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Alessia C, Federica DA, Claudia P, Barbara C, Laura Z, Silvano O. A preliminary survey of the cellular responses of the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus to long and short-term dehydration. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13309. [PMID: 39075848 PMCID: PMC11286975 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica, are known for their extreme aridity, cold, and nutrient-poor conditions. These valleys provide a valuable comparison to environments on Mars. The survival of microorganisms in these areas hinges on their ability to withstand dehydration due to the limited availability of liquid water. Some microorganisms have adapted to survive extended periods of metabolic inactivity and dehydration, a physiological response to the harsh conditions in which they exist. This adaptation is significant for astrobiology studies as it allows for testing the resilience of microorganisms under extraterrestrial conditions, exploring the boundaries and potential for life beyond Earth. In this study, we examined the survivability, metabolic activity, cellular membrane integrity, and ultrastructural damage of Cryomyces antarcticus, a eukaryotic organism used for astrobiological studies, following two dehydration processes. We conducted a fast dehydration process, simulating what happens on the surface of Antarctic rocks under typical environmental conditions, and a slow dehydration process, which is commonly used in astrobiological experiments. Our findings revealed a higher percentage of damaged cells following slow dehydration treatments, confirming that rapid dehydration reflects the adaptability of microorganisms to respond to sudden and drastic changes in the Antarctic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassaro Alessia
- Department of Ecological and Biological SciencesUniversity of TusciaViterboItaly
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - D' Alò Federica
- Department of Ecological and Biological SciencesUniversity of TusciaViterboItaly
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial EcosystemsNational Research CouncilPorano (TR)Italy
| | - Pacelli Claudia
- Department of Ecological and Biological SciencesUniversity of TusciaViterboItaly
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research UnitItalian Space AgencyRomeItaly
| | - Cavalazzi Barbara
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
- LE STUDIUM Institute for Advanced StudiesOrléansFrance
| | - Zucconi Laura
- Department of Ecological and Biological SciencesUniversity of TusciaViterboItaly
- Institute of Polar SciencesNational Research Council of Italy (CNR‐ISP)MessinaItaly
| | - Onofri Silvano
- Department of Ecological and Biological SciencesUniversity of TusciaViterboItaly
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2
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Canini F, Borruso L, Newsham KK, D'Alò F, D'Acqui LP, Zucconi L. Wide divergence of fungal communities inhabiting rocks and soils in a hyper-arid Antarctic desert. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3671-3682. [PMID: 37964667 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16534] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Highly simplified microbial communities colonise rocks and soils of continental Antarctica ice-free deserts. These two habitats impose different selection pressures on organisms, yet the possible filtering effects on the diversity and composition of microbial communities have not hitherto been fully characterised. We hence compared fungal communities in rocks and soils in three localities of inner Victoria Land. We found low fungal diversity in both substrates, with a mean species richness of 28 across all samples, and significantly lower diversity in rocks than in soils. Rock and soil communities were strongly differentiated, with a multinomial species classification method identifying just three out of 328 taxa as generalists with no affinity for either substrate. Rocks were characterised by a higher abundance of lichen-forming fungi (typically Buellia, Carbonea, Pleopsidium, Lecanora, and Lecidea), possibly owing to the more protected environment and the porosity of rocks permitting photosynthetic activity. In contrast, soils were dominated by obligate yeasts (typically Naganishia and Meyerozyma), the abundances of which were correlated with edaphic factors, and the black yeast Cryomyces. Our study suggests that strong differences in selection pressures may account for the wide divergences of fungal communities in rocks and soils of inner Victoria Land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Luigimaria Borruso
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
| | - Kevin K Newsham
- British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Cambridge, UK
| | - Federica D'Alò
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Institute (IRET), National Research Council (CNR), Porano (TR), Italy
| | - Luigi P D'Acqui
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Institute (IRET), National Research Council (CNR), Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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3
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Aureli L, Coleine C, Delgado-Baquerizo M, Ahren D, Cemmi A, Di Sarcina I, Onofri S, Selbmann L. Geography and environmental pressure are predictive of class-specific radioresistance in black fungi. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2931-2942. [PMID: 37775957 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Black fungi are among the most resistant organisms to ionizing radiation on Earth. However, our current knowledge is based on studies on a few isolates, while the overall radioresistance limits across this microbial group and the relationship with local environmental conditions remain largely undetermined. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the survival of 101 strains of black fungi isolated across a worldwide spatial distribution to gamma radiation doses up to 100 kGy. We found that intra and inter-specific taxonomy, UV radiation, and precipitation levels primarily influence the radioresistance in black fungi. Altogether, this study provides insights into the adaptive mechanisms of black fungi to extreme environments and highlights the role of local adaptation in shaping the survival capabilities of these extreme-tolerant organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Aureli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Unidad Asociada CSIC-UPO (BioFun), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistémico, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Dag Ahren
