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Nickerson CA, McLean RJC, Barrila J, Yang J, Thornhill SG, Banken LL, Porterfield DM, Poste G, Pellis NR, Ott CM. Microbiology of human spaceflight: microbial responses to mechanical forces that impact health and habitat sustainability. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0014423. [PMID: 39158275 PMCID: PMC11426028 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00144-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYUnderstanding the dynamic adaptive plasticity of microorganisms has been advanced by studying their responses to extreme environments. Spaceflight research platforms provide a unique opportunity to study microbial characteristics in new extreme adaptational modes, including sustained exposure to reduced forces of gravity and associated low fluid shear force conditions. Under these conditions, unexpected microbial responses occur, including alterations in virulence, antibiotic and stress resistance, biofilm formation, metabolism, motility, and gene expression, which are not observed using conventional experimental approaches. Here, we review biological and physical mechanisms that regulate microbial responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analog environments from both the microbe and host-microbe perspective that are relevant to human health and habitat sustainability. We highlight instrumentation and technology used in spaceflight microbiology experiments, their limitations, and advances necessary to enable next-generation research. As spaceflight experiments are relatively rare, we discuss ground-based analogs that mimic aspects of microbial responses to reduced gravity in spaceflight, including those that reduce mechanical forces of fluid flow over cell surfaces which also simulate conditions encountered by microorganisms during their terrestrial lifecycles. As spaceflight mission durations increase with traditional astronauts and commercial space programs send civilian crews with underlying health conditions, microorganisms will continue to play increasingly critical roles in health and habitat sustainability, thus defining a new dimension of occupational health. The ability of microorganisms to adapt, survive, and evolve in the spaceflight environment is important for future human space endeavors and provides opportunities for innovative biological and technological advances to benefit life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A. Nickerson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Laura L. Banken
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - D. Marshall Porterfield
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - George Poste
- Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - C. Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Hauserman MR, Sullivan LE, James KL, Ferraro MJ, Rice KC. Response of Staphylococcus aureus physiology and Agr quorum sensing to low-shear modeled microgravity. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0027224. [PMID: 39120147 PMCID: PMC11411946 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00272-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is commonly isolated from astronauts returning from spaceflight. Previous analysis of omics data from S. aureus low Earth orbit cultures indicated significantly increased expression of the Agr quorum sensing system and its downstream targets in spaceflight samples compared to ground controls. In this current study, the rotary cell culture system (RCCS) was used to investigate the effect of low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG) on S. aureus physiology and Agr activity. When cultured in the same growth medium and temperature as the previous spaceflight experiment, S. aureus LSMMG cultures exhibited decreased agr expression and altered growth compared to normal gravity control cultures, which are typically oriented with oxygenation membrane on the bottom of the high aspect rotating vessel (HARV). When S. aureus was grown in an inverted gravity control orientation (oxygenation membrane on top of the HARV), reduced Agr activity was observed relative to both traditional control and LSMMG cultures, signifying that oxygen availability may affect the observed differences in Agr activity. Metabolite assays revealed increased lactate and decreased acetate excretion in both LSMMG and inverted control cultures. Secretomics analysis of LSMMG, control, and inverted control HARV culture supernatants corroborated these results, with inverted and LSMMG cultures exhibiting a decreased abundance of Agr-regulated virulence factors and an increased abundance of proteins expressed in low-oxygen conditions. Collectively, these studies suggest that the orientation of the HARV oxygenation membrane can affect S. aureus physiology and Agr quorum sensing in the RCCS, a variable that should be considered when interpreting data using this ground-based microgravity model.IMPORTANCES. aureus is commonly isolated from astronauts returning from spaceflight and from surfaces within human-inhabited closed environments such as spacecraft. Astronaut health and immune function are significantly altered in spaceflight. Therefore, elucidating the effects of microgravity on S. aureus physiology is critical for assessing its pathogenic potential during long-term human space habitation. These results also highlight the necessity of eliminating potential confounding factors when comparing simulated microgravity model data with actual spaceflight experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Hauserman
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Leia E Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kimberly L James
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Mariola J Ferraro
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kelly C Rice
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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3
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Murali A, Sarkar RR. Dynamic cellular responses to gravitational forces: Exploring the impact on white blood cell(s). BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:054112. [PMID: 39445310 PMCID: PMC11495877 DOI: 10.1063/5.0216617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the allure of space exploration and human spaceflight has surged, yet the effects of microgravity on the human body remain a significant concern. Immune and red blood cells rely on hematic or lymphatic streams as their primary means of transportation, posing notable challenges under microgravity conditions. This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of cell behavior when suspended in bio-fluid under varying gravitational forces. Utilizing the dissipative particle dynamics approach, blood and white blood cells were modeled, with gravity applied as an external force along the vertical axis, ranging from 0 to 2 g in parameter sweeps. The results revealed discernible alterations in the cell shape and spatial alignment in response to gravity, quantified through metrics such as elongation and deformation indices, pitch angle, and normalized center of mass. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test underscored clear distinctions between microgravity (<1 g) and hypergravity (>1 g) samples compared to normal gravity (1 g). Furthermore, the examination of forces exerted on the solid, including drag, shear stress, and solid forces, unveiled a reduction in the magnitude as the gravitational force increased. Additional analysis through dimensionless numbers unveiled the dominance of capillary and gravitational forces, which impacted cell velocity, leading to closer proximity to the wall and heightened viscous interaction with surrounding fluid particles. These interactions prompted shape alterations and reduced white blood cell area while increasing red blood cells. This study represents an effort in comprehending the effects of gravity on blood cells, offering insights into the intricate interplay between cellular dynamics and gravitational forces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ram Rup Sarkar
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Telephone: +91-20-2590 3040; +91-20-2590 2161
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4
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Zhu W, Obara H. Flow structure of okra mucilage in rotating wall vessel system. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36149. [PMID: 39262968 PMCID: PMC11388502 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The rotating-wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor, a 3D suspension culture system, faces challenges related to non-uniform tissue growth during the incubation of bone and heart tissues. Okra mucilage, an extract from okra pods with non-Newtonian rheological properties, has shown potential as a plasma replacement agent and has no induced cytotoxic effects. In this study, we investigated the flow structure of okra mucilage in rotating wall vessel system. By modifying the RWV and adding okra mucilage, we analyzed the flow structure using a high-speed camera and particle image velocimetry (PIV). Our results showed that okra mucilage creates a concentric circle-shaped rigid-like rotation at all rotation speeds (1-50 rpm). The high viscosity of okra mucilage resulted in a low terminal velocity for microparticles and quick response to rotational movements. These findings suggest that okra mucilage has the potential to enhance the uniformity of tissue growth in RWV systems by stabilizing the flow structure and reducing microparticle sedimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Zhu
- Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosaw 1-1, Hachioji 192-0397, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Obara
- Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosaw 1-1, Hachioji 192-0397, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Bakr MM, Caswell GM, Hussein H, Shamel M, Al-Ankily MM. Considerations for oral and dental tissues in holistic care during long-haul space flights. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1406631. [PMID: 39055690 PMCID: PMC11269229 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1406631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The health of astronauts during and after the return from long-haul space missions is paramount. There is plethora of research in the literature about the medical side of astronauts' health, however, the dental and oral health of the space crew seem to be overlooked with limited information in the literature about the effects of the space environment and microgravity on the oral and dental tissues. In this article, we shed some light on the latest available research related to space dentistry and provide some hypotheses that could guide the directions of future research and help maintain the oral health of space crews. We also promote for the importance of regenerative medicine and dentistry as well highlight the opportunities available in the expanding field of bioprinting/biomanufacturing through utilizing the effects of microgravity on stem cells culture techniques. Finally, we provide recommendations for adopting a multidisciplinary approach for oral healthcare during long-haul space flights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M. Bakr
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Habiba Hussein
