1
|
Nickerson CA, McLean RJC, Barrila J, Yang J, Thornhill SG, Banken LL, Porterfield DM, Poste G, Pellis NR, Ott CM. Microbiology of human spaceflight: microbial responses to mechanical forces that impact health and habitat sustainability. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024:e0014423. [PMID: 39158275 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00144-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYUnderstanding the dynamic adaptive plasticity of microorganisms has been advanced by studying their responses to extreme environments. Spaceflight research platforms provide a unique opportunity to study microbial characteristics in new extreme adaptational modes, including sustained exposure to reduced forces of gravity and associated low fluid shear force conditions. Under these conditions, unexpected microbial responses occur, including alterations in virulence, antibiotic and stress resistance, biofilm formation, metabolism, motility, and gene expression, which are not observed using conventional experimental approaches. Here, we review biological and physical mechanisms that regulate microbial responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analog environments from both the microbe and host-microbe perspective that are relevant to human health and habitat sustainability. We highlight instrumentation and technology used in spaceflight microbiology experiments, their limitations, and advances necessary to enable next-generation research. As spaceflight experiments are relatively rare, we discuss ground-based analogs that mimic aspects of microbial responses to reduced gravity in spaceflight, including those that reduce mechanical forces of fluid flow over cell surfaces which also simulate conditions encountered by microorganisms during their terrestrial lifecycles. As spaceflight mission durations increase with traditional astronauts and commercial space programs send civilian crews with underlying health conditions, microorganisms will continue to play increasingly critical roles in health and habitat sustainability, thus defining a new dimension of occupational health. The ability of microorganisms to adapt, survive, and evolve in the spaceflight environment is important for future human space endeavors and provides opportunities for innovative biological and technological advances to benefit life on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Nickerson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Robert J C McLean
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Laura L Banken
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - D Marshall Porterfield
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - George Poste
- Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - C Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cortesão M, Holland G, Schütze T, Laue M, Moeller R, Meyer V. Colony growth and biofilm formation of Aspergillus niger under simulated microgravity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:975763. [PMID: 36212831 PMCID: PMC9539656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.975763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biotechnology- and medicine-relevant fungus Aspergillus niger is a common colonizer of indoor habitats such as the International Space Station (ISS). Being able to colonize and biodegrade a wide range of surfaces, A. niger can ultimately impact human health and habitat safety. Surface contamination relies on two key-features of the fungal colony: the fungal spores, and the vegetative mycelium, also known as biofilm. Aboard the ISS, microorganisms and astronauts are shielded from extreme temperatures and radiation, but are inevitably affected by spaceflight microgravity. Knowing how microgravity affects A. niger colony growth, in particular regarding the vegetative mycelium (biofilm) and spore production, will help prevent and control fungal contaminations in indoor habitats on Earth and in space. Because fungal colonies grown on agar can be considered analogs for surface contamination, we investigated A. niger colony growth on agar in normal gravity (Ground) and simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions by fast-clinorotation. Three strains were included: a wild-type strain, a pigmentation mutant (ΔfwnA), and a hyperbranching mutant (ΔracA). Our study presents never before seen scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of A. niger colonies that reveal a complex ultrastructure and biofilm architecture, and provide insights into fungal colony development, both on ground and in simulated microgravity. Results show that simulated microgravity affects colony growth in a strain-dependent manner, leading to thicker biofilms (vegetative mycelium) and increased spore production. We suggest that the Rho GTPase RacA might play a role in A. niger’s adaptation to simulated microgravity, as deletion of ΔracA leads to changes in biofilm thickness, spore production and total biomass. We also propose that FwnA-mediated melanin production plays a role in A. niger’s microgravity response, as ΔfwnA mutant colonies grown under SMG conditions showed increased colony area and spore production. Taken together, our study shows that simulated microgravity does not inhibit A. niger growth, but rather indicates a potential increase in surface-colonization. Further studies addressing fungal growth and surface contaminations in spaceflight should be conducted, not only to reduce the risk of negatively impacting human health and spacecraft material safety, but also to positively utilize fungal-based biotechnology to acquire needed resources in situ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marta Cortesão,
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tabea Schütze
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
The desire to understand gravitational effects on living things requires the removal of the very factor that determines life on Earth. Unfortunately, the required free-fall conditions that provide such conditions are limited to a few seconds unless earth-orbiting platforms are available. Therefore, attempts have been made to create conditions that simulate reduced gravity or gravity-free conditions ever since the gravity effects have been studied. Such conditions depend mostly on rotating devices (aka clinostats) that alter the gravity vector faster than the biological response time or create conditions that compensate sedimentation by fluid dynamics. Although several sophisticated, commercial instruments are available, they are unaffordable to most individual investigators. This article describes important considerations for the design and construction of low cost but versatile instruments that are sturdy, fully programmable, and affordable. The chapter focuses on detailed construction, programming of microcontrollers, versatility, and reliability of the instrument.
