1
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Villagra J, Raggio J, Alors D, Sancho LG. Desiccation Tolerance of Epiphytic Macrolichens in an Evergreen Temperate Rain Forest (Alerce Costero National Park, Chile). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1519. [PMID: 38891327 PMCID: PMC11174617 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The Valdivian region has a temperate rainy climate with differences in rainfall throughout the year. This heterogeneity results in periods of summer drought that expose the poikilohydric epiphytes to desiccation. With this research, we aim to answer different research questions related to phorophyte preference, response to desiccation, and response to radiation. How does the diversity of macrolichens vary at a local and microclimate scale in three tree species within an evergreen forest? What is the tolerance limit of macrolichens against prolonged desiccation, according to evaluation of the maximum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and pigment concentration? What is the tolerance limit against a potential increase in radiation? We found that macrolichen communities are determined by tree species, which regulate the suitability of the substrate by modifying the temperature and humidity conditions. In addition, our results show a rapid photosynthetic alteration in temporal exposure to desiccation, measured through Fv/Fm and pigment concentration. Our results showed that the most sensitive lichens to radiation and desiccation are not coincident. We confirm the low tolerance of macrolichen species to high radiation, reflected in the saturation profile obtained for the set studied. The lichen community in the evergreen forest showed high complexity and vulnerability, pointing to the importance of more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johana Villagra
- Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Campus San Juan, Pablo II, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 478 0694, Chile
- Departamento de Biología y Químicas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Campus San Juan Pablo II, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 478 0694, Chile
| | - José Raggio
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.R.); (L.G.S.)
| | - David Alors
- Departamento de Biología y Químicas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Campus San Juan Pablo II, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 478 0694, Chile
| | - Leopoldo G. Sancho
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.R.); (L.G.S.)
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2
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Bull JW. Life Is Uncertain: Inherent Variability Exhibited by Organisms, and at Higher Levels of Biological Organization. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:318-327. [PMID: 38350125 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Organisms act stochastically. A not uncommon view in the ecological literature is that this is mainly due to the observer having insufficient information or a stochastic environment-and not partly because organisms themselves respond with inherent unpredictability. In this study, I compile the evidence that contradicts that view. Organisms generate uncertainty internally, which results in irreducible stochastic responses. I consider why: for instance, stochastic responses are associated with greater adaptability to changing environments and resource availability. Over longer timescales, biologically generated uncertainty influences behavior, evolution, and macroecological processes. Indeed, it could be stated that organisms are systems defined by the internal generation, magnification, and record-keeping of uncertainty as inputs to responses. Important practical implications arise if organisms can indeed be defined by an association with specific classes of inherent uncertainty: not least that isolating those signatures then provides a potential means for detecting life, for considering the forms that life could theoretically take, and for exploring the wider limits to how life might become distributed. These are all fundamental goals in astrobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Bull
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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3
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Lorenz C, Arena C, Vitale E, Bianchi E, Poggiali G, Alemanno G, Benesperi R, Brucato JR, Garland S, Helbert J, Loppi S, Lorek A, Maturilli A, Papini A, de Vera JP, Baqué M. Resilience of Xanthoria parietina under Mars-like conditions: photosynthesis and oxidative stress response. PLANTA 2023; 259:25. [PMID: 38108922 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04290-1] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Xanthoria parietina survivability in Mars-like conditions was supported by water-lysis efficiency recovery and antioxidant content balancing with ROS production after 30 days of exposure. Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. is a widespread lichen showing tolerance against air pollutants and UV-radiation. It has been tested under space-like and Mars-like conditions resulting in high recovery performances. Hereby, we aim to assess the mechanisms at the basis of the thalli resilience against multiple space stress factors. Living thalli of X. parietina were exposed to simulated Martian atmospheric conditions (Dark Mars) and UV radiation (Full Mars). Then, we monitored as vitality indicator the photosynthetic efficiency, assessed by in vivo chlorophyll emission fluorescence measurements (FM; FV/F0). The physiological defense was evaluated by analyzing the thalli antioxidant capacity. The drop of FM and FV/F0 immediately after the exposure indicated a reduction of photosynthesis. After 24 h from exposure, photosynthetic efficiency began to recover suggesting the occurrence of protective mechanisms. Antioxidant concentrations were higher during the exposure, only decreasing after 30 days. The recovery of photosynthetic efficiency in both treatments suggested a strong resilience by the photosynthetic apparatus against combined space stress factors, likely due to the boosted antioxidants at the beginning and their depletion at the end of the exposure. The overall results indicated that the production of antioxidants, along with the occurrence of photoprotection mechanisms, guarantee X. parietina survivability in Mars-like environment.
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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
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy.
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Ermenegilda Vitale
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, 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
| | - Giulia Alemanno
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renato Benesperi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - John Robert Brucato
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi, 5, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - Stephen Garland
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörn Helbert
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefano Loppi
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Andreas Lorek
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Maturilli
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessio Papini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- Space Operations and Astronaut Training, Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mickaël Baqué
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Ramírez N, Sigurbjörnsdóttir MA, Monteil C, Berge O, Heiðmarsson S, Jackson RW, Morris C, Vilhelmsson O. Pseudomonas syringae isolated in lichens for the first time: Unveiling Peltigera genus as the exclusive host. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3502-3511. [PMID: 37658725 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae is a bacterial complex that is widespread through a range of environments, typically associated with plants where it can be pathogenic, but also found in non-plant environments such as clouds, precipitation, and surface waters. Understanding its distribution within the environment, and the habitats it occupies, is important for examining its evolution and understanding behaviours. After a recent study found P. syringae living among a range of vascular plant species in Iceland, we questioned whether lichens could harbour P. syringae. Sixteen different species of lichens were sampled all over Iceland, but only one lichen genus, Peltigera, was found to consistently harbour P. syringae. Phylogenetic analyses of P. syringae from 10 sampling points where lichen, tracheophyte, and/or moss were simultaneously collected showed significant differences between sampling points, but not between different plants and lichens from the same point. Furthermore, while there were similarities in the P. syringae population in tracheophytes and Peltigera, the densities in Peltigera thalli were lower than in moss and tracheophyte samples. This discovery suggests P. syringae strains can localize and survive in organisms beyond higher plants, and thus reveals opportunities for studying their influence on P. syringae evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ramírez
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
| | | | - Cecile Monteil
- INRA, UR0407 Pathologie Vegétale, Montfavet Cedex, France
| | - Odile Berge
- INRA, UR0407 Pathologie Vegétale, Montfavet Cedex, France
| | | | - Robert W Jackson
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Cindy Morris
- INRA, UR0407 Pathologie Vegétale, Montfavet Cedex, France
| | - Oddur Vilhelmsson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
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5
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Poulsen-Silva E, Gordillo-Fuenzalida F, Atala C, Moreno AA, Otero MC. Bioactive Lichen Secondary Metabolites and Their Presence in Species from Chile. Metabolites 2023; 13:805. [PMID: 37512512 PMCID: PMC10383681 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of at least one fungal and one algal species. They are found in different environments around the world, even in the poles and deserts. Some species can withstand extreme abiotic conditions, including radiation and the vacuum of space. Their chemistry is mainly due to the fungal metabolism and the production of several secondary metabolites with biological activity, which have been isolated due to an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical community. However, beyond the experimental data, little is known about their mechanisms of action and the potential pharmaceutical use of these kinds of molecules, especially the ones isolated from lesser-known species and/or lesser-studied countries. The main objective of this review is to analyze the bibliographical data of the biological activity of secondary metabolites from lichens, identifying the possible mechanisms of action and lichen species from Chile. We carried out a bibliographic revision of different scientific articles in order to collect all necessary information on the biological activity of the metabolites of these lichen species. For this, validated databases were used. We found the most recent reports where in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the biological properties of these metabolites. The biological activity, namely anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, of 26 secondary metabolites are described, as well as their reported molecular mechanisms. The most notable metabolites found in this review were usnic acid, atranorin, protolichesterinic acid, and lobaric acid. Usnic acid was the most investigated metabolite, in addition to undergoing toxicological and pharmacological studies, where a hepatotoxicity effect was reported due to uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, no major studies have been made to validate the pharmacological application of these metabolites, and few advancements have been made in their artificial growth in bioreactors. Despite the described biological activities, there is little support to consider these metabolites in pharmaceutical formulations or to evaluate them in clinical trials. Nevertheless, it is important to carry out further studies regarding their possible human health effects. These lichen secondary metabolites present a promising research opportunity to find new pharmaceutical molecules due to their bioactive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Poulsen-Silva
