1
|
Bijlani S, Parker C, Singh NK, Sierra MA, Foox J, Wang CCC, Mason CE, Venkateswaran K. Genomic Characterization of the Titan-like Cell Producing Naganishia tulchinskyi, the First Novel Eukaryote Isolated from the International Space Station. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020165. [PMID: 35205919 PMCID: PMC8875396 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple strains of a novel yeast belonging to genus Naganishia were isolated from environmental surfaces aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These strains exhibited a phenotype similar to Titan cell (~10 µm diameter) morphology when grown under a combination of simulated microgravity and 5% CO2 conditions. Confocal, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy revealed distinct morphological differences between the microgravity-grown cells and the standard Earth gravity-grown cells, including larger cells and thicker cell walls, altered intracellular morphology, modifications to extracellular fimbriae, budding, and the shedding of bud scars. Phylogenetic analyses via multi-locus sequence typing indicated that these ISS strains represented a single species in the genus Naganishia and were clustered with Naganishia diffluens. The name Naganishia tulchinskyi is proposed to accommodate these strains, with IF6SW-B1T as the holotype. The gene ontologies were assigned to the cell morphogenesis, microtubule-based response, and response to UV light, suggesting a variety of phenotypes that are well suited to respond to microgravity and radiation. Genomic analyses also indicated that the extracellular region, outer membrane, and cell wall were among the highest cellular component results, thus implying a set of genes associated with Titan-like cell plasticity. Finally, the highest molecular function matches included cytoskeletal motor activity, microtubule motor activity, and nuclear export signal receptor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bijlani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (S.B.); (C.C.C.W.)
| | - Ceth Parker
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA; (C.P.); (N.K.S.)
| | - Nitin K. Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA; (C.P.); (N.K.S.)
| | - Maria A. Sierra
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- Tri-Institutional Computational Biology & Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Tri-Institutional Computational Biology & Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Clay C. C. Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (S.B.); (C.C.C.W.)
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Tri-Institutional Computational Biology & Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Correspondence: (C.E.M.); (K.V.); Tel.: +1-(203)-668-1448 (C.E.M.); +1-(818)-393-1481 (K.V.); Fax: +1-(646)-962-00383 (C.E.M.); +1-(818)-393-4176 (K.V.)
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA; (C.P.); (N.K.S.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.M.); (K.V.); Tel.: +1-(203)-668-1448 (C.E.M.); +1-(818)-393-1481 (K.V.); Fax: +1-(646)-962-00383 (C.E.M.); +1-(818)-393-4176 (K.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Romano I, Camerlingo C, Vaccari L, Birarda G, Poli A, Fujimori A, Lepore M, Moeller R, Di Donato P. Effects of Ionizing Radiation and Long-Term Storage on Hydrated vs. Dried Cell Samples of Extremophilic Microorganisms. Microorganisms 2022; 10:190. [PMID: 35056640 PMCID: PMC8782055 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A main factor hampering life in space is represented by high atomic number nuclei and energy (HZE) ions that constitute about 1% of the galactic cosmic rays. In the frame of the "STARLIFE" project, we accessed the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator (HIMAC) facility of the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) in Chiba, Japan. By means of this facility, the extremophilic species Haloterrigena hispanica and Parageobacillus thermantarcticus were irradiated with high LET ions (i.e., Fe, Ar, and He ions) at doses corresponding to long permanence in the space environment. The survivability of HZE-treated cells depended upon either the storage time and the hydration state during irradiation; indeed, dry samples were shown to be more resistant than hydrated ones. With particular regard to spores of the species P. thermantarcticus, they were the most resistant to irradiation in a water medium: an analysis of the changes in their biochemical fingerprinting during irradiation showed that, below the survivability threshold, the spores undergo to a germination-like process, while for higher doses, inactivation takes place as a consequence of the concomitant release of the core's content and a loss of integrity of the main cellular components. Overall, the results reported here suggest that the selected extremophilic microorganisms could serve as biological model for space simulation and/or real space condition exposure, since they showed good resistance to ionizing radiation exposure and were able to resume cellular growth after long-term storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Romano
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (I.R.); (A.P.)
| | - Carlo Camerlingo
- SuPerconducting and Other INnovative Materials and Devices Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. S.S., 14 km 163,5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (L.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Giovanni Birarda
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. S.S., 14 km 163,5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (L.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Annarita Poli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (I.R.); (A.P.)