Collapse
|
4
|
Satoh K, Alshahni MM, Umeda Y, Komori A, Tamura T, Nishiyama Y, Yamazaki T, Makimura K. Seven years of progress in determining fungal diversity and characterization of fungi isolated from the Japanese Experiment Module KIBO, International Space Station. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 65:463-471. [PMID: 34251696 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed facility that orbits the earth carrying not only its crew but also microorganisms. We have participated in microbiota analysis projects for the Japanese Experiment Module KIBO (ISS; operations nomenclature: Microbe-I, II, III, and IV) and were in charge of fungal screening. The interior of KIBO was sampled using swabs and microbe detection sheets (MDSs) for fungal detection. The dominant genera obtained by culture were Aspergillus and Penicillium. DNA analyses of the fungal biota using a clone library showed that KIBO was dominated by Malassezia, a fungal inhabitant of human skin. Three fungal species, Aspergillus sydowii, Penicillium palitans, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, which grew under microgravity in KIBO were observed under a field emission-scanning electron microscope on the ground. No novel phenotypic characteristics were noted. The results of antifungal susceptibility testing of all isolates did not differ significantly from previous reports of corresponding fungi. In Microbe-I (August 2009), MDSs were culture negative, while in the next stages the CFU of MDSs were 10 for Microbe-II (February 2011), 24 for Microbe-III (October 2012), and 151 for Microbe-IV (February 2015). These results indicated that fungi inside KIBO are increasing and expanding over time, and therefore continuous surveillance is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Satoh
- Medical Mycology, Space and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,General Medical Education and Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohamed Mahdi Alshahni
- Medical Mycology, Space and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,General Medical Education and Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Umeda
- Medical Mycology, Space and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Komori
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamura
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yayoi Nishiyama
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamazaki
- Medical Mycology, Space and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,General Medical Education and Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan.,JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koichi Makimura
- Medical Mycology, Space and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,General Medical Education and Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tesei D, Chiang AJ, Kalkum M, Stajich JE, Mohan GBM, Sterflinger K, Venkateswaran K. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on the Proteome and Secretome of the Polyextremotolerant Black Fungus Knufia chersonesos. Front Genet 2021; 12:638708. [PMID: 33815472 PMCID: PMC8012687 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.638708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Black fungi are a group of melanotic microfungi characterized by remarkable polyextremotolerance. Due to a broad ecological plasticity and adaptations at the cellular level, it is predicted that they may survive in a variety of extreme environments, including harsh niches on Earth and Mars, and in outer space. However, the molecular mechanisms aiding survival, especially in space, are yet to be fully elucidated. Based on these premises, the rock-inhabiting black fungus Knufia chersonesos (Wt) and its non-melanized mutant (Mut) were exposed to simulated microgravity-one of the prevalent features characterizing space conditions-by growing the cultures in high-aspect-ratio vessels (HARVs). Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses were performed on the mycelia and supernatant of culture medium (secretome) to assess alterations in cell physiology in response to low-shear simulated microgravity (LSSMG) and to ultimately evaluate the role of cell-wall melanization in stress survival. Differential expression was observed for proteins involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolic processes, transport, and ribosome biogenesis and translation via ribosomal translational machinery. However, no evidence of significant activation of stress components or starvation response was detected, except for the scytalone dehydratase, enzyme involved in the synthesis of dihydroxynaphthalene (DNH) melanin, which was found to be upregulated in the secretome of the wild type and downregulated in the mutant. Differences in protein modulation were observed between K. chersonesos Wt and Mut, with several proteins being downregulated under LSSMG in the Mut when compared to the Wt. Lastly, no major morphological alterations were observed following exposure to LSSMG. Similarly, the strains' survivability was not negatively affected. This study is the first to characterize the response to simulated microgravity in black fungi, which might have implications on future astrobiological missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Abby J. Chiang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research and Infectious Diseases, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute for Natural Sciences and Technology in the Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Response of extreme haloarchaeon Haloarcula argentinensis RR10 to simulated microgravity in clinorotation. 