- Faculty of Dentistry, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Shamel
- Faculty of Dentistry, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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6
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Kaur J, Kaur J, Nigam A. Extremophiles in Space Exploration. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:418-428. [PMID: 39010991 PMCID: PMC11246395 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-024-01297-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of deep space exploration, extremophile research represents a key area of research w.r.t space survival. This review thus delves into the intriguing realm of 'Space and Astro Microbiology', providing insights into microbial survival, resilience, and behavioral adaptations in space-like environments. This discussion encompasses the modified behavior of extremophilic microorganisms, influencing virulence, stress resistance, and gene expression. It then shifts to recent studies on the International Space Station and simulated microgravity, revealing microbial responses that impact drug susceptibility, antibiotic resistance, and its commercial implications. The review then transitions into Astro microbiology, exploring the possibilities of interplanetary transit, lithopanspermia, and terraforming. Debates on life's origin and recent Martian meteorite discoveries are noted. We also discuss Proactive Inoculation Protocols for selecting adaptable microorganisms as terraforming pioneers. The discussion concludes with a note on microbes' role as bioengineers in bioregenerative life support systems, in recycling organic waste for sustainable space travel; and in promoting optimal plant growth to prepare Martian and lunar basalt. This piece emphasizes the transformative impact of microbes on the future of space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder Kaur
- Gargi College, University of Delhi, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi, 110 049 India
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 021 India
| | - Aeshna Nigam
- Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 027 India
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7
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Salavatifar M, Khosravi‐Darani K. Investigation of the simulated microgravity impact on heavy metal biosorption by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:3642-3652. [PMID: 38726446 PMCID: PMC11077246 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are one of the most dangerous environmental pollutions, and their elimination is one of the health system's priorities. Microorganisms have been introduced as a safe absorber of such pollution and this ability is related to the characteristics of their surface layers. There are reports about some bacteria's increment of cell envelope thickness in space conditions. Therefore, this study investigated SMG effect on heavy metals biosorption using Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae. Furthermore, the stability of complex, isotherm, and kinetic absorption models has been investigated. The results showed that the SMG positively affected the biosorption of mercury (Hg) 97% and lead (Pb) 72.5% by S. cerevisiae. In contrast, it did not affect cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) biosorption. In gastrointestinal conditions, Hg, Cd, and As-yeast complexes were stable, and their biosorption increased. In the case of the Pb-yeast complex, in simulated gastric exposure, the binding decreased at first but increased again in simulated intestinal exposure in both SMG and normal gravity (NG). The metals' biosorption by yeast followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and the Langmuir isotherm models for all metals (As) matched with Langmuir and Freundlich. The current research results demonstrate that microgravity provides desirable conditions for heavy metal biosorption by S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, the biosorbent-heavy metal complex remains stable after simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Altogether, the results of this study could be considered in detoxifying food and beverage industries and maintaining astronauts' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salavatifar
- Aerospace Research InstituteMinistry of Science, Research and TechnologyTehranIran
| | - Kianoush Khosravi‐Darani
- Department of Food Technology Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research InstituteShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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8
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Yin Y, Liu J, Xu C, Zeng D, Zhu Y, Wu X, Fan Q, Zhao S, Wang J, Liu Y, Li Y, Lu W. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing reveals CeRNA regulatory network under long-term space composite stress in Rats. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:136-145. [PMID: 38670640 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
To systematically evaluate the effect of simulated long-term spaceflight composite stress (LSCS) in hippocampus and gain more insights into the transcriptomic landscape and molecular mechanism, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing based on the control group (Ctrl) and the simulated long-term spaceflight composite stress group (LSCS) from six hippocampus of rats. Subsequently, differential expression analysis was performed on the Ctrl and LSCS groups, followed by enrichment analysis and functional interaction prediction analysis to investigate gene-regulatory circuits in LSCS. In addition, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed to gain insights into genetic interaction. The result showed that 276 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs), 139 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), 103 differentially expressed circular RNAs (DEcircRNAs), and 52 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were found in LSCS samples compared with the controls, which were then subjected to enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways to find potential functions. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway may play fundamental roles in the pathogenesis of LSCS. A ceRNA network was constructed with the predicted 340 DE pairs, which revealed the interaction roles of 220 DEmiRNA-DEmRNA pairs, 76 DEmiRNA-DElncRNA pairs, and 44 DEmiRNA-DEcircRNA pairs. Further, Thrombospondins2 was found to be a key target among those ceRNAs. Overall, we conducted for the first time a full transcriptomic analysis of the response of hippocampus to the LSCS that involved a potential ceRNA network, thus providing a basis to study the underlying mechanism of the LSCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiShu Yin
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - JunLian Liu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Chong Xu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China
| | - DeYong Zeng
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - YuanBing Zhu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - XiaoRui Wu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China
| | - QuanChun Fan
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China
| | - JiaPing Wang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China
| | - YongZhi Li
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, PR China.
| | - Weihong Lu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China; National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, PR China.
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9
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Wang M, Chen S, Zhong C, Liu L, Wang G, Huang X, Yang X, Yang H, Li L. The influence of simulated weightlessness on the composition and function of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism products. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:18-28. [PMID: 38670645 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simulated weightlessness on gut microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and inflammatory cytokines compared to the control group. The study compared the changes in gut microbiota at the phylum and genus levels in the feces of control and weightlessness rats after 1 and 8 weeks using fecal 16S rRNA sequencing. In the weightlessness group, there was an increase in the proportion of anaerobic bacteria and biofilm-forming bacteria, and a decrease in the proportion of aerobic and Gram-negative bacteria. Further investigations explored the impact of weightlessness on bile acid metabolism products. The levels of glycine ursodeoxycholic acid, glycine chenodeoxycholic acid, glycine deoxycholic acid and glycine cholic acid levels were lower in rats undergoing weightlessness for 1 week compared to the control group.Moreover, the study examined the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism products.It was observed that, unlike the control group, there were significant positive correlations between Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes, and GUDCA levels in rats after 1 week of weightlessness. Finally, ELISA results indicated significant differences in the levels of MDA, GSH, NLRP3, and SIgA inflammatory cytokines between rats undergoing weightlessness for 1 week and the control group rats. Our research confirmed that the simulated weightlessness environment significantly affects the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in rats, potentially leading to changes in inflammatory cytokines and causing intestinal tissue inflammation. Further exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism under weightless conditions will be crucial for understanding the functional changes in the intestines caused by weightlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changqing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Pathology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heming Yang
- Department of General Surgery, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Lehr FX, Pavletić B, Glatter T, Heimerl T, Moeller R, Niederholtmeyer H. Enhanced assembly of bacteriophage T7 produced in cell-free reactions under simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:30. [PMID: 38491014 PMCID: PMC10943216 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
On-demand biomanufacturing has the potential to improve healthcare and self-sufficiency during space missions. Cell-free transcription and translation reactions combined with DNA blueprints can produce promising therapeutics like bacteriophages and virus-like particles. However, how space conditions affect the synthesis and self-assembly of such complex multi-protein structures is unknown. Here, we characterize the cell-free production of infectious bacteriophage T7 virions under simulated microgravity. Rotation in a 2D-clinostat increased the number of infectious particles compared to static controls. Quantitative analyses by mass spectrometry, immuno-dot-blot and real-time PCR showed no significant differences in protein and DNA contents, suggesting enhanced self-assembly of T7 phages in simulated microgravity. While the effects of genuine space conditions on the cell-free synthesis and assembly of bacteriophages remain to be investigated, our findings support the vision of a cell-free synthesis-enabled "astropharmacy".