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Molecular and Cellular Radiation Biology Group, Department of Charged Particle Therapy Research, Institute for Quantum Medical Science, Chiba 263-8555, Japan;
| | - Maria Lepore
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, DLR, Linder Höhe, D-51147 Köln, Germany; or
- Natural Sciences Department, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), von-Liebig-Straße 20, D-53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Paola Di Donato
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (I.R.); (A.P.)
- Department of Science and Technology, Parthenope University of Naples, Centro Direzionale—Isola C4, 80143 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puig J, Knödlseder N, Quera J, Algara M, Güell M. DNA Damage Protection for Enhanced Bacterial Survival Under Simulated Low Earth Orbit Environmental Conditions in Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:789668. [PMID: 34970246 PMCID: PMC8713957 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some organisms have shown the ability to naturally survive in extreme environments, even outer space. Some of these have natural mechanisms to resist severe DNA damage from conditions such as ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, extreme temperatures, and low pressures or vacuum. A good example can be found in Deinococcus radiodurans, which was exposed to severe conditions such as those listed in the Exposure Facility of the International Space Station (ISS) for up to three years. Another example are tardigrades (Ramazzottius varieornatus) which are some of the most resilient animals known. In this study, the survival under simulated Low earth Orbit (LEO) environmental conditions was tested in Escherichia coli. The radiation resistance of this bacteria was enhanced using the Dsup gene from R. varieornatus, and two more genes from D. radiodurans involved in DNA damage repair, RecA and uvrD. The enhanced survival to wide ranges of temperatures and low pressures was then tested in the new strains. This research constitutes a first step in the creation of new bacterial strains engineered to survive severe conditions and adapting existing species for their survival in remote environments, including extra-terrestrial habitats. These strains could be key for the development of environments hospitable to life and could be of use for ecological restoration and space exploration. In addition, studying the efficacy and the functioning of the DNA repair mechanisms used in this study could be beneficial for medical and life sciences engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Puig
- Translational Synthetic Biology Laboratory, Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nastassia Knödlseder
- Translational Synthetic Biology Laboratory, Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Quera
- Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Algara
- Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Güell
- Translational Synthetic Biology Laboratory, Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cheptsov VS, Belov AA, Vorobyova EA, Pavlov AK, Lomasov VN. Effects of Radiation Intensity, Mineral Matrix, and Pre-Irradiation on the Bacterial Resistance to Gamma Irradiation under Low Temperature Conditions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:198. [PMID: 33477915 PMCID: PMC7833375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is one of the main factors limiting the survival of microorganisms in extraterrestrial conditions. The survivability of microorganisms under irradiation depends significantly on the conditions, in which the irradiation occurs. In particular, temperature, pressure, oxygen and water concentrations are of great influence. However, the influence of factors such as the radiation intensity (in low-temperature conditions) and the type of mineral matrix, in which microorganisms are located, has been practically unstudied. It has been shown that the radioresistance of bacteria can increase after their exposure to sublethal doses and subsequent repair of damage under favorable conditions, however, such studies are also few and the influence of other factors of extraterrestrial space (temperature, pressure) was not studied in them. The viability of bacteria Arthrobacter polychromogenes, Kocuria rosea and Xanthomonas sp. after irradiation with gamma radiation at a dose of 1 kGy under conditions of low pressure (1 Torr) and low temperature (-50 °C) at different radiation intensities (4 vs. 0.8 kGy/h) with immobilization of bacteria on various mineral matrices (montmorillonite vs. analogue of lunar dust) has been studied. Native, previously non-irradiated strains, and strains that were previously irradiated with gamma radiation and subjected to 10 passages of cultivation on solid media were irradiated. The number of survived cells was determined by culturing on a solid medium. It has been shown that the radioresistance of bacteria depends significantly on the type of mineral matrix, on which they are immobilized, wherein montmorillonite contributes to an increased survivability in comparison with a silicate matrix. Survivability of the studied bacteria was found to increase with decreasing radiation intensity, despite the impossibility of active reparation processes under experimental conditions. Considering the low intensity of radiation on various space objects in comparison with radiobiological experiments, this suggests a longer preservation of the viable microorganisms outside the Earth than is commonly believed. An increase in bacterial radioresistance was revealed even after one cycle of irradiation of the strains and their subsequent cultivation under favourable conditions. This indicates the possibility of hypothetical microorganisms on Mars increasing their radioresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir S. Cheptsov
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.B.); (E.A.V.)