3 Biotech 2017; 7:30. [PMID: 28401467 PMCID: PMC5388653 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-016-0596-2] [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: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity is the fundamental force that may have operated during the evolution of life on Earth. It is thus important to understand as to what the effects of gravity are on cellular life. The studies related to effect of microgravity on cells may provide greater insights in understanding of how the physical force of gravity shaped life on Earth. The present study focuses on a unique group of organisms called the Haloarchaea, which are known for their extreme resistance to survive in stress-induced environments. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of simulated microgravity on physiological response of extremely halophilic archaeon, Haloarcula argentinensis RR10, under slow clinorotation. The growth kinetics of the archaeon in microgravity was studied using the Baryani model and the viable and apoptotic cells were assessed using propidium iodide fluorescent microscopic studies. The physiological mechanism of adaptation was activation of ‘salt-in’ strategy by intracellular sequestration of sodium ions as detected by EDAX. The organism upregulated the production of ribosomal proteins in simulated microgravity as evidenced by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization Time of flight–Mass Spectrophotometry. Simulated microgravity altered the antibiotic susceptibility of the haloarchaeon and it developed resistance to Augmentin, Norfloxacin, Tobramycin and Cefoperazone, rendering it a multidrug resistant strain. The presence of antibiotic efflux pump was detected in the haloarchaeon and it also enhanced production of protective carotenoid pigment in simulated microgravity. The present study is presumably the first report of physiological response of H. argentinensis RR10 in microgravity simulated under slow clinorotation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Satoh K, Yamazaki T, Nakayama T, Umeda Y, Alshahni MM, Makimura M, Makimura K. Characterization of fungi isolated from the equipment used in the International Space Station or Space Shuttle. Microbiol Immunol 2016; 60:295-302. [DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Satoh
- General Medical Education and Research Center; Teikyo University
- Lab. Space and Environmental Medicine; Graduate School of Medicine/Medical Technology Teikyo University; 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi Tokyo 173-8605
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology; 359 Otsuka Hachioji Tokyo 192-0395
| | - Takashi Yamazaki
- General Medical Education and Research Center; Teikyo University
- Lab. Space and Environmental Medicine; Graduate School of Medicine/Medical Technology Teikyo University; 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi Tokyo 173-8605
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology; 359 Otsuka Hachioji Tokyo 192-0395
- JEM Utilization Center; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency; 2-1-1 Sengen Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8505 Japan
| | - Takako Nakayama
- Lab. Space and Environmental Medicine; Graduate School of Medicine/Medical Technology Teikyo University; 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi Tokyo 173-8605
| | - Yoshiko Umeda
- General Medical Education and Research Center; Teikyo University
- Lab. Space and Environmental Medicine; Graduate School of Medicine/Medical Technology Teikyo University; 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi Tokyo 173-8605
| | - Mohamed Mahdi Alshahni
- General Medical Education and Research Center; Teikyo University
- Lab. Space and Environmental Medicine; Graduate School of Medicine/Medical Technology Teikyo University; 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi Tokyo 173-8605
| | - Miho Makimura
- General Medical Education and Research Center; Teikyo University
| | - Koichi Makimura
- General Medical Education and Research Center; Teikyo University
- Lab. Space and Environmental Medicine; Graduate School of Medicine/Medical Technology Teikyo University; 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi Tokyo 173-8605