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Affiliation(s)
- François-Xavier Lehr
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Pavletić
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Microbiology, Cologne, Germany
- Technical University of Braunschweig, Faculty of Life Sciences, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Timo Glatter
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Heimerl
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Microbiology, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Henrike Niederholtmeyer
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany.
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11
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Mortazavi SMJ, Said-Salman I, Mortazavi AR, El Khatib S, Sihver L. How the adaptation of the human microbiome to harsh space environment can determine the chances of success for a space mission to Mars and beyond. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1237564. [PMID: 38390219 PMCID: PMC10881706 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1237564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of human cells to adapt to space radiation is essential for the well-being of astronauts during long-distance space expeditions, such as voyages to Mars or other deep space destinations. However, the adaptation of the microbiomes should not be overlooked. Microorganisms inside an astronaut's body, or inside the space station or other spacecraft, will also be exposed to radiation, which may induce resistance to antibiotics, UV, heat, desiccation, and other life-threatening factors. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential effects of radiation not only on humans but also on their microbiomes to develop effective risk reduction strategies for space missions. Studying the human microbiome in space missions can have several potential benefits, including but not limited to a better understanding of the major effects space travel has on human health, developing new technologies for monitoring health and developing new radiation therapies and treatments. While radioadaptive response in astronauts' cells can lead to resistance against high levels of space radiation, radioadaptive response in their microbiome can lead to resistance against UV, heat, desiccation, antibiotics, and radiation. As astronauts and their microbiomes compete to adapt to the space environment. The microorganisms may emerge as the winners, leading to life-threatening situations due to lethal infections. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of the adaptation of microorganisms before launching a space mission is crucial to be able to develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with radiation exposure. Ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts during long-duration space missions and minimizing the risks linked with radiation exposure can be achieved by adopting this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation protection research center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ilham Said-Salman
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Lebanese International University, Saida, Lebanon
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB) at Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Lembit Sihver
- Department of Radiation Dosimetry, Nuclear Physics Institute (NPI) of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prague, Czechia
- Department of Radiation Physics, Technische Universität Wien Atominstitut, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Duscher AA, Vroom MM, Foster JS. Impact of modeled microgravity stress on innate immunity in a beneficial animal-microbe symbiosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2912. [PMID: 38316910 PMCID: PMC10844198 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53477-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response is the first line of defense for all animals to not only detect invading microbes and toxins but also sense and interface with the environment. One such environment that can significantly affect innate immunity is spaceflight. In this study, we explored the impact of microgravity stress on key elements of the NFκB innate immune pathway. The symbiosis between the bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and its beneficial symbiont Vibrio fischeri was used as a model system under a simulated microgravity environment. The expression of genes associated with the NFκB pathway was monitored over time as the symbiosis progressed. Results revealed that although the onset of the symbiosis was the major driver in the differential expression of NFκB signaling, the stress of simulated low-shear microgravity also caused a dysregulation of expression. Several genes were expressed at earlier time points suggesting that elements of the E. scolopes NFκB pathway are stress-inducible, whereas expression of other pathway components was delayed. The results provide new insights into the role of NFκB signaling in the squid-vibrio symbiosis, and how the stress of microgravity negatively impacts the host immune response. Together, these results provide a foundation to develop mitigation strategies to maintain host-microbe homeostasis during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandrea A Duscher
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
- Chesapeake Bay Governor's School, Warsaw, VA, 22572, USA
| | - Madeline M Vroom
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
- Vaxxinity, Space Life Sciences Lab, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
| | - Jamie S Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA.
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13
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Sheet S, Sathishkumar Y, Acharya S, Lee YS. Exposure of Legionella pneumophila to low-shear modeled microgravity: impact on stress response, membrane lipid composition, pathogenicity to macrophages and interrelated genes expression. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:87. [PMID: 38305908 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03753-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Here, we studied the effect of low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG) on cross stress resistance (heat, acid, and oxidative), fatty acid content, and pathogenicity along with alteration in expression of stress-/virulence-associated genes in Legionella pneumophila. The stress resistance analysis result indicated that bacteria cultivated under LSMMG environments showed higher resistance with elevated D-values at 55 °C and in 1 mM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) conditions compared to normal gravity (NG)-grown bacteria. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in tolerance (p < 0.05) toward simulated gastric fluid (pH-2.5) acid conditions. In fatty acid analysis, our result showed that a total amount of saturated and cyclic fatty acids was increased in LSMMG-grown cells; as a consequence, they might possess low membrane fluidity. An upregulated expression level was noticed for stress-related genes (hslV, htrA, grpE, groL, htpG, clpB, clpX, dnaJ, dnaK, rpoH, rpoE, rpoS, kaiB, kaiC, lpp1114, ahpC1, ahpC2, ahpD, grlA, and gst) under LSMMG conditions. The reduced virulence (less intracellular bacteria and less % of induce apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages) of L. pneumophila under LSMMG conditions may be because of downregulation related genes (dotA, dotB, dotC, dotD, dotG, dotH, dotL, dotM, dotN, icmK, icmB, icmS, icmT, icmW, ladC, rtxA, letA, rpoN, fleQ, fleR, and fliA). In the LSMMG group, the expression of inflammation-related factors, such as IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, was observed to be reduced in infected macrophages. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed less number of LSMMG-cultivated bacteria attached to the host macrophages compared to NG. Thus, our study provides understandings about the changes in lipid composition and different genes expression due to LSMMG conditions, which apparently influence the alterations of L. pneumophila' stress/virulence response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunirmal Sheet
- Department of Wood Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, 567, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Satabdi Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, 567, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Soo Lee
- Department of Wood Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, 567, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Yang J, Barrila J, Nauman EA, Nydam SD, Yang S, Park J, Gutierrez-Jensen AD, Castro CL, Ott CM, Buss K, Steel J, Zakrajsek AD, Schuff MM, Nickerson CA. Incremental increases in physiological fluid shear progressively alter pathogenic phenotypes and gene expression in multidrug resistant Salmonella. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2357767. [PMID: 38783686 PMCID: PMC11135960 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2357767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to sense and respond to mechanical forces has important implications for pathogens during infection, as they experience wide fluid shear fluctuations in the host. However, little is known about how mechanical forces encountered in the infected host drive microbial pathogenesis. Herein, we combined mathematical modeling with hydrodynamic bacterial culture to profile transcriptomic and pathogenesis-related phenotypes of multidrug resistant S. Typhimurium (ST313 D23580) under different fluid shear conditions relevant to its transition from the intestinal tract to the bloodstream. We report that D23580 exhibited incremental changes in transcriptomic profiles that correlated with its pathogenic phenotypes in response to these progressive increases in fluid shear. This is the first demonstration that incremental changes in fluid shear forces alter stress responses and gene expression in any ST313 strain and offers mechanistic insight into how forces encountered by bacteria during infection might impact their disease-causing ability in unexpected ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Eric A. Nauman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Seth D. Nydam
- Department of Animal Care & Technologies, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Bioscience, Knowledge Enterprise, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jin Park
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ami D. Gutierrez-Jensen
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Christian L. Castro
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- JES Tech, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C. Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristina Buss
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Bioscience, Knowledge Enterprise, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jason Steel