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Avda. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3466706, Chile
| | - Cristian Atala
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Curauma, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Adrián A Moreno
- Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - María Carolina Otero
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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6
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Buko T, Tuczko N, Ishikawa T. DNA Data Storage. BIOTECH 2023; 12:44. [PMID: 37366792 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The demand for data storage is growing at an unprecedented rate, and current methods are not sufficient to accommodate such rapid growth due to their cost, space requirements, and energy consumption. Therefore, there is a need for a new, long-lasting data storage medium with high capacity, high data density, and high durability against extreme conditions. DNA is one of the most promising next-generation data carriers, with a storage density of 10¹⁹ bits of data per cubic centimeter, and its three-dimensional structure makes it about eight orders of magnitude denser than other storage media. DNA amplification during PCR or replication during cell proliferation enables the quick and inexpensive copying of vast amounts of data. In addition, DNA can possibly endure millions of years if stored in optimal conditions and dehydrated, making it useful for data storage. Numerous space experiments on microorganisms have also proven their extraordinary durability in extreme conditions, which suggests that DNA could be a durable storage medium for data. Despite some remaining challenges, such as the need to refine methods for the fast and error-free synthesis of oligonucleotides, DNA is a promising candidate for future data storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Buko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, PL-02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nella Tuczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, PL-02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Takao Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, PL-02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Lorenz C, Bianchi E, Poggiali G, Alemanno G, Benesperi R, Brucato JR, Garland S, Helbert J, Loppi S, Lorek A, Maturilli A, Papini A, de Vera JP, Baqué M. Survivability of the lichen Xanthoria parietina in simulated Martian environmental conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4893. [PMID: 36966209 PMCID: PMC10039903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. is a widely spread foliose lichen showing high tolerance against UV-radiation thanks to parietin, a secondary lichen substance. We exposed samples of X. parietina under simulated Martian conditions for 30 days to explore its survivability. The lichen's vitality was monitored via chlorophyll a fluorescence that gives an indication for active light reaction of photosynthesis, performing in situ and after-treatment analyses. Raman spectroscopy and TEM were used to evaluate carotenoid preservation and possible variations in the photobiont's ultrastructure respectively. Significant differences in the photo-efficiency between UV irradiated samples and dark-kept samples were observed. Fluorescence values correlated with temperature and humidity day-night cycles. The photo-efficiency recovery showed that UV irradiation caused significant effects on the photosynthetic light reaction. Raman spectroscopy showed that the carotenoid signal from UV exposed samples decreased significantly after the exposure. TEM observations confirmed that UV exposed samples were the most affected by the treatment, showing chloroplastidial disorganization in photobionts' cells. Overall, X. parietina was able to survive the simulated Mars conditions, and for this reason it may be considered as a candidate for space long-term space exposure and evaluations of the parietin photodegradability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lorenz
- 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
| | - Giovanni Poggiali
- LESIA-Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 5 Place Jules Janssen, 92190, Meudon, France
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Alemanno
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renato Benesperi
- 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.
| | - Stephen Garland
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörn Helbert
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Andreas Lorek
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Maturilli
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessio Papini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via la Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), Space Operations and Astronaut Training, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mickaël Baqué
- Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
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8
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An B, Wang Y, Huang Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Xun D, Church GM, Dai Z, Yi X, Tang TC, Zhong C. Engineered Living Materials For Sustainability. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2349-2419. [PMID: 36512650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology and materials science have given rise to a new form of materials, namely engineered living materials (ELMs), which are composed of living matter or cell communities embedded in self-regenerating matrices of their own or artificial scaffolds. Like natural materials such as bone, wood, and skin, ELMs, which possess the functional capabilities of living organisms, can grow, self-organize, and self-repair when needed. They also spontaneously perform programmed biological functions upon sensing external cues. Currently, ELMs show promise for green energy production, bioremediation, disease treatment, and fabricating advanced smart materials. This review first introduces the dynamic features of natural living systems and their potential for developing novel materials. We then summarize the recent research progress on living materials and emerging design strategies from both synthetic biology and materials science perspectives. Finally, we discuss the positive impacts of living materials on promoting sustainability and key future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin An
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yanyi Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuzhu Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dongmin Xun
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - George M Church
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiao Yi
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Chao Zhong
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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9
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Miral A, Jargeat P, Mambu L, Rouaud I, Tranchimand S, Tomasi S. Microbial community associated with the crustose lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum L. (DC.) living on oceanic seashore: A large source of diversity revealed by using multiple isolation methods. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:856-872. [PMID: 35860838 PMCID: PMC9796121 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the study of the interactions within a microcosm between hosts and their associated microbial communities drew an unprecedented interest arising from the holobiont concept. Lichens, a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga, are redefined as complex ecosystems considering the tremendous array of associated microorganisms that satisfy this concept. The present study focuses on the diversity of the microbiota associated with the seashore located lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum, recovered by different culture-dependent methods. Samples harvested from two sites allowed the isolation and the molecular identification of 68 fungal isolates distributed in 43 phylogenetic groups, 15 bacterial isolates distributed in five taxonomic groups and three microalgae belonging to two species. Moreover, for 12 fungal isolates belonging to 10 different taxa, the genus was not described in GenBank. These fungal species have never been sequenced or described and therefore non-studied. All these findings highlight the novel and high diversity of the microflora associated with R. geographicum. While many species disappear every day, this work suggests that coastal and wild environments still contain an unrevealed variety to offer and that lichens constitute a great reservoir of new microbial taxa which can be recovered by multiplying the culture-dependent techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Miral
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)‐UMR 6226RennesFrance
| | - Patricia Jargeat
- UMR 5174 UPS‐CNRS‐IRD Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, EDBUniversité Toulouse‐3, Bât 4R1ToulouseFrance
| | - Lengo Mambu
- EA 7500 Laboratoire PEIRENE, Faculté de PharmacieUniversité de LimogesLimoges CedexFrance
| | - Isabelle Rouaud
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)‐UMR 6226RennesFrance
| | - Sylvain Tranchimand
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)‐UMR 6226Université de RennesRennesFrance
| | - Sophie Tomasi
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)‐UMR 6226RennesFrance
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10
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Non-random genetic alterations in the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. exposed to space conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12580. [PMID: 35869252 PMCID: PMC9307615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16789-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impact of long-term exposure of microorganisms to space is critical in understanding how these exposures impact the evolution and adaptation of microbial life under space conditions. In this work we subjected Nostoc sp. CCCryo 231-06, a cyanobacterium capable of living under many different ecological conditions, and also surviving in extreme ones, to a 23-month stay at the International Space Station (the Biology and Mars Experiment, BIOMEX, on the EXPOSE-R2 platform) and returned it to Earth for single-cell genome analysis. We used microfluidic technology and single cell sequencing to identify the changes that occurred in the whole genome of single Nostoc cells. The variant profile showed that biofilm and photosystem associated loci were the most altered, with an increased variant rate of synonymous base pair substitutions. The cause(s) of these non-random alterations and their implications to the evolutionary potential of single bacterial cells under long-term cosmic exposure warrants further investigation.