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alessia Cemmi
- Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA FSN-FISS-SNI), Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Sarcina
- Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA FSN-FISS-SNI), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Mycological Section, Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), Genoa, Italy
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4
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Chowaniec K, Latkowska E, Skubała K. Effect of thallus melanisation on the sensitivity of lichens to heat stress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5083. [PMID: 36977766 PMCID: PMC10049980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32215-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extreme climatic phenomena such as heat waves, heavy rainfall and prolonged droughts are one of the main problems associated with ongoing climate change. The global increase in extreme rainfalls associated with summer heatwaves are projected to increase in amplitude and frequency in the near future. However, the consequences of such extreme events on lichens are largely unknown. The aim was to determine the effect of heat stress on the physiology of lichen Cetraria aculeata in a metabolically active state and to verify whether strongly melanised thalli are more resistant than poorly melanised thalli. In the present study, melanin was extracted from C. aculeata for the first time. Our study showed that the critical temperature for metabolism is around 35 °C. Both symbiotic partners responded to heat stress, manifested by the decreased maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, high level of cell membrane damage, increased membrane lipid peroxidation and decreased dehydrogenase activity. Highly melanised thalli were more sensitive to heat stress, which excludes the role of melanins as compounds protecting against heat stress. Therefore, mycobiont melanisation imposes a trade-off between protection against UV and avoidance of damage caused by high temperature. It can be concluded that heavy rainfall during high temperatures may significantly deteriorate the physiological condition of melanised thalli. However, the level of membrane lipid peroxidation in melanised thalli decreased over time after exposure, suggesting greater efficiency of antioxidant defence mechanisms. Given the ongoing climate changes, many lichen species may require a great deal of plasticity to maintain their physiological state at a level that ensures their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Chowaniec
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Prof. S. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Latkowska
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kaja Skubała
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Cassaro A, Pacelli C, Onofri S. Survival, metabolic activity, and ultrastructural damages of Antarctic black fungus in perchlorates media. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:992077. [PMID: 36523839 PMCID: PMC9744811 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.992077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence from recent Mars landers identified the presence of perchlorates salts at 1 wt % in regolith and their widespread distribution on the Martian surface that has been hypothesized as a critical chemical hazard for putative life forms. However, the hypersaline environment may also potentially preserve life and its biomolecules over geological timescales. The high concentration of natural perchlorates is scarcely reported on Earth. The presence of perchlorates in soil and ice has been recorded in some extreme environments including the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica, one of the best terrestrial analogues for Mars. In the frame of "Life in space" Italian astrobiology project, the polyextremophilic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, a eukaryotic test organism isolated from the Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities, has been tested for its resistance, when grown on different hypersaline substrata. In addition, C. antarcticus was grown on Martian relevant perchlorate medium (0.4 wt% of Mg(ClO4)2 and 0.6 wt% of Ca(ClO4)2) to investigate the possibility for the fungus to survive in Martian environment. Here, the results indicate a good survivability and metabolic activity recovery of the black fungus when grown on four Martian relevant perchlorates. A low percentage of damaged cellular membranes have been found, confirming the ultrastructural investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, via del Politecnico, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
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6
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Gevi F, Leo P, Cassaro A, Pacelli C, de Vera JPP, Rabbow E, Timperio AM, Onofri S. Metabolomic Profile of the Fungus Cryomyces antarcticus Under Simulated Martian and Space Conditions as Support for Life-Detection Missions on Mars. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:749396. [PMID: 35633719 PMCID: PMC9133366 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.749396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of traces of life beyond Earth (e.g., Mars, icy moons) is a challenging task because terrestrial chemical-based molecules may be destroyed by the harsh conditions experienced on extraterrestrial planetary surfaces. For this reason, studying the effects on biomolecules of extremophilic microorganisms through astrobiological ground-based space simulation experiments is significant to support the interpretation of the data that will be gained and collected during the ongoing and future space exploration missions. Here, the stability of the biomolecules of the cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, grown on two Martian regolith analogues and on Antarctic sandstone, were analysed through a metabolomic approach, after its exposure to Science Verification Tests (SVTs) performed in the frame of the European Space Agency (ESA) Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX) project. These tests are building a set of ground-based experiments performed before the space exposure aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The analysis aimed to investigate the effects of different mineral mixtures on fungal colonies and the stability of the biomolecules synthetised by the fungus under simulated Martian and space conditions. The identification of a specific group of molecules showing good stability after the treatments allow the creation of a molecular database that should support the analysis of future data sets that will be collected in the ongoing and next space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gevi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Patrick Leo