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Bioscience, Knowledge Enterprise, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Anne D. Zakrajsek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary M. Schuff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cheryl A. Nickerson
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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15
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Sharma G, Zee PC, Zea L, Curtis PD. Whole genome-scale assessment of gene fitness of Novosphingobium aromaticavorans during spaceflight. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:782. [PMID: 38102595 PMCID: PMC10725011 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09799-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In microgravity, bacteria undergo intriguing physiological adaptations. There have been few attempts to assess global bacterial physiological responses to microgravity, with most studies only focusing on a handful of individual systems. This study assessed the fitness of each gene in the genome of the aromatic compound-degrading Alphaproteobacterium Novosphingobium aromaticavorans during growth in spaceflight. This was accomplished using Comparative TnSeq, which involves culturing the same saturating transposon mutagenized library under two different conditions. To assess gene fitness, a novel comparative TnSeq analytical tool was developed, named TnDivA, that is particularly useful in leveraging biological replicates. In this approach, transposon diversity is represented numerically using a modified Shannon diversity index, which was then converted into effective transposon density. This transformation accounts for variability in read distribution between samples, such as cases where reads were dominated by only a few transposon inserts. Effective density values were analyzed using multiple statistical methods, including log2-fold change, least-squares regression analysis, and Welch's t-test. The results obtained across applied statistical methods show a difference in the number of significant genes identified. However, the functional categories of genes important to growth in microgravity showed similar patterns. Lipid metabolism and transport, energy production, transcription, translation, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis and transport were shown to have high fitness during spaceflight. This suggests that core metabolic processes, including lipid and secondary metabolism, play an important role adapting to stress and promoting growth in microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Sharma
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, 402 Shoemaker Hall, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Peter C Zee
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, 402 Shoemaker Hall, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Luis Zea
- Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Patrick D Curtis
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, 402 Shoemaker Hall, University, MS, 38677, USA.
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16
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Totsline N, Kniel KE, Bais HP. Microgravity and evasion of plant innate immunity by human bacterial pathogens. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:71. [PMID: 37679341 PMCID: PMC10485020 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00323-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight microgravity and modeled-microgravity analogs (MMA) broadly alter gene expression and physiology in both pathogens and plants. Research elucidating plant and bacterial responses to normal gravity or microgravity has shown the involvement of both physiological and molecular mechanisms. Under true and simulated microgravity, plants display differential expression of pathogen-defense genes while human bacterial pathogens exhibit increased virulence, antibiotic resistance, stress tolerance, and reduced LD50 in animal hosts. Human bacterial pathogens including Salmonella enterica and E. coli act as cross-kingdom foodborne pathogens by evading and suppressing the innate immunity of plants for colonization of intracellular spaces. It is unknown if evasion and colonization of plants by human pathogens occurs under microgravity and if there is increased infection capability as demonstrated using animal hosts. Understanding the relationship between microgravity, plant immunity, and human pathogens could prevent potentially deadly outbreaks of foodborne disease during spaceflight. This review will summarize (1) alterations to the virulency of human pathogens under microgravity and MMA, (2) alterations to plant physiology and gene expression under microgravity and MMA, (3) suppression and evasion of plant immunity by human pathogens under normal gravity, (4) studies of plant-microbe interactions under microgravity and MMA. A conclusion suggests future study of interactions between plants and human pathogens under microgravity is beneficial to human safety, and an investment in humanity's long and short-term space travel goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Totsline
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, AP Biopharma, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Kalmia E Kniel
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Harsh P Bais
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, AP Biopharma, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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17
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Cui Y, Liu W, Zhao S, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Microgravity Directed Tissue Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202768. [PMID: 36893386 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering aims to generate functional biological substitutes to repair, sustain, improve, or replace tissue function affected by disease. With the rapid development of space science, the application of simulated microgravity has become an active topic in the field of tissue engineering. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that microgravity offers excellent advantages for tissue engineering by modulating cellular morphology, metabolism, secretion, proliferation, and stem cell differentiation. To date, there have been many achievements in constructing bioartificial spheroids, organoids, or tissue analogs with or without scaffolds in vitro under simulated microgravity conditions. Herein, the current status, recent advances, challenges, and prospects of microgravity related to tissue engineering are reviewed. Current simulated-microgravity devices and cutting-edge advances of microgravity for biomaterials-dependent or biomaterials-independent tissue engineering to offer a reference for guiding further exploration of simulated microgravity strategies to produce engineered tissues are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cui
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Weiyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Shuaijing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
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18
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Alsobaie S, Alsobaie T, Alshammary A, Mantalaris S. Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into functional lung alveolar epithelial cells in 3D dynamic culture. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1173149. [PMID: 37388774 PMCID: PMC10303808 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1173149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Understanding lung epithelium cell development from human induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) in vitro can lead to an individualized model for lung engineering, therapy, and drug testing. Method: We developed a protocol to produce lung mature type I pneumocytes using encapsulation of human IPSCs in 1.1% (w/v) alginate solution within a rotating wall bioreactor system in only 20 days without using feeder cells. The aim was to reduce exposure to animal products and laborious interventions in the future. Results: The three-dimensional (3D) bioprocess allowed cell derivation into endoderm, and subsequently into type II alveolar epithelial cells within a very short period. Cells successfully expressed surfactant proteins C and B associated with type II alveolar epithelial cells, and the key structure of lamellar bodies and microvilli was shown by transmission electron microscopy. The survival rate was the highest under dynamic conditions, which reveal the possibility of adapting this integration for large-scale cell production of alveolar epithelial cells from human IPSCs. Discussion: We were able to develop a strategy for the culture and differentiation of human IPSCs into alveolar type II cells using an in vitro system that mimics the in vivo environment. Hydrogel beads would offer a suitable matrix for 3D cultures and that the high-aspect-ratio vessel bioreactor can be used to increase the differentiation of human IPSCs relative to the results obtained with traditional monolayer cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsobaie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamador Alsobaie
- Biological Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amal Alshammary
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sakis Mantalaris
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
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19
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Yang WT, Yi YJ, Xia B. Unveiling the duality of Pantoea dispersa: A mini review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162320. [PMID: 36801414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pantoea dispersa is a Gram-negative bacterium that exists in a variety of environments and has potential in many commercial and agricultural applications, such as biotechnology, environmental protection, soil bioremediation, and plant growth stimulation. However, P. dispersa is also a harmful pathogen to both humans and plants. This "double-edged sword" phenomenon is not uncommon in nature. To ensure survival, microorganisms respond to both environmental and biological stimuli, which could be beneficial or detrimental to other species. Therefore, to harness the full potential of P. dispersa, while minimizing potential harm, it is imperative to unravel its genetic makeup, understand its ecological interactions and underlying mechanisms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the genetic and biological characteristics of P. dispersa, in addition to potential impacts on plants and humans, as well as to provide insights into potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Yang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, East Renmin Road, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - You-Jin Yi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, East Renmin Road, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xia
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, East Renmin Road, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China.