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11
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Fluorinated derivatives of tetrahydroaltersolanol molecule on COVID-19, HIV, and HTLV protease by DFT and molecular docking approaches. J Mol Model 2022; 28:350. [PMID: 36217060 PMCID: PMC9550597 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05340-3] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Structural, optoelectronic, and biological properties of tetrahydroaltersolanol (C16H20O7) and fluorinated derivatives are calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking approaches. It is shown that the pure C16H20O7 molecule has a direct HOMO-LUMO energy gap about 3.1 eV. The substitution of F atom at A category decreases the electronic energy gap, while it is constant at B category. In A category, the behavior of the pure molecule changed from insulator to semiconductor with various substitution of F atom. The electronic properties were depended on the F sites in the pure molecule. The molecular electrical transport properties and charge-transfer possibilities increase with decreasing energy gap. The pure C16H20O7 molecule with high energy gap has low chemical reactivity and substitution of F atom at considered molecule increases chemical reactivity. Obtained results show that F-O bonds in trifurcation bonds of C16H19O7(F14), C16H19O7(F16), and C16H19O7(F17) molecules play a key role in confronting with COVID-19, HIV, and HTLV proteases, respectively. Optical spectra, such as the dielectric functions, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and reflection spectra show that fluorinated derivatives of C16H20O7 at B category can be used in the new drugs.
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12
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Lantin S, Mendell S, Akkad G, Cohen AN, Apicella X, McCoy E, Beltran-Pardo E, Waltemathe M, Srinivasan P, Joshi PM, Rothman JH, Lubin P. Interstellar space biology via Project Starlight. ACTA ASTRONAUTICA 2022; 190:261-272. [PMID: 36710946 PMCID: PMC9881496 DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Our ability to explore the cosmos by direct contact has been limited to a small number of lunar and interplanetary missions. However, the NASA Starlight program points a path forward to send small, relativistic spacecraft far outside our solar system via standoff directed-energy propulsion. These miniaturized spacecraft are capable of robotic exploration but can also transport seeds and organisms, marking a profound change in our ability to both characterize and expand the reach of known life. Here we explore the biological and technological challenges of interstellar space biology, focusing on radiation-tolerant microorganisms capable of cryptobiosis. Additionally, we discuss planetary protection concerns and other ethical considerations of sending life to the stars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lantin
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, FL, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Sophie Mendell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
- College of Creative Studies, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Ghassan Akkad
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Alexander N. Cohen
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Xander Apicella
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Emma McCoy
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Prasanna Srinivasan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
- Center for BioEngineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Pradeep M. Joshi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Joel H. Rothman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Philip Lubin
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
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13
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Proteomic Response of Deinococcus radiodurans to Short-Term Real Microgravity during Parabolic Flight Reveals Altered Abundance of Proteins Involved in Stress Response and Cell Envelope Functions. Life (Basel) 2021; 12:life12010023. [PMID: 35054415 PMCID: PMC8779699 DOI: 10.3390/life12010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly evolving space exploration makes understanding the short- and long- term effects of microgravity on humans, plants, and microorganisms an important task. The ubiquitous presence of the gravitational force has had an influence on the development of all living entities on Earth, and short- and long-term changes in perceived gravitational force can induce notable changes within cells. Deinococcus radiodurans is the Gram-positive bacterium that is best known for its extreme resistance to UV-C and gamma radiation, oxidation stress, and desiccation. Thus increased interest has been placed on this species in the context of space research. The present study aims to elucidate the short-term proteomic response of this species to real microgravity during parabolic flight. Overnight cultures of D. radiodurans were subjected to microgravity during a single parabola, and metabolic activity was quenched using methanol. Proteins were extracted and subsequently measured using HPLC nESI MS/MS. The results, such as the enrichment of the peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway with differentially abundant proteins and altered S-layer protein abundance, suggested molecular rearrangements in the cell envelope of D. radiodurans. Altered abundance of proteins involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair could be linked with increased endogenous ROS production that contributes to the stress response. Moreover, changes in protein abundance in response to microgravity show similarities with previously reported stress responses. Thus, the present results could be used to further investigate the complex regulation of the remarkable stress management of this bacterium.
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14
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Kyriatzi A, Tzivras G, Pirintsos S, Kotzabasis K. Biotechnology under extreme conditions: Lichens after extreme UVB radiation and extreme temperatures produce large amounts of hydrogen. J Biotechnol 2021; 342:128-138. [PMID: 34743006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study demonstrates biotechnological applications of the lichen Pleurosticta acetabulum, specifically the production of large amounts of hydrogen even after the lichen exposure to extreme conditions such as a) extreme UVB radiation (1.7 mW/cm2 = 1000 J m-2 min-1) over different time periods (4, 20 & 70 h) and b) combined exposure of the lichen to high intensity UVB radiation and extreme low (-196 °C) or extreme high temperatures (+70 °C). The results highlight that the extremophilic and polyextremophilic behavior of lichens both in dehydrated and in regenerated form, under extreme conditions not necessarily recorded on earth, is compatible with their biotechnological uses. The lichen viability was measured using fluorescence induction techniques (OJIP-test), which record changes in the molecular structure and function of the photosynthetic mechanism, while its ability to produce molecular hydrogen was measured through thermal conductivity gas chromatography (GC-TCD) analysis. Hydrogen is a promising fuel for the future. The exciting result of a lichen micro-ecosystem is its ability to expel its moisture and remain in an inactive state, protecting itself from extreme conditions and maintaining its ability to high yield hydrogen production in a closed system, with the sole addition of water and without the need for additional energy. Our results expand the potential use of lichens for future biotechnological applications in extreme Earth environments, but also in environments on other planets, such as Mars, thus paving the way for astrobiotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kyriatzi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Tzivras
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Stergios Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR-74100 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
| | - Kiriakos Kotzabasis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR-74100 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece.
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15
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Chavarria-Pizarro T, Resl P, Janjic A, Werth S. Gene expression responses to thermal shifts in the endangered lichen Lobaria pulmonaria. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:839-858. [PMID: 34784096 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change has led to unprecedented shifts in temperature across many ecosystems. In a context of rapid environmental changes, acclimation is an important process as it may influence the capacity of organisms to survive under novel thermal conditions. Mechanisms of acclimation could involve upregulation of stress response genes involved in protein folding, DNA damage repair and the regulation of signal transduction genes, along with a simultaneous downregulation of genes involved in growth or the cell cycle, in order to maintain cellular functions and equilibria. We transplanted Lobaria pulmonaria lichens originating from different forests to determine the relative effects of long-term acclimation and genetic factors on the variability in expression of mycobiont and photobiont genes. We found a strong response of the mycobiont and photobiont to high temperatures, regardless of sample origin. The green-algal photobiont had an overall lower response than the mycobiont. Gene expression of both symbionts was also influenced by acclimation to transplantation sites and by genetic factors. L. pulmonaria seems to have evolved powerful molecular pathways to deal with environmental fluctuations and stress and can acclimate to new habitats by transcriptomic convergence. Although L. pulmonaria has the molecular machinery to counteract short-term thermal stress, survival of lichens such as L. pulmonaria depends mostly on their long-term positive carbon balance, which can be compromised by higher temperatures and reduced precipitation, and both these outcomes have been predicted for Central Europe in connection with global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp Resl
- Systematic Botany and Mycology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Aleksandar Janjic
- Anthropology and Human Genomics, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Silke Werth
- Systematic Botany and Mycology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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16
