analysis, which is crucial for biotic and abiotic stress control and in understanding the contribution of the microbiota in shaping plant fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Njoroge Kimotho
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Centre for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Solomon Maina
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, New South Wales 2568, Australia
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Prescott RD, Chan YL, Tong EJ, Bunn F, Onouye CT, Handel C, Lo CC, Davenport K, Johnson S, Flynn M, Saito JA, Lee H, Wong K, Lawson BN, Hiura K, Sager K, Sadones M, Hill EC, Esibill D, Cockell CS, Santomartino R, Chain PS, Decho AW, Donachie SP. Bridging Place-Based Astrobiology Education with Genomics, Including Descriptions of Three Novel Bacterial Species Isolated from Mars Analog Sites of Cultural Relevance. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1348-1367. [PMID: 38079228 PMCID: PMC10750312 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0072] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Democratizing genomic data science, including bioinformatics, can diversify the STEM workforce and may, in turn, bring new perspectives into the space sciences. In this respect, the development of education and research programs that bridge genome science with "place" and world-views specific to a given region are valuable for Indigenous students and educators. Through a multi-institutional collaboration, we developed an ongoing education program and model that includes Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, free bioinformatic platforms, and teacher training workshops to address our research and education goals through a place-based science education lens. High school students and researchers cultivated, sequenced, assembled, and annotated the genomes of 13 bacteria from Mars analog sites with cultural relevance, 10 of which were novel species. Students, teachers, and community members assisted with the discovery of new, potentially chemolithotrophic bacteria relevant to astrobiology. This joint education-research program also led to the discovery of species from Mars analog sites capable of producing N-acyl homoserine lactones, which are quorum-sensing molecules used in bacterial communication. Whole genome sequencing was completed in high school classrooms, and connected students to funded space research, increased research output, and provided culturally relevant, place-based science education, with participants naming three novel species described here. Students at St. Andrew's School (Honolulu, Hawai'i) proposed the name Bradyrhizobium prioritasuperba for the type strain, BL16AT, of the new species (DSM 112479T = NCTC 14602T). The nonprofit organization Kauluakalana proposed the name Brenneria ulupoensis for the type strain, K61T, of the new species (DSM 116657T = LMG = 33184T), and Hawai'i Baptist Academy students proposed the name Paraflavitalea speifideiaquila for the type strain, BL16ET, of the new species (DSM 112478T = NCTC 14603T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D. Prescott
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yvonne L. Chan
- Office of Community Science, ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Eric J. Tong
- Office of Community Science, ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Fiona Bunn
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chiyoko T. Onouye
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Christy Handel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lo
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Karen Davenport
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Shannon Johnson
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Mark Flynn
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Saito
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Herb Lee
- Pacific American Foundation, Kailua, Hawai‘i, USA
| | | | - Brittany N. Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Kayla Hiura
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Kailey Sager
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Mia Sadones
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Ethan C. Hill
- Office of Community Science, ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | | | - Charles S. Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick S.G. Chain
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Alan W. Decho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Stuart P. Donachie
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
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Mishra AK, Sudalaimuthuasari N, Hazzouri KM, Saeed EE, Shah I, Amiri KMA. Tapping into Plant-Microbiome Interactions through the Lens of Multi-Omics Techniques. Cells 2022; 11:3254. [PMID: 36291121 PMCID: PMC9600287 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the pivotal role of root exudates in the rhizosphere, especially the interactions between plants and microbes and between plants and plants. Root exudates determine soil nutrient mobilization, plant nutritional status, and the communication of plant roots with microbes. Root exudates contain diverse specialized signaling metabolites (primary and secondary). The spatial behavior of these metabolites around the root zone strongly influences rhizosphere microorganisms through an intimate compatible interaction, thereby regulating complex biological and ecological mechanisms. In this context, we reviewed the current understanding of the biological phenomenon of allelopathy, which is mediated by phytotoxic compounds (called allelochemicals) released by plants into the soil that affect the growth, survival, development, ecological infestation, and intensification of other plant species and microbes in natural communities or agricultural systems. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS), such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, have opened the possibility of better understanding the effects of secreted metabolites on the composition and activity of root-associated microbial communities. Nevertheless, understanding the role of secretory metabolites in microbiome manipulation can assist in designing next-generation microbial inoculants for targeted disease mitigation and improved plant growth using the synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) tool. Besides a discussion on different approaches, we highlighted the advantages of conjugation of metabolomic approaches with genetic design (metabolite-based genome-wide association studies) in dissecting metabolome diversity and understanding the genetic components of metabolite accumulation. Recent advances in the field of metabolomics have expedited comprehensive and rapid profiling and discovery of novel bioactive compounds in root exudates. In this context, we discussed the expanding array of metabolomics platforms for metabolome profiling and their integration with multivariate data analysis, which is crucial to explore the biosynthesis pathway, as well as the regulation of associated pathways at the gene, transcript, and protein levels, and finally their role in determining and shaping the rhizomicrobiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Mishra
- Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naganeeswaran Sudalaimuthuasari
- Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled M. Hazzouri
- Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Esam Eldin Saeed
- Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iltaf Shah
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry), College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled M. A. Amiri
- Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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