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | | | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Timperio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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7
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Liu B, Fu R, Wu B, Liu X, Xiang M. Rock-inhabiting fungi: terminology, diversity, evolution and adaptation mechanisms. Mycology 2022; 13:1-31. [PMID: 35186410 PMCID: PMC8856086 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2021.2002452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rock-inhabiting fungi (RIF) constitute an ecological group associated with terrestrial rocks. This association is generally restricted to the persistent colonisation of rocks and peculiar morphological features based on melanisation and slow growth, which endow RIF with significance in eukaryotic biology, special status in ecology, and exotic potential in biotechnology. There is a need to achieve a better understanding of the hidden biodiversity, antistress biology, origin and convergent evolution of RIF, which will facilitate cultural relic preservation, exploitation of the biogeochemical cycle of rock elements and biotechnology applications. This review focuses on summarising the current knowledge of rock-inhabiting fungi, with particular reference to terminology, biodiversity and geographic distribution, origin and evolution, and stress adaptation mechanisms. We especially teased out the definition through summing up the terms related to rock-inhabting fungi, and also provided a checklist of rock-inhabiting fungal taxa recorded following updated classification schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Cassaro A, Pacelli C, Baqué M, de Vera JPP, Böttger U, Botta L, Saladino R, Rabbow E, Onofri S. Fungal Biomarkers Stability in Mars Regolith Analogues after Simulated Space and Mars-like Conditions. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100859. [PMID: 34682280 PMCID: PMC8540304 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of life on other planets and moons in our solar system is one of the most important challenges of this era. The second ExoMars mission will look for traces of extant or extinct life on Mars. The instruments on board the rover will be able to reach samples with eventual biomarkers until 2 m of depth under the planet’s surface. This exploration capacity offers the best chance to detect biomarkers which would be mainly preserved compared to samples on the surface which are directly exposed to harmful environmental conditions. Starting with the studies of the endolithic meristematic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, which has proved its high resistance under extreme conditions, we analyzed the stability and the resistance of fungal biomarkers after exposure to simulated space and Mars-like conditions, with Raman and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, two of the scientific payload instruments on board the rover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-068567466
| | - Mickael Baqué
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jean-Pierre Paul de Vera
- MUSC, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Space Operations and Astronaut Training, 51147 Köln, Germany;
| | - Ute Böttger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Optical Sensor Systems, 12489 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Radiation Biology Division, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, DLR, Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany;
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
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Pacelli C, Alessia C, Siong LM, Lorenzo A, Moeller R, Fujimori A, Igor S, Silvano O. Insights into the Survival Capabilities of Cryomyces antarcticus Hydrated Colonies after Exposure to Fe Particle Radiation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:495. [PMID: 34206448 PMCID: PMC8304246 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern concept of the evolution of Mars assumes that life could potentially have originated on the planet Mars, possibly during the end of the late heavy bombardment, and could then be transferred to other planets. Since then, physical and chemical conditions on Mars changed and now strongly limit the presence of terrestrial-like life forms. These adverse conditions include scarcity of liquid water (although brine solutions may exist), low temperature and atmospheric pressure, and cosmic radiation. Ionizing radiation is very important among these life-constraining factors because it damages DNA and other cellular components, particularly in liquid conditions where radiation-induced reactive oxidants diffuse freely. Here, we investigated the impact of high doses (up to 2 kGy) of densely-ionizing (197.6 keV/µm), space-relevant iron ions (corresponding on the irradiation that reach the uppermost layer of the Mars subsurface) on the survival of an extremophilic terrestrial organism-Cryomyces antarcticus-in liquid medium and under atmospheric conditions, through different techniques. Results showed that it survived in a metabolically active state when subjected to high doses of Fe ions and was able to repair eventual DNA damages. It implies that some terrestrial life forms can withstand prolonged exposure to space-relevant ion radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Italian Space Agency, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.L.); (O.S.)
| | - Cassaro Alessia
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.L.); (O.S.)
| | - Loke M. Siong
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Aureli Lorenzo
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.L.); (O.S.)