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Fahrion J, Mastroleo F, Dussap CG, Leys N. Use of Photobioreactors in Regenerative Life Support Systems for Human Space Exploration. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:699525. [PMID: 34276632 PMCID: PMC8281973 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.699525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are still many challenges to overcome for human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) (e.g., to the Moon) and for long-term missions (e.g., to Mars). One of the biggest problems is the reliable air, water and food supply for the crew. Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) aim to overcome these challenges using bioreactors for waste treatment, air and water revitalization as well as food production. In this review we focus on the microbial photosynthetic bioprocess and photobioreactors in space, which allow removal of toxic carbon dioxide (CO2) and production of oxygen (O2) and edible biomass. This paper gives an overview of the conducted space experiments in LEO with photobioreactors and the precursor work (on ground and in space) for BLSS projects over the last 30 years. We discuss the different hardware approaches as well as the organisms tested for these bioreactors. Even though a lot of experiments showed successful biological air revitalization on ground, the transfer to the space environment is far from trivial. For example, gas-liquid transfer phenomena are different under microgravity conditions which inevitably can affect the cultivation process and the oxygen production. In this review, we also highlight the missing expertise in this research field to pave the way for future space photobioreactor development and we point to future experiments needed to master the challenge of a fully functional BLSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Fahrion
- Interdisciplinary Biosciences Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Felice Mastroleo
- Interdisciplinary Biosciences Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Claude-Gilles Dussap
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Natalie Leys
- Interdisciplinary Biosciences Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
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17
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West JB. High Altitude Limits of Living Things. High Alt Med Biol 2021; 22:342-345. [PMID: 34097498 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2020.0212] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West, John B. High altitude limits of living things. High Alt Med Biol. 22:342-345, 2021.-The tolerance of animals to high altitude is generally limited by the low partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in the air. Plant growth at high altitude is also limited but by different mechanisms. This article is a brief survey of the limiting factors of all living things. By a curious coincidence, the highest point on earth, that is Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, appears to be right at the limit of human tolerance to hypoxia. The altitude of the highest permanent human habitation, that is a town, is 5,100 m. This altitude is partly determined by the hypoxia, but also by economic factors. For other terrestrial mammals, birds, and insects, the highest altitudes for permanent habitation apparently belong to field mice (Phyllotis xanthopygus rupestris) and jumping spiders (Euophrys omnisuperstes) at about 6,700 m. Birds have been known to fly as high as 11,000 m although how much they are elevated by atmospheric updrafts is not clear. The record for animals for survival in extreme hypoxia is arguably held by the primitive invertebrate, the tardigrade (Hypsibius dujardini). This has been shown to tolerate the hard vacuum of space where the PO2 is essentially zero for many days. Less is known about the tolerance of plants to extreme altitude. However, vascular plants have been collected at >6,000 m in the Himalayas, and moss grows even higher. Lichens are very tolerant of severe hypoxia. There is evidence that global warming is increasing the highest altitudes at which plants can survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B West
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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18
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Carr EC, Harris SD, Herr JR, Riekhof WR. Lichens and biofilms: Common collective growth imparts similar developmental strategies. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Candotto Carniel F, Fernandez-Marín B, Arc E, Craighero T, Laza JM, Incerti G, Tretiach M, Kranner I. How dry is dry? Molecular mobility in relation to thallus water content in a lichen. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:1576-1588. [PMID: 33165603 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Lichens can withstand extreme desiccation to water contents of ≤ 0.1 g H2O g-1 DW, and in the desiccated state are among the most extremotolerant organisms known. Desiccation-tolerant life-forms such as seeds, mosses and lichens survive 'vitrification', that is the transition of their cytoplasm to a 'glassy' state, which causes metabolism to cease. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of desiccation tolerance is hindered by poor knowledge of what reactions occur in the desiccated state. Using Flavoparmelia caperata as a model lichen, we determined at what water contents vitrification occurred upon desiccation. Molecular mobility was assessed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and the de- and re-epoxidation of the xanthophyll cycle pigments (measured by HPLC) was used as a proxy to assess enzyme activity. At 20 °C vitrification occurred between 0.12-0.08 g H2O g-1 DW and enzymes were active in a 'rubbery' state (0.17 g H2O g-1 DW) but not in a glassy state (0.03 g H2O g-1 DW). Therefore, desiccated tissues may appear to be 'dry' in the conventional sense, but subtle differences in water content will have substantial consequences on the types of (bio)chemical reactions that can occur, with downstream effects on longevity in the desiccated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Candotto Carniel
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Marín
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, University of La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
| | - Erwann Arc
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teresa Craighero
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - José Manuel Laza
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Guido Incerti
- Department of Agri-Food, Animal and Environmental Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Mauro Tretiach
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, University of La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ilse Kranner
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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20
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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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21
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Ott E, Kawaguchi Y, Kölbl D, Rabbow E, Rettberg P, Mora M, Moissl-Eichinger C, Weckwerth W, Yamagishi A, Milojevic T. Molecular repertoire of Deinococcus radiodurans after 1 year of exposure outside the International Space Station within the Tanpopo mission. MICROBIOME 2020; 8:150. [PMID: 33121542 PMCID: PMC7597052 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00927-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extraordinarily resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans withstands harsh environmental conditions present in outer space. Deinococcus radiodurans was exposed for 1 year outside the International Space Station within Tanpopo orbital mission to investigate microbial survival and space travel. In addition, a ground-based simulation experiment with conditions, mirroring those from low Earth orbit, was performed. METHODS We monitored Deinococcus radiodurans cells during early stage of recovery after low Earth orbit exposure using electron microscopy tools. Furthermore, proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for the survival of Deinococcus radiodurans in low Earth orbit. RESULTS D. radiodurans cells exposed to low Earth orbit conditions do not exhibit any morphological damage. However, an accumulation of numerous outer-membrane-associated vesicles was observed. On levels of proteins and transcripts, a multi-faceted response was detected to alleviate cell stress. The UvrABC endonuclease excision repair mechanism was triggered to cope with DNA damage. Defense against reactive oxygen species is mirrored by the increased abundance of catalases and is accompanied by the increased abundance of putrescine, which works as reactive oxygen species scavenging molecule. In addition, several proteins and mRNAs, responsible for regulatory and transporting functions showed increased abundances. The decrease in primary metabolites indicates alternations in the energy status, which is needed to repair damaged molecules. CONCLUSION Low Earth orbit induced molecular rearrangements trigger multiple components of metabolic stress response and regulatory networks in exposed microbial cells. Presented results show that the non-sporulating bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans survived long-term low Earth orbit exposure if wavelength below 200 nm are not present, which mirrors the UV spectrum of Mars, where CO2 effectively provides a shield below 190 nm. These results should be considered in the context of planetary protection concerns and the development of new sterilization techniques for future space missions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Ott
- Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuko Kawaguchi
- Planetary Exploration Research Center (PERC), Chiba Institute of Technology (CIT), Chiba, Japan
| | - Denise Kölbl
- Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maximilian Mora
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center (VIME), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Akihiko Yamagishi
- Department of Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuta, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tetyana Milojevic
- Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Tucker C, Antoninka A, Day N, Poff B, Reed S. Biological soil crust salvage for dryland restoration: an opportunity for natural resource restoration. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Tucker
- Southwest Biological Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey Moab UT U.S.A
- Northern Research StationU.S. Forest Service Houghton MI U.S.A
| | - Anita Antoninka
- School of ForestryNorthern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ U.S.A
| | - Natalie Day
- Southwest Biological Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey Moab UT U.S.A
| | - Boris Poff
- Southern Nevada District OfficeBureau of Land Management Las Vegas NV U.S.A
| | - Sasha Reed
- Southwest Biological Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey Moab UT U.S.A
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23