- Space Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya str., 84/32, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK
| | - Andrey A. Belov
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.B.); (E.A.V.)
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK
| | - Elena A. Vorobyova
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.B.); (E.A.V.)
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK
| | - Anatoli K. Pavlov
- Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Polytechnicheskaya Street, 26, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vladimir N. Lomasov
- STC “Nuclear Physics”, Peter the Great St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya Street, 29, 195251 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lopez JV, Peixoto RS, Rosado AS. Inevitable future: space colonization beyond Earth with microbes first. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 95:5553461. [PMID: 31437273 PMCID: PMC6748721 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on modern microbiology, we propose a major revision in current space exploration philosophy and planetary protection policy, especially regarding microorganisms in space. Mainly, microbial introduction should not be considered accidental but inevitable. We hypothesize the near impossibility of exploring new planets without carrying and/or delivering any microbial travelers. In addition, although we highlight the importance of controlling and tracking such contaminations-to explore the existence of extraterrestrial microorganisms-we also believe that we must discuss the role of microbes as primary colonists and assets, rather than serendipitous accidents, for future plans of extraterrestrial colonization. This paradigm shift stems partly from the overwhelming evidence of microorganisms' diverse roles in sustaining life on Earth, such as symbioses and ecosystem services (decomposition, atmosphere effects, nitrogen fixation, etc.). Therefore, we propose a framework for new discussion based on the scientific implications of future colonization and terraforming: (i) focus on methods to track and avoid accidental delivery of Earth's harmful microorganisms and genes to extraterrestrial areas; (ii) begin a rigorous program to develop and explore 'Proactive Inoculation Protocols'. We outline a rationale and solicit feedback to drive a public and private research agenda that optimizes diverse organisms for potential space colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose V Lopez
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
| | - Raquel S Peixoto
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373. CCS, Bloco E, Ilha do Fundão, CEP: 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alexandre S Rosado
- Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373. CCS, Bloco E, Ilha do Fundão, CEP: 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peyvan K, Karouia F, Cooper JJ, Chamberlain J, Suciu D, Slota M, Pohorille A. Gene Expression Measurement Module (GEMM) for space application: Design and validation. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 22:55-67. [PMID: 31421849 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.07.004] [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: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In order to facilitate studies on the impact of the space environment on biological systems, we have developed a prototype of GEMM (Gene Expression Measurement Module) - an automated, miniaturized, integrated fluidic system for in-situ measurements of gene expression in microbial samples. The GEMM instrument is capable of (1) lysing bacterial cell walls, (2) extracting and purifying RNA released from cells, (3) hybridizing the RNA to probes attached to a microarray and (4) providing electrochemical readout, all in a microfluidics cartridge. To function on small, uncrewed spacecraft, the conventional, laboratory protocols for both sample preparation and hybridization required significant modifications. Biological validation of the instrument was carried out on Synechococcus elongatus, a photosynthetic cyanobacterium known for its metabolic diversity and resilience to adverse conditions. It was demonstrated that GEMM yielded reliable, reproducible gene expression profiles. GEMM is the only high throughput instrument that can be deployed in near future on space platforms other than the ISS to advance biological research in space. It can also prove useful for numerous terrestrial applications in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Research Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS 239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS 239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bak EN, Larsen MG, Moeller R, Nissen SB, Jensen LR, Nørnberg P, Jensen SJK, Finster K. Silicates Eroded under Simulated Martian Conditions Effectively Kill Bacteria-A Challenge for Life on Mars. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1709. [PMID: 28955310 PMCID: PMC5601068 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The habitability of Mars is determined by the physical and chemical environment. The effect of low water availability, temperature, low atmospheric pressure and strong UV radiation has been extensively studied in relation to the survival of microorganisms. In addition to these stress factors, it was recently found that silicates exposed to simulated saltation in a Mars-like atmosphere can lead to a production of reactive oxygen species. Here, we have investigated the stress effect induced by quartz and basalt abraded in Mars-like atmospheres by examining the survivability of the three microbial model organisms Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and Deinococcus radiodurans upon exposure to the abraded silicates. We found that abraded basalt that had not been in contact with oxygen after abrasion killed more than 99% of the vegetative cells while endospores were largely unaffected. Exposure of the basalt samples to oxygen after abrasion led to a significant reduction in the stress effect. Abraded quartz was generally less toxic than abraded basalt. We suggest that the stress effect of abraded silicates may be caused by a production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced by transition metal ions in the basalt leading to hydroxyl radicals through Fenton-like reactions. The low survivability of the usually highly resistant D. radiodurans indicates that the effect of abraded silicates, as is ubiquitous on the Martian surface, would limit the habitability of Mars as well as the risk of forward contamination. Furthermore, the reactivity of abraded silicates could have implications for future manned missions, although the lower effect of abraded silicates exposed to oxygen suggests that the effects would be reduced in human habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebbe N Bak
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Ralf Moeller
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR)Cologne, Germany
| | - Silas B Nissen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | - Lasse R Jensen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Nørnberg
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Kai Finster
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark.,Stellar Astrophysics Center, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Karouia F, Peyvan K, Pohorille A. Toward biotechnology in space: High-throughput instruments for in situ biological research beyond Earth. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:905-932. [PMID: 28433608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space biotechnology is a nascent field aimed at applying tools of modern biology to advance our goals in space exploration. These advances rely on our ability to exploit in situ high throughput techniques for amplification and sequencing DNA, and measuring levels of RNA transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell. These techniques, collectively known as "omics" techniques have already revolutionized terrestrial biology. A number of on-going efforts are aimed at developing instruments to carry out "omics" research in space, in particular on board the International Space Station and small satellites. For space applications these instruments require substantial and creative reengineering that includes automation, miniaturization and ensuring that the device is resistant to conditions in space and works independently of the direction of the gravity vector. Different paths taken to meet these requirements for different "omics" instruments are the subjects of this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these instruments and technological solutions and their level of readiness for deployment in space are discussed. Considering that effects of space environments on terrestrial organisms appear to be global, it is argued that high throughput instruments are essential to advance (1) biomedical and physiological studies to control and reduce space-related stressors on living systems, (2) application of biology to life support and in situ resource utilization, (3) planetary protection, and (4) basic research about the limits on life in space. It is also argued that carrying out measurements in situ provides considerable advantages over the traditional space biology paradigm that relies on post-flight data analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Systems Implementation Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Verseux C, Baqué M, Cifariello R, Fagliarone C, Raguse M, Moeller R, Billi D. Evaluation of the Resistance of Chroococcidiopsis spp. to Sparsely and Densely Ionizing Irradiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:118-125. [PMID: 28151689 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Studying the resistance of cyanobacteria to ionizing radiation provides relevant information regarding astrobiology-related topics including the search for life on Mars, lithopanspermia, and biological life-support systems. Here, we report on the resistance of desert cyanobacteria of the genus Chroococcidiopsis, which were exposed (as part of the STARLIFE series of experiments) in both hydrated and dried states to ionizing radiation with different linear energy transfer values (0.2 to 200 keV/μm). Irradiation with up to 1 kGy of He or Si ions, 2 kGy of Fe ions, 5 kGy of X-rays, or 11.59 kGy of γ rays (60Co) did not eradicate Chroococcidiopsis populations, nor did it induce detectable damage to DNA or plasma membranes. The relevance of these results for astrobiology is briefly discussed. Key Words: Ionizing radiation-Linear energy transfer-Lithopanspermia-Cyanobacterial radioresistance-Chroococcidiopsis-Mars. Astrobiology 17, 118-125.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyprien Verseux