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, 51147 Cologne (Köln), Germany;
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), 53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Molecular and Cellular Radiation Biology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, NIRS/QST, Chiba 263-8555, Japan;
| | - Shuryak Igor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Onofri Silvano
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.L.); (O.S.)
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Aureli L, Pacelli C, Cassaro A, Fujimori A, Moeller R, Onofri S. Iron Ion Particle Radiation Resistance of Dried Colonies of Cryomyces antarcticus Embedded in Martian Regolith Analogues. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E306. [PMID: 33255166 PMCID: PMC7761078 DOI: 10.3390/life10120306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the celestial bodies in the Solar System, Mars currently represents the main target for the search for life beyond Earth. However, its surface is constantly exposed to high doses of cosmic rays (CRs) that may pose a threat to any biological system. For this reason, investigations into the limits of resistance of life to space relevant radiation is fundamental to speculate on the chance of finding extraterrestrial organisms on Mars. In the present work, as part of the STARLIFE project, the responses of dried colonies of the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus Culture Collection of Fungi from Extreme Environments (CCFEE) 515 to the exposure to accelerated iron (LET: 200 keV/μm) ions, which mimic part of CRs spectrum, were investigated. Samples were exposed to the iron ions up to 1000 Gy in the presence of Martian regolith analogues. Our results showed an extraordinary resistance of the fungus in terms of survival, recovery of metabolic activity and DNA integrity. These experiments give new insights into the survival probability of possible terrestrial-like life forms on the present or past Martian surface and shallow subsurface environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Aureli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Molecular and Cellular Radiation Biology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan;
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, DLR, Linder Höhe, D-51147 Köln, Germany;
- Natural Sciences Department, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), von-Liebig-Straße 20, D-53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
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11
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Pacelli C, Cassaro A, Aureli L, Moeller R, Fujimori A, Onofri S. The Responses of the Black Fungus Cryomyces Antarcticus to High Doses of Accelerated Helium Ions Radiation within Martian Regolith Simulants and Their Relevance for Mars. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E130. [PMID: 32752063 PMCID: PMC7459982 DOI: 10.3390/life10080130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the primary current astrobiological goals is to understand the limits of microbial resistance to extraterrestrial conditions. Much attention is paid to ionizing radiation, since it can prevent the preservation and spread of life outside the Earth. The aim of this research was to study the impact of accelerated He ions (150 MeV/n, up to 1 kGy) as a component of the galactic cosmic rays on the black fungus C. antarcticus when mixed with Antarctic sandstones-the substratum of its natural habitat-and two Martian regolith simulants, which mimics two different evolutionary stages of Mars. The high dose of 1 kGy was used to assess the effect of dose accumulation in dormant cells within minerals, under long-term irradiation estimated on a geological time scale. The data obtained suggests that viable Earth-like microorganisms can be preserved in the dormant state in the near-surface scenario for approximately 322,000 and 110,000 Earth years within Martian regolith that mimic early and present Mars environmental conditions, respectively. In addition, the results of the study indicate the possibility of maintaining traces within regolith, as demonstrated by the identification of melanin pigments through UltraViolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometric approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (S.O.)
| | - Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (S.O.)
| | - Lorenzo Aureli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (S.O.)
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, DLR, Linder Höhe, D-51147 Köln, Germany; or
- Department of Natural Science, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), von-Liebig-Straße 20, D-53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Molecular and Cellular Radiation Biology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, NIRS/QST, Chiba 263-8555, Japan;
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (S.O.)
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12
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Pacelli C, Cassaro A, Maturilli A, Timperio AM, Gevi F, Cavalazzi B, Stefan M, Ghica D, Onofri S. Multidisciplinary characterization of melanin pigments from the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6385-6395. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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The role of melanins in melanotic fungi for pathogenesis and environmental survival. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:4247-4257. [PMID: 32206837 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanins provide fungi protection from environmental stressors, support their ecological roles, and can confer virulence in pathogens. While the function, structure, and synthesis of melanins in fungi are not fully understood, they have been shown to have varied roles. Recent research has revealed a wide range of functions, from radiation resistance to increasing virulence, shedding light on fungal diversity. Understanding fungal melanins can provide useful information, from harnessing the properties of these various melanins to targeting fungal infections.Key Points• Melanotic fungi are widespread in nature. • Melanin functions to protect fungi in the environment from a range of stresses. • Melanin contributes to pathogenesis and drug resistance of pathogenic fungi.