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Milojevic T, Weckwerth W. Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Survivability in Outer Space: A Systems Biology Approach. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:923. [PMID: 32499769 PMCID: PMC7242639 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the dawn of space exploration, the survivability of terrestrial life in outer space conditions has attracted enormous attention. Space technology has enabled the development of advanced space exposure facilities to investigate in situ responses of microbial life to the stress conditions of space during interplanetary transfer. Significant progress has been made toward the understanding of the effects of space environmental factors, e.g., microgravity, vacuum and radiation, on microorganisms exposed to real and simulated space conditions. Of extreme importance is not only knowledge of survival potential of space-exposed microorganisms, but also the determination of mechanisms of survival and adaptation of predominant species to the extreme space environment, i.e., revealing the molecular machinery, which elicit microbial survivability and adaptation. Advanced technologies in -omics research have permitted genome-scale studies of molecular alterations of space-exposed microorganisms. A variety of reports show that microorganisms grown in the space environment exhibited global alterations in metabolic functions and gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Proteomic, metabolomic and especially metabolic modeling approaches as essential instruments of space microbiology, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are rather underrepresented. Here we summarized the molecular space-induced alterations of exposed microorganisms in terms of understanding the molecular mechanisms of microbial survival and adaptation to drastic outer space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Milojevic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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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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25
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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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26
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Wadsworth J, Rettberg P, Cockell CS. Aggregated Cell Masses Provide Protection against Space Extremes and a Microhabitat for Hitchhiking Co-Inhabitants. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:995-1007. [PMID: 31194575 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The European Space Agency's EXPOSE facility, located on the outside of the International Space Station, was used to investigate the survival of cell aggregates of a cyanobacterium, Gloeocapsa sp., in space and simulated martian conditions for 531 days in low Earth orbit as part of the "Biofilm Organisms Surfing Space" (BOSS) experiments. Postflight analysis showed that the cell aggregates of the organism conferred protection against space conditions compared to planktonic cells. These cell aggregates, which consisted of groups of metabolically inactive cells that do not form structured layered biofilms, demonstrated that disordered "primitive" aggregates of sheathed cells can provide protection against environmental stress such as UV radiation. Furthermore, the experiment demonstrated that the cyanobacterial cell aggregates provided a microhabitat for a smaller bacterial co-cultured species that also survived in space. This observation shows that viable cells can "hitchhike" through space within the confines of larger protecting cells or cell aggregates, with implications for planetary protection, human health, and other space microbiology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Wadsworth
- 1UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Charles S Cockell
- 1UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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27
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Phinney NH, Gauslaa Y, Solhaug KA. Why chartreuse? The pigment vulpinic acid screens blue light in the lichen Letharia vulpina. PLANTA 2019; 249:709-718. [PMID: 30374913 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-018-3034-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Chlorophyll fluorescence, infrared gas exchange and photoinhibition data consistently show that vulpinic acid in L. vulpina functions as a strong blue light screening compound. The cortical lichen compounds, parietin, atranorin, usnic acid and melanins are known to screen photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), thereby protecting the underlying photobionts. The role of the toxic UV-/blue light-absorbing vulpinic acid in lichen cortices is poorly documented. By comparing controls with acetone-rinsed Letharia vulpina thalli (75% reduced vulpinic acid concentration), we aimed to test PAR screening by vulpinic acid. We exposed such thalli to blue, green and red irradiance, respectively, and recorded light quality-specific light saturation curves of CO2 uptake, quantum yields of CO2 uptake (QYCO2) and effective quantum yields of PSII (ΦPSII). We also quantified light quality-dependent photoinhibition after 4-h exposure to 400 µmol photons m-2 s-1. In controls, the greatest high light-induced reductions in CO2 uptake and ΦPSII, as well as the strongest photoinhibition [lowered maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm)], occurred in red light, followed by green, and was low in blue light. Removal of vulpinic acid significantly exacerbated photoinhibition, reduced ΦPSII, and increased QYCO2 in blue light. By contrast, acetone rinsing had no or weak effects in green and red lights. Comparing control with acetone-rinsed thalli, blue light screening was estimated at 69% using ΦPSII data and 49% using QYCO2. To compensate for the 25% residual vulpinic acid left after rinsing, we repeated the screening estimation by comparing responses in blue and red lights. This resulted in 88% screening using ΦPSII data and 77% using QYCO2. The consistent responses in all photosynthetic parameters support the hypothesis that vulpinic acid functions as a blue light screen in L. vulpina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan H Phinney
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.
| | - Yngvar Gauslaa
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Knut Asbjørn Solhaug
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
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Mishra KB, Vítek P, Barták M. A correlative approach, combining chlorophyll a fluorescence, reflectance, and Raman spectroscopy, for monitoring hydration induced changes in Antarctic lichen Dermatocarpon polyphyllizum. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2019; 208:13-23. [PMID: 30282060 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are successful colonizers in extreme environments worldwide, and they are considered to have played an important role during the evolution of life. Here, we have used a correlative approach, combining three optical signals (chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF), reflectance, and Raman spectra), to monitor hydration induced changes in photosynthetic properties of an Antarctic chlorolichen Dermatocarpon polyphyllizum. We measured these three signals from this lichen at different stages (after 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h) of hydration, and compared the data obtained from this lichen in "dry state" as well as in different "hydrated state". We found that dry state of this lichen has: (1) no variable ChlF, (2) high reflectance, with no red-edge and almost zero photochemical reflectance index (PRI), and (3) low-intensity Raman bands of their carotenoids. Furthermore, 4 h of hydration, increased its relative water content (RWC) by 93%, showed red-edge in reflectance spectra, and changed the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) from 0 to 0.57 ± 0.01. We found that reflectance indices, normalized difference index (NDVI) and PRI, significantly differed between brown and black/green surface areas, at all hydration stages; whereas, a shift in the Raman ν1(CC) band, between brown and black/green surface areas, occurred in 24 h or 48 h hydrated samples. These data indicate that hydration shortly (within 4 h) activated functions of photosynthetic apparatus, and the de novo synthesis of carotenoids occured in 24 h or 48 h. Furthermore, exposure to high irradiance (2000 μmol photons m-2 s-1), in 48 h hydrated lichen, significantly reduced Fv/Fm (signifies photoinhibition) and increased PRI (represents changes in xanthophyll pigments). We conclude that the implication of such a correlative approach is highly useful for understanding survival and protective mechanisms on extremophile photosynthetic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumud Bandhu Mishra
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Bělidla 986/4a, 603 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Vítek
- Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Bělidla 986/4a, 603 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Barták
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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29
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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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30
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Onofri S, Selbmann L, Pacelli C, Zucconi L, Rabbow E, de Vera JP. Survival, DNA, and Ultrastructural Integrity of a Cryptoendolithic Antarctic Fungus in Mars and Lunar Rock Analogs Exposed Outside the International Space Station. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:170-182. [PMID: 30376361 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The search for life beyond Earth involves investigation into the responses of model organisms to the deleterious effects of space. In the frame of the BIOlogy and Mars Experiment, as part of the European Space Agency (ESA) space mission EXPOSE-R2 in low Earth orbit (LEO), dried colonies of the Antarctic cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515 were grown on martian and lunar analog regolith pellets, and exposed for 16 months to LEO space and simulated Mars-like conditions on the International Space Station. The results demonstrate that C. antarcticus was able to tolerate the combined stress of different extraterrestrial substrates, space, and simulated Mars-like conditions in terms of survival, DNA, and ultrastructural stability. Results offer insights into the habitability of Mars for future exploration missions on Mars. Implications for the detection of biosignatures in extraterrestrial conditions and planetary protection are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Onofri
- 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
- 2 Section of Mycology, Italian National Antarctic Museum, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Elke Rabbow
- 3 Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Centre, Köln, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- 4 Astrobiological Laboratories, Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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31