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology; 359 Otsuka Hachioji Tokyo 192-0395
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gomoiu I, Chatzitheodoridis E, Vadrucci S, Walther I. The effect of spaceflight on growth of Ulocladium chartarum colonies on the international space station. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62130. [PMID: 23637980 PMCID: PMC3634740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this 14 days experiment were to investigate the effect of spaceflight on the growth of Ulocladium chartarum, to study the viability of the aerial and submerged mycelium and to put in evidence changes at the cellular level. U. chartarum was chosen for the spaceflight experiment because it is well known to be involved in biodeterioration of organic and inorganic substrates covered with organic deposits and expected to be a possible contaminant in Spaceships. Colonies grown on the International Space Station (ISS) and on Earth were analysed post-flight. This study clearly indicates that U. chartarum is able to grow under spaceflight conditions developing, as a response, a complex colony morphotype never mentioned previously. We observed that spaceflight reduced the rate of growth of aerial mycelium, but stimulated the growth of submerged mycelium and of new microcolonies. In Spaceships and Space Stations U. chartarum and other fungal species could find a favourable environment to grow invasively unnoticed in the depth of surfaces containing very small amount of substrate, posing a risk factor for biodegradation of structural components, as well as a direct threat for crew health. The colony growth cycle of U. chartarum provides a useful eukaryotic system for the study of fungal growth under spaceflight conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Gomoiu
- Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy of Science, Bucharest, Romania.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Arunasri K, Adil M, Venu Charan K, Suvro C, Himabindu Reddy S, Shivaji S. Effect of simulated microgravity on E. coli K12 MG1655 growth and gene expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57860. [PMID: 23472115 PMCID: PMC3589462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates the effects of simulated microgravity on E. coli K 12 MG1655 grown on LB medium supplemented with glycerol. Global gene expression analysis indicated that the expressions of hundred genes were significantly altered in simulated microgravity conditions compared to that of normal gravity conditions. Under these conditions genes coding for adaptation to stress are up regulated (sufE and ssrA) and simultaneously genes coding for membrane transporters (ompC, exbB, actP, mgtA, cysW and nikB) and carbohydrate catabolic processes (ldcC, ptsA, rhaD and rhaS) are down regulated. The enhanced growth in simulated gravity conditions may be because of the adequate supply of energy/reducing equivalents and up regulation of genes involved in DNA replication (srmB) and repression of the genes encoding for nucleoside metabolism (dfp, pyrD and spoT). In addition, E. coli cultured in LB medium supplemented with glycerol (so as to protect the cells from freezing temperatures) do not exhibit multiple stress responses that are normally observed when cells are exposed to microgravity in LB medium without glycerol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed Adil
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chang D, Xu H, Guo Y, Jiang X, Liu Y, Li K, Pan C, Yuan M, Wang J, Li T, Liu C. Simulated microgravity alters the metastatic potential of a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2013; 49:170-7. [PMID: 23404217 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-013-9581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Simulated microgravity (SM) has been implicated in affecting diverse cellular pathways. Although there is emerging evidence that SM can alter cellular functions, its effect in cancer metastasis has not been addressed. Here, we demonstrate that SM inhibits migration, gelatinolytic activity, and cell proliferation of an A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line in vitro. Expression of antigen MKI67 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) was reduced in A549 cells stimulated by clinorotation when compared with the 1×g control condition, while overexpression of each gene improves ability of proliferation and migration, respectively, under SM conditions. These findings suggest that SM reduced the metastatic potential of human lung adenocarcinoma cells by altering the expression of MKI67 and MMP2, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which may provide some clues to study cancer metastasis in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De Chang
- Nanlou Respiratory Diseases Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|