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14
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Manini P, Lino V, D'Errico G, Reale S, Napolitano A, De Angelis F, d'Ischia M. “Blackness” is an index of redox complexity in melanin polymers. Polym Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py00700e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Blackness as an emergent property associated with redox disorder and π-electron complexity in melanin polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Manini
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Napoli Federico II
- Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - Valeria Lino
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Napoli Federico II
- Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Napoli Federico II
- Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - Samantha Reale
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences
- University of L'Aquila
- L'Aquila
- Italy
| | - Alessandra Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Napoli Federico II
- Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
| | | | - Marco d'Ischia
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Napoli Federico II
- Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
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15
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De Middeleer G, Leys N, Sas B, De Saeger S. Fungi and Mycotoxins in Space-A Review. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:915-926. [PMID: 30973270 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are not only present on Earth but colonize spacecraft and space stations as well. This review provides an extensive overview of the large and diverse group of fungal species that have been found in space, as well as those corresponding detection methods used and the existing and potential future prevention and control strategies. Many of the identified fungal species in space, such as Aspergillus flavus and Alternaria sp., are mycotoxigenic; thus, they are potential mycotoxin producers. This indicates that, although the fungal load in space stations tends to be non-alarming, the effects should not be underestimated, since the effect of the space environment on mycotoxin production should be sufficiently studied as well. However, research focused on mycotoxin production under conditions found on space stations is essentially nonexistent, since these kinds of spaceflight experiments are rare. Consequently, it is recommended that detection and monitoring systems for fungi and mycotoxins in space are at some point prioritized such that investigations into the impact of the space environment on mycotoxin production is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilke De Middeleer
- 1Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- 2Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary BioSciences Expert Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Benedikt Sas
- 3Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- 1Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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17
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Extreme-Fungi and the Benefits of A Stressing Life. Life (Basel) 2019; 9:life9020031. [PMID: 30934686 PMCID: PMC6616957 DOI: 10.3390/life9020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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18
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Pacelli C, Bryan RA, Onofri S, Selbmann L, Zucconi L, Shuryak I, Dadachova E. Survival and redox activity of Friedmanniomyces endolithicus, an Antarctic endemic black meristematic fungus, after gamma rays exposure. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:1222-1227. [PMID: 30449360 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite living organisms are not exposed to acute ionizing radiation under natural conditions, some exhibit a high radiation resistance. Understanding this phenomenon is important for assessing the impact of radiation-related accidents, occupational exposures and space missions. In this context, in this study we analyzed the effect of gamma rays on the Antarctic cryptoendolithic melanized fungus Friedmanniomyces endolithicus CCFEE 5208 and demonstrated its resistance to acute doses of gamma radiation (up to 400 Gy), accompanied by increase in metabolic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ruth A Bryan
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy; Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Ekaterina Dadachova
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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19
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Survivability of Soil and Permafrost Microbial Communities after Irradiation with Accelerated Electrons under Simulated Martian and Open Space Conditions. GEOSCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences8080298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the prior current astrobiological tasks is revealing the limits of microbial resistance to extraterrestrial conditions. Much attention is paid to ionizing radiation, since it can prevent the preservation and spread of life outside the Earth. The aim of this research was to study the impact of accelerated electrons (~1 MeV) as component of space radiation on microbial communities in their natural habitat—the arid soil and ancient permafrost, and also on the pure bacterial cultures that were isolated from these ecotopes. The irradiation was carried out at low pressure (~0.01 Torr) and low temperature (−130 °C) to simulate the conditions of Mars or outer space. High doses of 10 kGy and 100 kGy were used to assess the effect of dose accumulation in inactive and hypometabolic cells, depending on environmental conditions under long-term irradiation estimated on a geological time scale. It was shown that irradiation with accelerated electrons in the applied doses did not sterilize native samples from Earth extreme habitats. The data obtained suggests that viable Earth-like microorganisms can be preserved in the anabiotic state for at least 1.3 and 20 million years in the regolith of modern Mars in the shallow subsurface layer and at a 5 m depth, respectively. In addition, the results of the study indicate the possibility of maintaining terrestrial like life in the ice of Europa at a 10 cm depth for at least ~170 years or for at least 400 thousand years in open space within meteorites. It is established that bacteria in natural habitat has a much higher resistance to in situ irradiation with accelerated electrons when compared to their stability in pure isolated cultures. Thanks to the protective properties of the heterophase environment and the interaction between microbial populations even radiosensitive microorganisms as members of the native microbial communities are able to withstand very high doses of ionizing radiation.
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20
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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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