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Huwe B, Fiedler A, Moritz S, Rabbow E, de Vera JP, Joshi J. Mosses in Low Earth Orbit: Implications for the Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:221-232. [PMID: 30742499 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As a part of the European Space Agency mission "EXPOSE-R2" on the International Space Station (ISS), the BIOMEX (Biology and Mars Experiment) experiment investigates the habitability of Mars and the limits of life. In preparation for the mission, experimental verification tests and scientific verification tests simulating different combinations of abiotic space- and Mars-like conditions were performed to analyze the resistance of a range of model organisms. The simulated abiotic space- and Mars-stressors were extreme temperatures, vacuum, and Mars-like surface ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in different atmospheres. We present for the first time simulated space exposure data of mosses using plantlets of the bryophyte genus Grimmia, which is adapted to high altitudinal extreme abiotic conditions at the Swiss Alps. Our preflight tests showed that severe UVR200-400nm irradiation with the maximal dose of 5 and 6.8 × 105 kJ·m-2, respectively, was the only stressor with a negative impact on the vitality with a 37% (terrestrial atmosphere) or 36% reduction (space- and Mars-like atmospheres) in photosynthetic activity. With every exposure to UVR200-400nm 105 kJ·m-2, the vitality of the bryophytes dropped by 6%. No effect was found, however, by any other stressor. As the mosses were still vital after doses of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) expected during the EXPOSE-R2 mission on ISS, we show that this earliest extant lineage of land plants is highly resistant to extreme abiotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Huwe
- 1 Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Annelie Fiedler
- 1 Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sophie Moritz
- 1 Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- 2 Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jean Pierre de Vera
- 3 Astrobiological Laboratories, Management and Infrastructure, Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jasmin Joshi
- 1 Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- 4 Institute for Landscape and Open Space, Hochschule für Technik HSR Rapperswil, Rapperswil, Switzerland
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32
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de Vera JP, Alawi M, Backhaus T, Baqué M, Billi D, Böttger U, Berger T, Bohmeier M, Cockell C, Demets R, de la Torre Noetzel R, Edwards H, Elsaesser A, Fagliarone C, Fiedler A, Foing B, Foucher F, Fritz J, Hanke F, Herzog T, Horneck G, Hübers HW, Huwe B, Joshi J, Kozyrovska N, Kruchten M, Lasch P, Lee N, Leuko S, Leya T, Lorek A, Martínez-Frías J, Meessen J, Moritz S, Moeller R, Olsson-Francis K, Onofri S, Ott S, Pacelli C, Podolich O, Rabbow E, Reitz G, Rettberg P, Reva O, Rothschild L, Sancho LG, Schulze-Makuch D, Selbmann L, Serrano P, Szewzyk U, Verseux C, Wadsworth J, Wagner D, Westall F, Wolter D, Zucconi L. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars: The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:145-157. [PMID: 30742496 PMCID: PMC6383581 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports-among others-the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mashal Alawi
- GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Section 5.3 Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Theresa Backhaus
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mickael Baqué
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Billi
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Ute Böttger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Maria Bohmeier
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Charles Cockell
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - René Demets
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa de la Torre Noetzel
- Departamento de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Howell Edwards
- Raman Spectroscopy Group, University Analytical Centre, Division of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Andreas Elsaesser
- Institut für experimentelle Physik, Experimentelle Molekulare Biophysik, Frei Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Annelie Fiedler
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Bernard Foing
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Foucher
- CNRS, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, Orléans, France
| | - Jörg Fritz
- Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Hanke
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Herzog
- TH Wildau (Technical University of Applied Sciences), Wildau, Germany
| | - Gerda Horneck
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn Huwe
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jasmin Joshi
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
- Hochschule für Technik HSR Rapperswil, Institute for Landscape and Open Space, Rapperswil, Switzerland
| | | | - Martha Kruchten
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Lasch
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natuschka Lee
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stefan Leuko
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Thomas Leya
- Extremophile Research & Biobank CCCryo, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Lorek
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Meessen
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sophie Moritz
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Karen Olsson-Francis
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Sieglinde Ott
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Olga Podolich
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Günther Reitz
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Petra Rettberg
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Oleg Reva
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paloma Serrano
- GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Section 5.3 Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- AWI, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ulrich Szewzyk
- TU Berlin, Institute of Environmental Technology, Environmental Microbiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Dirk Wagner
- GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Section 5.3 Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Frances Westall
- CNRS, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, Orléans, France
| | - David Wolter
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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Parasyri A, Papazi A, Stamatis N, Zerveas S, Avramidou EV, Doulis AG, Pirintsos S, Kotzabasis K. Lichen as Micro-Ecosystem: Extremophilic Behavior with Astrobiotechnological Applications. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1528-1542. [PMID: 30383392 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This work demonstrates the tolerance of lichen Pleurosticta acetabulum under extreme conditions similar to those encountered in extraterrestrial environments. Specifically, the impact of three extreme Mars-like conditions-complete dehydration, extremely low temperature (-196°C/77K), and oxygen depletion-on lichens was investigated. The symbiosis of mycobiont and photobiont partners creates a micro-ecosystem that ensures viability of both symbiotic partners under prolonged desiccation and extremely low temperatures without any cultivation care. Changes in the molecular structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus, in the level of chlorophylls, polyamines, fatty acids, carbohydrates, ergosterol, efflux of K+, and DNA methylation ensure the ecological integrity of the system and offer resistance of lichens to above-mentioned extreme environmental conditions. For the first time, we also demonstrate that the unprecedented polyextremophilic characteristic of lichens could be linked to biotechnological applications, following exposure to these extreme conditions, such that their ability to produce a high yield of hydrogen was unchanged. All these support that lichens are (a) ideal model systems for a space mission to inhabit other planets, supporting also the aspect that the panspermia theory could be extended to incorporate in the traveling entities not only single organisms but micro-ecosystems like lichens, and (b) ideal model systems for astrobiotechnological applications (hydrogen production), such as in the development of bioregeneration systems for extraterrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Parasyri
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus , Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Papazi
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus , Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Sotirios Zerveas
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus , Heraklion, Greece
| | | | | | - Stergios Pirintsos
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus , Heraklion, Greece
- 3 Botanical Garden, University of Crete , Gallos Campus, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Kiriakos Kotzabasis
- 1 Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus , Heraklion, Greece
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Jagadeesh MK, Roszkowska M, Kaczmarek Ł. Tardigrade indexing approach on exoplanets. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 19:13-16. [PMID: 30482276 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Finding life on other worlds is a fascinating area of astrobiology and planetary sciences. Presently, over 3800 exoplanets, representing a very wide range of physical and chemical environments, are known. Scientists are not only looking for traces of life outside Earth, but they are also trying to find out which of Earth's known organisms (ex: tardigrades (water bears)) would be able to survive on other planets. In our study, we have established a metric tool for distinguishing the potential survivability of active and cryptobiotic tardigrades on rocky-water and water-gas planets in our solar system and exoplanets, taking into consideration the geometrical means of six physical parameters such as radius, density, escape velocity, revolution period, surface temperature, and surface pressure of the considered planets. More than 3800 exoplanets are available as the main sample from Planetary Habitable Laboratory - Exoplanet Catalog (PHL-EC), from which we have chosen 57 exoplanets in our study including Earth and Mars, with water composition as reference. The Active Tardigrade Index (ATI) and Cryptobiotic Tardigrade Index (CTI) are two metric indices with minimum value 0 (= tardigrades cannot survive) and maximum 1 (= tardigrades will survive in their respective state). Values between 0 and 1 indicate a percentage chance of the active or cryptobiotic tardigrades surviving on a given exoplanet. Among known planets some of the exoplanets are tabulated as ATI and CTI indices for sample representation like: Kepler-100d, Kepler-48d, Kepler-289b, TRAPPIST-1 f and Kepler-106e. The results with Mars as the threshold indicates that Mars could be the only rock-water composition planet that could be more suitable for tardigrades than other considered exoplanets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena Roszkowska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań 61-614, Poland; Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań 61-614, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań 61-614, Poland.