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20
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Dickerson BL, Sowinski R, Kreider RB, Wu G. Impacts of microgravity on amino acid metabolism during spaceflight. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:380-393. [PMID: 36775855 PMCID: PMC10281620 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221139189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight exerts an extreme and unique influence on human physiology as astronauts are subjected to long-term or short-term exposure to microgravity. During spaceflight, a multitude of physiological changes, including the loss of skeletal muscle mass, bone resorption, oxidative stress, and impaired blood flow, occur, which can affect astronaut health and the likelihood of mission success. In vivo and in vitro metabolite studies suggest that amino acids are among the most affected nutrients and metabolites by microgravity (a weightless condition due to very weak gravitational forces). Moreover, exposure to microgravity alters gut microbial composition, immune function, musculoskeletal health, and consequently amino acid metabolism. Appropriate knowledge of daily protein consumption, with a focus on specific functional amino acids, may offer insight into potential combative and/or therapeutic effects of amino acid consumption in astronauts and space travelers. This will further aid in the successful development of long-term manned space mission and permanent space habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Broderick L Dickerson
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Ryan Sowinski
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Richard B Kreider
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science and
Faculty of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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21
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Ermolaeva SA, Parfenov VA, Karalkin PA, Khesuani YD, Domnin PA. Experimentally Created Magnetic Force in Microbiological Space and On-Earth Studies: Perspectives and Restrictions. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020338. [PMID: 36672273 PMCID: PMC9856290 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic force and gravity are two fundamental forces affecting all living organisms, including bacteria. On Earth, experimentally created magnetic force can be used to counterbalance gravity and place living organisms in conditions of magnetic levitation. Under conditions of microgravity, magnetic force becomes the only force that moves bacteria, providing an acceleration towards areas of the lowest magnetic field and locking cells in this area. In this review, we consider basic principles and experimental systems used to create a magnetic force strong enough to balance gravity. Further, we describe how magnetic levitation is applied in on-Earth microbiological studies. Next, we consider bacterial behavior under combined conditions of microgravity and magnetic force onboard a spacecraft. At last, we discuss restrictions on applications of magnetic force in microbiological studies and the impact of these restrictions on biotechnological applications under space and on-Earth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A. Ermolaeva
- Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-193-4375
| | - Vladislav A. Parfenov
- Institute of Metallurgy and Material Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A. Karalkin
- Institute of Cluster Oncology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 127473 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Pavel A. Domnin
- Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
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22
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Vélez Justiniano YA, Goeres DM, Sandvik EL, Kjellerup BV, Sysoeva TA, Harris JS, Warnat S, McGlennen M, Foreman CM, Yang J, Li W, Cassilly CD, Lott K, HerrNeckar LE. Mitigation and use of biofilms in space for the benefit of human space exploration. Biofilm 2023; 5:100102. [PMID: 36660363 PMCID: PMC9843197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are self-organized communities of microorganisms that are encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix and often found attached to surfaces. Biofilms are widely present on Earth, often found in diverse and sometimes extreme environments. These microbial communities have been described as recalcitrant or protective when facing adversity and environmental exposures. On the International Space Station, biofilms were found in human-inhabited environments on a multitude of hardware surfaces. Moreover, studies have identified phenotypic and genetic changes in the microorganisms under microgravity conditions including changes in microbe surface colonization and pathogenicity traits. Lack of consistent research in microgravity-grown biofilms can lead to deficient understanding of altered microbial behavior in space. This could subsequently create problems in engineered systems or negatively impact human health on crewed spaceflights. It is especially relevant to long-term and remote space missions that will lack resupply and service. Conversely, biofilms are also known to benefit plant growth and are essential for human health (i.e., gut microbiome). Eventually, biofilms may be used to supply metabolic pathways that produce organic and inorganic components useful to sustaining life on celestial bodies beyond Earth. This article will explore what is currently known about biofilms in space and will identify gaps in the aerospace industry's knowledge that should be filled in order to mitigate or to leverage biofilms to the advantage of spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo-Ann Vélez Justiniano
- ECLSS Development Branch, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Darla M. Goeres
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Birthe Veno Kjellerup
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Tatyana A. Sysoeva
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Jacob S. Harris
- Biomedical and Environmental Science Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephan Warnat
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA,Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Matthew McGlennen
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA,Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Christine M. Foreman
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Wenyan Li
- Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO), NASA Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
| | | | - Katelynn Lott
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Lauren E. HerrNeckar
- ECLSS Development Branch, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA
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23
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Krittanawong C, Singh NK, Scheuring RA, Urquieta E, Bershad EM, Macaulay TR, Kaplin S, Dunn C, Kry SF, Russomano T, Shepanek M, Stowe RP, Kirkpatrick AW, Broderick TJ, Sibonga JD, Lee AG, Crucian BE. Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010040. [PMID: 36611835 PMCID: PMC9818606 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Department of Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric M. Bershad
- Department of Neurology, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Scott Kaplin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carly Dunn
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen F. Kry
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Marc Shepanek
- Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA, Washington, DC 20546, USA
| | | | - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Jean D. Sibonga
- Division of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A and M College of Medicine, College Station, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Brian E. Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
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Afsharian Z, Salavatifar M, Khosravi_Darani K. Impact of simulated microgravity on bioremoval of heavy-metals by Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 from water. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12307. [PMID: 36578411 PMCID: PMC9791880 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several reports about the effect of gravity removal on some characteristics of microorganisms due to possible change in surface layer thickness and adherence properties. In this study, bioremoval efficiency of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 from water under simulated microgravity conditions was investigated. Furthermore, pretreatment effects (untreated, NaOH, and heat pretreated) of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 on heavy metal removal was evaluated on microgravity, as our previous research showed impact of pretreatment on adherence properties of probiotics to environmental metals. The results showed that ability of L. acidophilus for arsenic adsorption enhanced following heat-pretreatment in simulated and normal gravity. Moreover, in both conditions of simulated microgravity and normal gravity NaOH-treated L. acidophilus increased the removal of cadmium and lead. In none of the conditions, pretreatment of lactobacillus affects mercury removal. Evaluation of stability of binding of L. acidophilus-heavy metal was investigated to check irreversibility of complex formation between microorganisms and metals in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Data showed release of heavy metals from complex in normal gravity. Obtained results of this research show the favorable potential of simulated microgravity condition to increase bioremoval capacity of L. acidophilus for heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Afsharian
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Salavatifar
- Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kianoush Khosravi_Darani
- Research Department of Food Technology Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 19395-4741, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Simulated Microgravity Created Using a Random Positioning Machine Induces Changes in the Physiology of the Fusarium solani Species Complex. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112270. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium is a phytopathogenic fungus involved in human pathology and is present in space stations. It is essential to understand the effects of microgravity on the physiology of this fungus to determine the potential risks to the health of crew members and to propose the necessary countermeasures. This study aimed to determine changes in the physiological parameters of the Fusarium solani species complex under simulated microgravity generated using a random positioning machine (RPM) and phenotypic approaches. We observed increased growth, spore production, and germination while biofilm production was reduced under RPM exposure. These in vitro data show the importance of further studying this fungus as it has been repeatedly demonstrated that microgravity weakens the immune system of astronauts.