- 1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Astrobiology and Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria from Extreme Environments, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy
| | - Mickael Baqué
- 1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Astrobiology and Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria from Extreme Environments, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy
- 2 Astrobiological Laboratories Research Group, Institute of Planetary Research , Management and Infrastructure, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Riccardo Cifariello
- 1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Astrobiology and Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria from Extreme Environments, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Fagliarone
- 1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Astrobiology and Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria from Extreme Environments, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Raguse
- 3 Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- 3 Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniela Billi
- 1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Astrobiology and Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria from Extreme Environments, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Domagal-Goldman SD, Wright KE, Adamala K, Arina de la Rubia L, Bond J, Dartnell LR, Goldman AD, Lynch K, Naud ME, Paulino-Lima IG, Singer K, Walther-Antonio M, Abrevaya XC, Anderson R, Arney G, Atri D, Azúa-Bustos A, Bowman JS, Brazelton WJ, Brennecka GA, Carns R, Chopra A, Colangelo-Lillis J, Crockett CJ, DeMarines J, Frank EA, Frantz C, de la Fuente E, Galante D, Glass J, Gleeson D, Glein CR, Goldblatt C, Horak R, Horodyskyj L, Kaçar B, Kereszturi A, Knowles E, Mayeur P, McGlynn S, Miguel Y, Montgomery M, Neish C, Noack L, Rugheimer S, Stüeken EE, Tamez-Hidalgo P, Imari Walker S, Wong T. The Astrobiology Primer v2.0. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:561-653. [PMID: 27532777 PMCID: PMC5008114 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn D Domagal-Goldman
- 1 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center , Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- 2 Virtual Planetary Laboratory , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katherine E Wright
- 3 University of Colorado at Boulder , Colorado, USA
- 4 Present address: UK Space Agency, UK
| | - Katarzyna Adamala
- 5 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Jade Bond
- 7 Department of Physics, University of New South Wales , Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Kennda Lynch
- 10 Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana , Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Marie-Eve Naud
- 11 Institute for research on exoplanets (iREx) , Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ivan G Paulino-Lima
- 12 Universities Space Research Association , Mountain View, California, USA
- 13 Blue Marble Space Institute of Science , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kelsi Singer
- 14 Southwest Research Institute , Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Ximena C Abrevaya
- 16 Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio (IAFE) , UBA-CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rika Anderson
- 17 Department of Biology, Carleton College , Northfield, Minnesota, USA
| | - Giada Arney
- 18 University of Washington Astronomy Department and Astrobiology Program , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dimitra Atri
- 13 Blue Marble Space Institute of Science , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Jeff S Bowman
- 19 Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University , Palisades, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Regina Carns
- 22 Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aditya Chopra
- 23 Planetary Science Institute, Research School of Earth Sciences, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Australian National University , Canberra, Australia
| | - Jesse Colangelo-Lillis
- 24 Earth and Planetary Science, McGill University , and the McGill Space Institute, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Julia DeMarines
- 13 Blue Marble Space Institute of Science , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Carie Frantz
- 27 Department of Geosciences, Weber State University , Ogden, Utah, USA