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35
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Flexas J, Gago J. A role for ecophysiology in the 'omics' era. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 96:251-259. [PMID: 30091802 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant Ecophysiology is the study on how Plant Physiology is modulated by the environment. This discipline could have benefited greatly from the development of the different 'omic' technologies (from genomics to metabolomics). Instead, the overall impression is that ecophysiology and 'omics' have developed mostly independent each other. Here we provide a literature analysis over the past 20 years which fully confirms this view. Then, we review a few examples of studies in which ecophysiology and 'omics' studies have combined to different extents to illustrate the potential benefits from their mutualistic interaction. In addition, we debate on the possibilities of working with plants other than Arabidopsis, which is illustrated with some examples of fascinating plants from extreme environments of the world, what we call the 'sherplants'. Finally, we raise a call to both communities (ecophysiology and 'omics') to integrate these disciplines to enter an 'ecophysiolomics era' to maximize our understanding about plant mechanisms from a multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Flexas
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)-Instituto de Agroecología y Economía del Agua (INAGEA), cta. Valldemossa km 7, 5 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jorge Gago
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)-Instituto de Agroecología y Economía del Agua (INAGEA), cta. Valldemossa km 7, 5 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Veras D, Armstrong DJ, Blake JA, Gutiérrez-Marcos JF, Jackson AP, Schäefer H. Dynamical and Biological Panspermia Constraints Within Multi-planet Exosystems. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1106-1122. [PMID: 30095987 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
As discoveries of multiple planets in the habitable zone of their parent star mount, developing analytical techniques to quantify extrasolar intra-system panspermia will become increasingly important. Here, we provide user-friendly prescriptions that describe the asteroid impact characteristics which would be necessary to transport life both inwards and outwards within these systems within a single framework. Our focus is on projectile generation and delivery and our expressions are algebraic, eliminating the need for the solution of differential equations. We derive a probability distribution function for life-bearing debris to reach a planetary orbit, and describe the survival of micro-organisms during planetary ejection, their journey through interplanetary space, and atmospheric entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Veras
- 1 Centre for Exoplanets and Habitability, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
- 2 Department of Physics, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - David J Armstrong
- 1 Centre for Exoplanets and Habitability, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
- 2 Department of Physics, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - James A Blake
- 1 Centre for Exoplanets and Habitability, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
- 2 Department of Physics, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jose F Gutiérrez-Marcos
- 1 Centre for Exoplanets and Habitability, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
- 3 School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Alan P Jackson
- 4 Centre for Planetary Sciences, University of Toronto at Scarborough , Toronto, Canada
- 5 School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona
| | - Hendrik Schäefer
- 1 Centre for Exoplanets and Habitability, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
- 3 School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick , Coventry, United Kingdom
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Can Parietin Transfer Energy Radiatively to Photosynthetic Pigments? Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071741. [PMID: 30018202 PMCID: PMC6099737 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The main role of lichen anthraquinones is in protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, such as UV radiation. These compounds are frequently deposited as crystals outside the fungal hyphae and most of them emit visible fluorescence when excited by UV. We wondered whether the conversion of UV into visible fluorescence might be photosynthetically used by the photobiont, thereby converting UV into useful energy. To address this question, thalli of Xanthoria parietina were used as a model system. In this species the anthraquinone parietin accumulates in the outer upper cortex, conferring the species its characteristic yellow-orange colouration. In ethanol, parietin absorbed strongly in the blue and UV-B and emitted fluorescence in the range 480–540 nm, which partially matches with the absorption spectra of photosynthetic pigments. In intact thalli, it was determined by confocal microscopy that fluorescence emission spectra shifted 90 nm towards longer wavelengths. Then, to study energy transfer from parietin, we compared the response to UV of untreated and parietin-free thalli (removed with acetone). A chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic assessment provided evidence of UV-induced electron transport, though independently of the presence of parietin. Thus, a role for anthraquinones in energy harvesting is not supported for X. parietina under presented experimental conditions.
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Onofri S, Selbmann L, Pacelli C, de Vera JP, Horneck G, Hallsworth JE, Zucconi L. Integrity of the DNA and Cellular Ultrastructure of Cryptoendolithic Fungi in Space or Mars Conditions: A 1.5-Year Study at the International Space Station. Life (Basel) 2018; 8:E23. [PMID: 29921763 PMCID: PMC6027225 DOI: 10.3390/life8020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The black fungi Cryomyces antarcticus and Cryomyces minteri are highly melanized and are resilient to cold, ultra-violet, ionizing radiation and other extreme conditions. These microorganisms were isolated from cryptoendolithic microbial communities in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (Antarctica) and studied in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), using the EXPOSE-E facility on the International Space Station (ISS). Previously, it was demonstrated that C. antarcticus and C. minteri survive the hostile conditions of space (vacuum, temperature fluctuations, and the full spectrum of extraterrestrial solar electromagnetic radiation), as well as Mars conditions that were simulated in space for a 1.5-year period. Here, we qualitatively and quantitatively characterize damage to DNA and cellular ultrastructure in desiccated cells of these two species, within the frame of the same experiment. The DNA and cells of C. antarcticus exhibited a higher resistance than those of C. minteri. This is presumably attributable to the thicker (melanized) cell wall of the former. Generally, DNA was readily detected (by PCR) regardless of exposure conditions or fungal species, but the C. minteri DNA had been more-extensively mutated. We discuss the implications for using DNA, when properly shielded, as a biosignature of recently extinct or extant life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
- Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, 16166 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Jean Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Rutherfordstreet 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gerda Horneck
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Linder Hoehe, D 51170 Köln, Germany.
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
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Brakni R, Ali Ahmed M, Burger P, Schwing A, Michel G, Pomares C, Hasseine L, Boyer L, Fernandez X, Landreau A, Michel T. UHPLC-HRMS/MS Based Profiling of Algerian Lichens and Their Antimicrobial Activities. Chem Biodivers 2018; 15:e1800031. [PMID: 29505125 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lichens are complex symbiotic organisms able to produce a vast array of compounds. The Algerian lichen diversity has only prompted little interest even given the 1085 species listed. Herein, the chemodiversity of four Algerian lichens including Cladonia rangiformis, Ramalina farinaceae, R. fastigiata, and Roccella phycopsis was investigated. A dereplication strategy, using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS), was carried out for a comprehensive characterization of their substances including phenolics, depsides, depsidones, depsones, dibenzofurans, and aliphatic acids. Some known compounds were identified for the first time in some species. Additionally, the lichenic extracts were evaluated for their antifungal and antimicrobial activities on human pathogenic strains (Candida albicans, C. glabrata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli). Cyclohexane extracts were found particularly active against human pathogenic fungi with MIC80 values ranging from 8 to 62.5 μg/mL, without cytotoxicity. This study highlights the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of lichenic extracts as antibacterial and antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafika Brakni
- Département de Biologie, Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale et Environnement, Université Badji-Mokhtar, BP 23000, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Monia Ali Ahmed
- Département de Biologie, Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale et Environnement, Université Badji-Mokhtar, BP 23000, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Pauline Burger
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Parc Valrose, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Aurélie Schwing
- Université Côte d'Azur, C3M Inserm, U1065, 06204, Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Grégory Michel
- Université Côte d'Azur, C3M Inserm, U1065, 06204, Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Université Côte d'Azur, C3M Inserm, U1065, 06204, Nice Cedex 3, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 06202, Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Lillia Hasseine
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 06202, Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Université Côte d'Azur, C3M Inserm, U1065, 06204, Nice Cedex 3, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 06202, Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Xavier Fernandez
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Parc Valrose, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Anne Landreau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Parc Valrose, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France.,Université d'Angers, Université Bretagne - Loire, Faculté de santé, Département pharmacie, 16 bd Daviers, 49045, Angers cedex 01, France
| | - Thomas Michel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Parc Valrose, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France
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de la Torre Noetzel R, Miller AZ, de la Rosa JM, Pacelli C, Onofri S, García Sancho L, Cubero B, Lorek A, Wolter D, de Vera JP. Cellular Responses of the Lichen Circinaria gyrosa in Mars-Like Conditions. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:308. [PMID: 29556220 PMCID: PMC5845166 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lichens are extremely resistant organisms that colonize harsh climatic areas, some of them defined as "Mars-analog sites." There still remain many unsolved questions as to how lichens survive under such extreme conditions. Several studies have been performed to test the resistance of various lichen species under space and in simulated Mars-like conditions. The results led to the proposal that Circinaria gyrosa (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota) is one of the most durable astrobiological model lichens. However, although C. gyrosa has been exposed to Mars-like environmental conditions while in a latent state, it has not been exposed in its physiologically active mode. We hypothesize that the astrobiological test system "Circinaria gyrosa," could be able to be physiologically active and to survive under Mars-like conditions in a simulation chamber, based on previous studies performed at dessicated-dormant stage under simulated Mars-like conditions, that showed a complete recover of the PSII activity (Sánchez et al., 2012). Epifluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that living algal cells were more abundant in samples exposed to niche conditions, which simulated the conditions in micro-fissures and micro-caves close to the surface that have limited scattered or time-dependent light exposure, than in samples exposed to full UV radiation. The medulla was not structurally affected, suggesting that the niche exposure conditions did not disturb the lichen thalli structure and morphology as revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). In addition, changes in the lichen thalli chemical composition were determined by analytical pyrolysis. The chromatograms resulting from analytical pyrolysis at 500°C revealed that lichen samples exposed to niche conditions and full UV radiation consisted primarily of glycosidic compounds, lipids, and sterols, which are typical constituents of the cell walls. However, specific differences could be detected and used as markers of the UV-induced damage to the lichen membranes. Based on its viability responses after rehydration, our study shows that the test lichen survived the 30-day incubation in the Mars chamber particularly under niche conditions. However, the photobiont was not able to photosynthesize under the Mars-like conditions, which indicates that the surface of Mars is not a habitable place for C. gyrosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa de la Torre Noetzel