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Madrigal P, Singh NK, Wood JM, Gaudioso E, Hernández-Del-Olmo F, Mason CE, Venkateswaran K, Beheshti A. Machine learning algorithm to characterize antimicrobial resistance associated with the International Space Station surface microbiome. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:134. [PMID: 35999570 PMCID: PMC9400218 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a detrimental impact on human health on Earth and it is equally concerning in other environments such as space habitat due to microgravity, radiation and confinement, especially for long-distance space travel. The International Space Station (ISS) is ideal for investigating microbial diversity and virulence associated with spaceflight. The shotgun metagenomics data of the ISS generated during the Microbial Tracking-1 (MT-1) project and resulting metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) across three flights in eight different locations during 12 months were used in this study. The objective of this study was to identify the AMR genes associated with whole genomes of 226 cultivable strains, 21 shotgun metagenome sequences, and 24 MAGs retrieved from the ISS environmental samples that were treated with propidium monoazide (PMA; viable microbes). RESULTS We have analyzed the data using a deep learning model, allowing us to go beyond traditional cut-offs based only on high DNA sequence similarity and extending the catalog of AMR genes. Our results in PMA treated samples revealed AMR dominance in the last flight for Kalamiella piersonii, a bacteria related to urinary tract infection in humans. The analysis of 226 pure strains isolated from the MT-1 project revealed hundreds of antibiotic resistance genes from many isolates, including two top-ranking species that corresponded to strains of Enterobacter bugandensis and Bacillus cereus. Computational predictions were experimentally validated by antibiotic resistance profiles in these two species, showing a high degree of concordance. Specifically, disc assay data confirmed the high resistance of these two pathogens to various beta-lactam antibiotics. CONCLUSION Overall, our computational predictions and validation analyses demonstrate the advantages of machine learning to uncover concealed AMR determinants in metagenomics datasets, expanding the understanding of the ISS environmental microbiomes and their pathogenic potential in humans. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Madrigal
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
- Present Address: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK.
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Jason M Wood
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Elena Gaudioso
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science School, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández-Del-Olmo
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science School, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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Vroom MM, Troncoso-Garcia A, Duscher AA, Foster JS. Modeled microgravity alters apoptotic gene expression and caspase activity in the squid-vibrio symbiosis. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:202. [PMID: 35982413 PMCID: PMC9389742 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02614-x] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spaceflight is a novel and profoundly stressful environment for life. One aspect of spaceflight, microgravity, has been shown to perturb animal physiology thereby posing numerous health risks, including dysregulation of normal developmental pathways. Microgravity can also negatively impact the interactions between animals and their microbiomes. However, the effects of microgravity on developmental processes influenced by beneficial microbes, such as apoptosis, remains poorly understood. Here, the binary mutualism between the bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, and the gram-negative bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, was studied under modeled microgravity conditions to elucidate how this unique stressor alters apoptotic cell death induced by beneficial microbes. Results Analysis of the host genome and transcriptome revealed a complex network of apoptosis genes affiliated with extrinsic/receptor-mediated and intrinsic/stress-induced apoptosis. Expression of apoptosis genes under modeled microgravity conditions occurred earlier and at high levels compared to gravity controls, in particular the expression of genes encoding initiator and executioner caspases. Functional assays of these apoptotic proteases revealed heightened activity under modeled microgravity; however, these increases could be mitigated using caspase inhibitors. Conclusions The outcomes of this study indicated that modeled microgravity alters the expression of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis gene expression and that this process is mediated in part by caspases. Modeled microgravity-associated increases of caspase activity can be pharmacologically inhibited suggesting that perturbations to the normal apoptosis signaling cascade can be mitigated, which may have broader implications for maintaining animal-microbial homeostasis in spaceflight. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02614-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Vroom
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
| | - Angel Troncoso-Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
| | - Alexandrea A Duscher
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
| | - Jamie S Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA.
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Spaceflight Changes the Production and Bioactivity of Secondary Metabolites in Beauveria bassiana. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080555. [PMID: 36006216 PMCID: PMC9416017 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on microorganism response spaceflight date back to 1960. However, nothing conclusive is known concerning the effects of spaceflight on virulence and environmental tolerance of entomopathogenic fungi; thus, this area of research remains open to further exploration. In this study, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (strain SB010) was exposed to spaceflight (ChangZheng 5 space shuttle during 5 May 2020 to 8 May 2020) as a part of the Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province, China, in collaboration with the China Space Program. The study revealed significant differences between the secondary metabolite profiles of the wild isolate (SB010) and the spaceflight-exposed isolate (BHT021, BH030, BHT098) of B. bassiana. Some of the secondary metabolites/toxins, including enniatin A2, brevianamide F, macrosporin, aphidicolin, and diacetoxyscirpenol, were only produced by the spaceflight-exposed isolate (BHT021, BHT030). The study revealed increased insecticidal activities for of crude protein extracts of B. bassiana spaceflight mutants (BHT021 and BH030, respectively) against Megalurothrips usitatus 5 days post application when compared crude protein extracts of the wild isolate (SB010). The data obtained support the idea of using space mutation as a tool for development/screening of fungal strains producing higher quantities of secondary metabolites, ultimately leading to increased toxicity/virulence against the target insect host.
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Role of RpoS in Regulating Stationary Phase Salmonella Typhimurium Pathogenesis-Related Stress Responses under Physiological Low Fluid Shear Force Conditions. mSphere 2022; 7:e0021022. [PMID: 35913142 PMCID: PMC9429890 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00210-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that biomechanical forces regulate microbial virulence was established with the finding that physiological low fluid shear (LFS) forces altered gene expression, stress responses, and virulence of the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium during the log phase. These log phase LFS-induced phenotypes were independent of the master stress response regulator, RpoS (σS). Given the central importance of RpoS in regulating stationary-phase stress responses of S. Typhimurium cultured under conventional shake flask and static conditions, we examined its role in stationary-phase cultures grown under physiological LFS. We constructed an isogenic rpoS mutant derivative of wild-type S. Typhimurium and compared the ability of these strains to survive in vitro pathogenesis-related stresses that mimic those encountered in the infected host and environment. We also compared the ability of these strains to colonize (adhere, invade, and survive within) human intestinal epithelial cell cultures. Unexpectedly, LFS-induced resistance of stationary-phase S. Typhimurium cultures to acid and bile salts stresses did not rely on RpoS. Likewise, RpoS was dispensable for stationary-phase LFS cultures to adhere to and survive within intestinal epithelial cells. In contrast, the resistance of these cultures to challenges of oxidative and thermal stresses, and their invasion into intestinal epithelial cells was influenced by RpoS. These findings expand our mechanistic understanding of how physiological fluid shear forces modulate stationary-phase S. Typhimurium physiology in unexpected ways and provide clues into microbial mechanobiology and nuances of Salmonella responses to microenvironmental niches in the infected host. IMPORTANCE Bacterial pathogens respond dynamically to a variety of stresses in the infected host, including physical forces of fluid flow (fluid shear) across their surfaces. While pathogens experience wide fluctuations in fluid shear during infection, little is known about how these forces regulate microbial pathogenesis. This is especially important for stationary-phase bacterial growth, which is a critical period to understand microbial resistance, survival, and infection potential, and is regulated in many bacteria by the general stationary-phase stress response protein RpoS. Here, we showed that, unlike conventional culture conditions, several stationary-phase Salmonella pathogenic stress responses were not impacted by RpoS when bacteria were cultured under fluid shear conditions relevant to those encountered in the intestine of the infected host. These findings offer new insight into how physiological fluid shear forces encountered by Salmonella during infection might impact pathogenic responses in unexpected ways that are relevant to their disease-causing ability.