| | - Eduardo de la Fuente
- 28 IAM-Departamento de Fisica, CUCEI , Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | - Douglas Galante
- 29 Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory , Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Glass
- 30 School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia , USA
| | | | | | - Colin Goldblatt
- 33 School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria , Victoria, Canada
| | - Rachel Horak
- 34 American Society for Microbiology , Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Betül Kaçar
- 36 Harvard University , Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Akos Kereszturi
- 37 Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences , Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emily Knowles
- 38 Johnson & Wales University , Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Paul Mayeur
- 39 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, New York, USA
| | - Shawn McGlynn
- 40 Earth Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yamila Miguel
- 41 Laboratoire Lagrange, UMR 7293, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis , CNRS, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Catherine Neish
- 43 Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada
| | - Lena Noack
- 44 Royal Observatory of Belgium , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Rugheimer
- 45 Department of Astronomy, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- 46 University of St. Andrews , St. Andrews, UK
| | - Eva E Stüeken
- 47 University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- 48 University of California , Riverside, California, USA
| | | | - Sara Imari Walker
- 13 Blue Marble Space Institute of Science , Seattle, Washington, USA
- 50 School of Earth and Space Exploration and Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Teresa Wong
- 51 Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans wild type R1 produces peptidases (metallo- and serine-) in TGY medium and in the media supplemented with human hair (HMY) and chicken feathers (FMY). Enzymatic screening on agar plates revealed peptidase activity. In TGY medium metallopeptidases were detected corresponding to a molecular mass range of 300-85 kDa (gelatinases); 280-130 (caseinases) and a 300 and a 170 kDa (keratinases); and a gelatinolytic serine peptidase (75 kDa). In HMY medium after 144 h, D. radiodurans produced keratinase (290 U/ml), gelatinase (619 U/ml) and sulfite (26 µg/ml). TGY medium produced higher proteolytic activity: 950 U/ml of gelatinolytic (24 h); 470 U/ml of keratinolytic (24 h) and 110 U/ml of caseinolytic (72 h). In the FMY medium, we found gelatinolytic (317 U/ml), keratinolytic (43 U/ml) and caseinolytic (85 U/ml) activities. The sulfite had a maximum release at 48 h (8.1 µg/ml). Enzymography analysis revealed that the keratinases degraded keratin after 24 h of reaction. The addition of sodium sulfite (1.0 %) improved the keratin degradation. Environmental Scanning Electron microscopy revealed alterations such as damage and holes in the hair fiber cuticle after D. radiodurans growth. This work presents for the first time D. radiodurans as a new keratinolytic microorganism.
Collapse
|
12
|
Maisch T, Shimizu T, Mitra A, Heinlin J, Karrer S, Li YF, Morfill G, Zimmermann JL. Contact-free cold atmospheric plasma treatment of Deinococcus radiodurans. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 39:1367-75. [PMID: 22584820 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-012-1137-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the sensitivity of Deinococcus radiodurans to contact-free cold atmospheric plasma treatment as part of a project to establish new efficient procedures for disinfection of inanimate surfaces. The Gram-positive D. radiodurans is one of the most resistant microorganisms worldwide. Stationary phases of D. radiodurans were exposed to cold atmospheric plasma for different time intervals or to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation at dose rates of 0.001-0.0656 J cm⁻², respectively. A methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (MRSA) served as control for Gram-positive bacteria. The surface microdischarge plasma technology was used for generation of cold atmospheric plasma. A plasma discharge was ignited using ambient air. Surprisingly, D. radiodurans was sensitive to the cold atmospheric plasma treatment in the same range as the MRSA strain. Survival of both bacteria decreased with increasing plasma exposure times up to 6 log₁₀ cycles (>99.999 %) within 20 s of plasma treatment. In contrast, UVC radiation of both bacteria demonstrated that D. radiodurans was more resistant to UVC treatment than MRSA. Cold atmospheric plasma seems to be a promising tool for industrial and clinical purposes where time-saving is a critical point to achieve efficient disinfection of inanimate surfaces and where protection from corrosive materials is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Maisch
- Department of Dermatology, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|