- Departamento de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Z Miller
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José M de la Rosa
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Beatriz Cubero
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Andreas Lorek
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Wolter
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean P de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany
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Petruzzellis F, Savi T, Bertuzzi S, Montagner A, Tretiach M, Nardini A. Relationships between water status and photosystem functionality in a chlorolichen and its isolated photobiont. PLANTA 2018; 247:705-714. [PMID: 29170912 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Drought tolerance was greater in the whole lichen than in its isolated photobiont. Cell turgor state has an influence on the functionality of photosynthetic process in lichens. Irreversible thermodynamics is widely used to describe the water relations of vascular plants. However, poikilohydrous organisms like lichens and aeroterrestrial microalgae have seldom been studied using this approach. Water relations of lichens are generally addressed without separate analysis of the mycobiont and photobiont, and only few studies have correlated changes in photosynthetic efficiency of dehydrating lichens to accurate measurements of their water potential components. We measured water potential isotherms and chlorophyll a fluorescence in the lichen Flavoparmelia caperata harvested in different seasons, as well as in its isolated photobiont, the green alga Trebouxia gelatinosa, either exposed to water stress cycles or fully hydrated. No significant seasonal trends were observed in lichen water relations parameters. Turgor loss point and osmotic potential of the whole thallus were significantly lower than those measured in the photobiont, while differences between the water stressed photobiont and controls were not significant. Dehydration-induced drop of F v/F m was correlated with turgor loss, revealing that the photosynthetic activity of lichens partly depends on their turgor level. We provided one of the first quantitative evidences of the influence that turgor status could exert on the functionality of photosynthetic processes in lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petruzzellis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Tadeja Savi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Bertuzzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alice Montagner
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Tretiach
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Nardini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
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42
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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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43
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Abstract
It is observed that hypervelocity space dust, which is continuously bombarding Earth, creates immense momentum flows in the atmosphere. Some of this fast space dust inevitably will interact with the atmospheric system, transferring energy and moving particles around, with various possible consequences. This paper examines, with supporting estimates, the possibility that by way of collisions the Earth-grazing component of space dust can facilitate planetary escape of atmospheric particles, whether they are atoms and molecules that form the atmosphere or larger-sized particles. An interesting outcome of this collision scenario is that a variety of particles that contain telltale signs of Earth's organic story, including microbial life and life-essential molecules, may be "afloat" in Earth's atmosphere. The present study assesses the capability of this space dust collision mechanism to propel some of these biological constituents into space. Key Words: Hypervelocity space dust-Collision-Planetary escape-Atmospheric constituents-Microbial life. Astrobiology 17, 1274-1282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Berera
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
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44
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Hinchliffe G, Bollard-Breen B, Cowan DA, Doshi A, Gillman LN, Maggs-Kolling G, de Los Rios A, Pointing SB. Advanced Photogrammetry to Assess Lichen Colonization in the Hyper-Arid Namib Desert. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2083. [PMID: 29312153 PMCID: PMC5663711 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyper-arid central region of the Namib Desert is characterized by quartz desert pavement terrain that is devoid of vascular plant covers. In this extreme habitat the only discernible surface covers are epilithic lichens that colonize exposed surfaces of quartz rocks. These lichens are highly susceptible to disturbance and so field surveys have been limited due to concerns about disturbing this unusual desert feature. Here we present findings that illustrate how non-destructive surveys based upon advanced photogrammetry techniques can yield meaningful and novel scientific data on these lichens. We combined 'structure from motion analysis,' computer vision and GIS to create 3-dimensional point clouds from two-dimensional imagery. The data were robust in its application to estimating absolute lichen cover. An orange Stellarangia spp. assemblage had coverage of 22.8% of available substrate, whilst for a black Xanthoparmelia spp. assemblage coverage was markedly lower at 0.6% of available substrate. Hyperspectral signatures for both lichens were distinct in the near-infra red range indicating that Xanthoparmelia spp. was likely under relatively more moisture stress than Stellarangia spp. at the time of sampling, and we postulate that albedo effects may have contributed to this in the black lichen. Further transformation of the data revealed a colonization preference for west-facing quartz surfaces and this coincides with prevailing winds for marine fog that is the major source of moisture in this system. Furthermore, a three-dimensional 'fly through' of the lichen habitat was created to illustrate how the application of computer vision in microbiology has further potential as a research and education tool. We discuss how advanced photogrammetry could be applied in astrobiology using autonomous rovers to add quantitative ecological data for visible surface colonization on the surface of Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Hinchliffe
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Bollard-Breen
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Don A. Cowan
- The Genomics Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ashray Doshi
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Len N. Gillman
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Asuncion de Los Rios
- Departamento de Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephen B. Pointing
- Division of Science, Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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The Peñalara Mountain Meteorological Network (1999–2014): Description, Preliminary Results and Lessons Learned. ATMOSPHERE 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos8100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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46
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Griko YV, Rask JC, Raychev R. Advantage of Animal Models with Metabolic Flexibility for Space Research Beyond Low Earth Orbit. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/space.2016.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V. Griko
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Jon C. Rask
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
- KBRwyle, Moffett Field, California
| | - Raycho Raychev
- Space Challenges Program, EnduroSat, Inc., Sofia, Bulgaria
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Rabbow E, Rettberg P, Parpart A, Panitz C, Schulte W, Molter F, Jaramillo E, Demets R, Weiß P, Willnecker R. EXPOSE-R2: The Astrobiological ESA Mission on Board of the International Space Station. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1533. [PMID: 28861052 PMCID: PMC5560112 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On July 23, 2014, the Progress cargo spacecraft 56P was launched from Baikonur to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying EXPOSE-R2, the third ESA (European Space Agency) EXPOSE facility, the second EXPOSE on the outside platform of the Russian Zvezda module, with four international astrobiological experiments into space. More than 600 biological samples of archaea, bacteria (as biofilms and in planktonic form), lichens, fungi, plant seeds, triops eggs, mosses and 150 samples of organic compounds were exposed to the harsh space environment and to parameters similar to those on the Mars surface. Radiation dosimeters distributed over the whole facility complemented the scientific payload. Three extravehicular activities later the chemical samples were returned to Earth on March 2, 2016, with Soyuz 44S, having spent 588 days in space. The biological samples arrived back later, on June 18, 2016, with 45S, after a total duration in space of 531 days. The exposure of the samples to Low Earth Orbit vacuum lasted for 531 days and was divided in two parts: protected against solar irradiation during the first 62 days, followed by exposure to solar radiation during the subsequent 469 days. In parallel to the space mission, a Mission Ground Reference (MGR) experiment with a flight identical Hardware and a complete flight identical set of samples was performed at the premises of DLR (German Aerospace Center) in Cologne by MUSC (Microgravity User Support Center), according to the mission data either downloaded from the ISS (temperature data, facility status, inner pressure status) or provided by RedShift Design and Engineering BVBA, Belgium (calculated ultra violet radiation fluence data). In this paper, the EXPOSE-R2 facility, the experimental samples, mission parameters, environmental parameters, and the overall mission and MGR sequences are described, building the background for the research papers of the individual experiments, their analysis and results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Rabbow
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology, German Aerospace CenterCologne, Germany
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology, German Aerospace CenterCologne, Germany
| | - Andre Parpart
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology, German Aerospace CenterCologne, Germany
| | - Corinna Panitz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Uniklinik RWTH AachenAachen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - René Demets
- European Space Research and Technology Centre, European Space AgencyNoordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Peter Weiß
- Microgravity User Support Center, German Aerospace CenterCologne, Germany
| | - Rainer Willnecker
- Microgravity User Support Center, German Aerospace CenterCologne, Germany
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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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49
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Ponizovskaya VB, Dyakov MY, Antropova AB, Bilanenko EN, Mokeeva VL, Ilyin VK. The survival of micromycetes exposed to space conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.3103/s0096392517010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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O’Malley-James JT, Kaltenegger L. UV surface habitability of the TRAPPIST-1 system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/mnrasl/slx047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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