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Topolski C, Divo E, Li X, Hicks J, Chavez A, Castillo H. Phenotypic and transcriptional changes in Escherichia coli K12 in response to simulated microgravity on the EagleStat, a new 2D microgravity analog for bacterial studies. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 34:1-8. [PMID: 35940684 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the impacts of microgravity on bacteria is vital for successful long duration space missions. In this environment, bacteria have been shown to become more virulent, more resistant to antibiotics and to regulate biofilm formation. Since the study of these phenomena under true microgravity is cost- and time challenging, the use of ground-based analogs might allow researchers to test hypotheses before planning and executing experiments in the space environment. We designed and developed a 2D clinostat with capabilities robust enough for bacterial studies to allow for multiple simultaneous replicates of treatment and control conditions, thus permitting the generation of growth curves, in a single run. We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD), biofilm growth measurement and differential gene expression analysis on Escherichia coli cultures grown to late exponential phase (24 h) to validate the system's ability to simulate microgravity conditions. The CFD model with a rotational speed of 8 rpm projected cells growing homogeneously distributed along the tube, while the static condition showed the accumulation of the cells at the bottom of the container. These results were empirically validated with cultures on nutrient broth. Additionally, crystal violet assays showed that higher biofilm biomass grew on the internal walls of the gravity control tubes, compared to the simulated microgravity treatment. In contrast, when cells from both treatments were grown under standard conditions, those exposed to simulated microgravity formed significantly more biofilms than their gravity counterparts. Consistent with this result, transcriptome analysis showed the upregulation of several gene families related to biofilm formation and development such as cells adhesion, aggregation and regulation of cell motility, which provides a potential transcriptional explanation for the differential phenotype observed. Our results show that when operated under parameters for simulated microgravity, our 2D clinostat creates conditions that maintain a proportion of the cells in a constant free-falling state, consistent with the effect of microgravity. Also, the high-throughput nature of our instrument facilitates, significantly, bacterial experiments that require multiple sampling timepoints and small working volumes, making this new instrument extremely efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Topolski
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - Eduardo Divo
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Janelle Hicks
- Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1 Aerospace Blvd, COAS 401.03, Deland, Florida, 32724 USA
| | - Alba Chavez
- Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1 Aerospace Blvd, COAS 401.03, Deland, Florida, 32724 USA
| | - Hugo Castillo
- Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1 Aerospace Blvd, COAS 401.03, Deland, Florida, 32724 USA.
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Sardelli L, Vangosa FB, Merli M, Ziccarelli A, Visentin S, Visai L, Petrini P. Bioinspired in vitro intestinal mucus model for 3D-dynamic culture of bacteria. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 139:213022. [PMID: 35891596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal mucus is a biological barrier that supports the intestinal microbiota growth and filters molecules. To perform these functions, mucus possesses optimized microstructure and viscoelastic properties and it is steadily replenished thus flowing along the gut. The available in vitro intestinal mucus models are useful tools in investigating the microbiota-human cells interaction, and are used as matrices for bacterial culture or as static component of microfluidic devices like gut-on-chips. The aim of this work is to engineer an in vitro mucus models (I-Bac3Gel) addressing in a single system physiological viscoelastic properties (i.e., 2-200 Pa), 3D structure and suitability for dynamic bacterial culture. Homogeneously crosslinked alginate hydrogels are optimized in composition to obtain target viscoelastic and microstructural properties. Then, rheological tests are exploited to assess a priori the hydrogels capability to withstand the flow dynamic condition. We experimentally assess the suitability of I-Bac3Gels in the evolving field of microfluidics by applying a dynamic flow to a bacterial-loaded mucus model and by monitoring E. coli growth and survival. The engineered models represent a step forward in the modelling of the mucus, since they can answer to different urgent needs such as a 3D structure, bioinspired properties and compatibility with dynamic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Sardelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Briatico Vangosa
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Merli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Ziccarelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonja Visentin
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Department, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Livia Visai
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Center for Health Technologies (CHT), UdR INSTM, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Department of Occupational Medicine, Toxicology and Environmental Risks, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Petrini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Al KF, Chmiel JA, Stuivenberg GA, Reid G, Burton JP. Long-Duration Space Travel Support Must Consider Wider Influences to Conserve Microbiota Composition and Function. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1163. [PMID: 36013342 PMCID: PMC9409767 DOI: 10.3390/life12081163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota is important for immune modulation, nutrient acquisition, vitamin production, and other aspects for long-term human health. Isolated model organisms can lose microbial diversity over time and humans are likely the same. Decreasing microbial diversity and the subsequent loss of function may accelerate disease progression on Earth, and to an even greater degree in space. For this reason, maintaining a healthy microbiome during spaceflight has recently garnered consideration. Diet, lifestyle, and consumption of beneficial microbes can shape the microbiota, but the replenishment we attain from environmental exposure to microbes is important too. Probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and other methods of microbiota modulation currently available may be of benefit for shorter trips, but may not be viable options to overcome the unique challenges faced in long-term space travel. Novel fermented food products with particular impact on gut health, immune modulation, and other space-targeted health outcomes are worthy of exploration. Further consideration of potential microbial replenishment to humans, including from environmental sources to maintain a healthy microbiome, may also be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kait F. Al
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - John A. Chmiel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gerrit A. Stuivenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
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Arora S, Puri S, Bhambri N. "A designer diet layout for astronauts using a microbiome mediated approach.". FEMS Microbiol Lett 2022; 369:6604380. [PMID: 35675219 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnac049] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts undergo space travel to bring scientific information to benefit humanity under various missions of space agencies such as NASA, European Space Agency, Indian Space Research Organization etc. During space missions, they encounter several stressors namely microgravity, fluid shifts, cosmic radiation, sleep deprivation and alteration in the circadian rhythm perturbing the quality of sleep. In addition, confined spaces makes pathogen interaction more likely if a pathobiont gets introduced into spacecraft. Microbiota is the first line оf resistаnсe tо vаriоus disorders and diseаses. It direсtly influenсes the biосhemiсаl, рhysiоlоgiсаl, аnd immunоlоgiсаl раthwаys. 'Gut microbiota' is essential for maintenance of healthy gut barrier functions. 'Dysbiosis' refers to perturbation of microbiota which is correlated with several metabolic and psychological disorders. Microbial metabolites are implicated in maintenance of human health. Investigations conducted on astronauts in international space missions and on analog terrestrial models have indicated a 'dysbiosis' of the gut microbiota associated with spaceflights. 'Dysbiosis' of the gut microbiome observed in astronauts has been implicated in immune dysregulation and a probiotic enriched diet is proposed to restore immune homeostasis. This article not just summarizes the state of art research on dysbiosis of the gut microbiome of astronauts, but also a diet mediated correction plan to restore their health especially during long term space missions. A characterization of microbial metabolites of the gut to enable administration of astronaut specific probiotic, postbiotic or synbiotic to alleviate space associated dysbiosis is proposed. It is also recommended that astronauts maintain a balanced nutritious diet throughout life to promote a resilient microbiota that is not perturbed by space missions. Further, a bioregenerative life support system wherein a probiotic may be produced in space station is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Arora
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Energy Acres Building, Bidholi Dehradun, 248007 Uttarakhand, India
| | - Samikshha Puri
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Energy Acres Building, Bidholi Dehradun, 248007 Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nitika Bhambri
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Energy Acres Building, Bidholi Dehradun, 248007 Uttarakhand, India
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Han Y, Shao D, Han C, Huang Q, Zhao W. Response of human gut microbiota under simulated microgravity. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:5221-5231. [PMID: 35796811 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of microgravity on human gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in vitro. The diamagnetic material magnetic levitation method was used to simulate weightless environment. The human gut microbiota was cultured under two different conditions: normal gravity (1 g), and simulated microgravity (0 g), which showed that both the richness (P = 0.04) and diversity (P = 0.0002) of human gut microbiota were significantly altered. As compared to the normal gravity, the simulated microgravity significantly reduced abundance of bacteria related to anti-inflammatory effects, such as Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium, Fusicatenibacter, Butyricicoccus, and Lachnospiraceae-NK4A136-0 group (P < 0.05), while significantly increased that of Alistipes and Eubacterium-Ventriosum-group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the Spearman's correlation analysis showed that there were more significantly correlated species (|r|≥ 0.5, P < 0.05) in normal gravity than that in the simulated microgravity. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the microgravity significantly (P < 0.05) affected the metabolism of gut microbiota, such as the metabolism of pyrimidine, fatty acids, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms. These results suggested that the exposure to a microgravity environment might induce disturbances in human gut microbiota. KEY POINTS: • Using 16sRNA gene sequencing technology, it was found that magnetic levitation-simulated microgravity had varying degrees of influence on the abundance, diversity, species correlation, and KEGG pathways of human intestinal microbes. • Digital PCR can improve the detection rate of microorganisms with low abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Han
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cuicui Han
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Wen Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China.
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Alsobaie S, Alsobaie T, Mantalaris S. Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor and Hypoxia Synergistically Enhance the Self-Renewal, Survival Rate, and Proliferation of Human Stem Cells. STEM CELLS AND CLONING: ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 15:43-52. [PMID: 35812359 PMCID: PMC9259205 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s365776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction High-efficacy single-cell cloning of human-induced pluripotent cells (IPSCs) remains a major challenge. The development of a culture method that supports single-cell passaging while maintaining reproducibility, homogeneity, scalability, and cell expansion to clinically relevant numbers is necessary for clinical application. Methods To address this issue, we combined the use of the rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 and hypoxic conditions in culture to produce a novel, efficient single-cell culture method for human IPSCs and embryonic stem cells. Results Through immunocytochemistry, alkaline phosphatase assays, and flow cytometry, we demonstrated that our method enabled high single-cell proliferation while maintaining self-renewal and pluripotency abilities. Discussion We showed the beneficial effect of the interaction between hypoxia and ROCK inhibition in regulating cell proliferation, pluripotency, and single-cell survival of pluripotent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsobaie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Sarah Alsobaie, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, King Saud University, Prince Turki Alawal Street, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 507191011, Fax +966 114677580, Email
| | - Tamador Alsobaie
- Biological Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sakis Mantalaris
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Adaptation to simulated microgravity in Streptococcus mutans. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:17. [PMID: 35654802 PMCID: PMC9163064 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term space missions have shown an increased incidence of oral disease in astronauts’ and as a result, are one of the top conditions predicted to impact future missions. Here we set out to evaluate the adaptive response of Streptococcus mutans (etiological agent of dental caries) to simulated microgravity. This organism has been well studied on earth and treatment strategies are more predictable. Despite this, we are unsure how the bacterium will respond to the environmental stressors in space. We used experimental evolution for 100-days in high aspect ratio vessels followed by whole genome resequencing to evaluate this adaptive response. Our data shows that planktonic S. mutans did evolve variants in three genes (pknB, SMU_399 and SMU_1307c) that can be uniquely attributed to simulated microgravity populations. In addition, collection of data at multiple time points showed mutations in three additional genes (SMU_399, ptsH and rex) that were detected earlier in simulated microgravity populations than in the normal gravity controls, many of which are consistent with other studies. Comparison of virulence-related phenotypes between biological replicates from simulated microgravity and control orientation cultures generally showed few changes in antibiotic susceptibility, while acid tolerance and adhesion varied significantly between biological replicates and decreased as compared to the ancestral populations. Most importantly, our data shows the importance of a parallel normal gravity control, sequencing at multiple time points and the use of biological replicates for appropriate analysis of adaptation in simulated microgravity.
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Sharma G, Curtis PD. The Impacts of Microgravity on Bacterial Metabolism. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:774. [PMID: 35743807 PMCID: PMC9225508 DOI: 10.3390/life12060774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The inside of a space-faring vehicle provides a set of conditions unlike anything experienced by bacteria on Earth. The low-shear, diffusion-limited microenvironment with accompanying high levels of ionizing radiation create high stress in bacterial cells, and results in many physiological adaptations. This review gives an overview of the effect spaceflight in general, and real or simulated microgravity in particular, has on primary and secondary metabolism. Some broad trends in primary metabolic responses can be identified. These include increases in carbohydrate metabolism, changes in carbon substrate utilization range, and changes in amino acid metabolism that reflect increased oxidative stress. However, another important trend is that there is no universal bacterial response to microgravity, as different bacteria often have contradictory responses to the same stress. This is exemplified in many of the observed secondary metabolite responses where secondary metabolites may have increased, decreased, or unchanged production in microgravity. Different secondary metabolites in the same organism can even show drastically different production responses. Microgravity can also impact the production profile and localization of secondary metabolites. The inconsistency of bacterial responses to real or simulated microgravity underscores the importance of further research in this area to better understand how microbes can impact the people and systems aboard spacecraft.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick D. Curtis
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA;
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Fais G, Manca A, Bolognesi F, Borselli M, Concas A, Busutti M, Broggi G, Sanna P, Castillo-Aleman YM, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Altea M, Pantaleo A, Gabrielli G, Biglioli F, Cao G, Giannaccare G. Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050299. [PMID: 35621951 PMCID: PMC9143897 DOI: 10.3390/md20050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Federico Bolognesi
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Busutti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Broggi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, University of Milan, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Columbus Clinic Center, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 48, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Pierdanilo Sanna
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yandy Marx Castillo-Aleman
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - René Antonio Rivero-Jiménez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yendry Ventura-Carmenate
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Michela Altea
- TOLO Green, Via San Damiano 2, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Federico Biglioli
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3317186201
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Mettler MK, Parker CW, Venkateswaran K, Peyton BM. Antimicrobial Coating Efficacy for Prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Growth on ISS Water System Materials. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:874236. [PMID: 35464913 PMCID: PMC9022025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.874236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms can lead to biofouling, microbially induced corrosion, physical impediment and eventual loss in function of water systems, and other engineered systems. The remoteness and closed environment of the International Space Station (ISS) make it vulnerable to unchecked biofilm growth; thus, biofilm mitigation strategies are crucial for current ISS operation and future long duration and deep-space crewed missions. In this study, a space flown bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) was used as a model organism for its ability to form biofilms. Additionally, a novel antimicrobial coating’s ability to reduce biofilm accumulation on stainless steel, Teflon, titanium, and Inconel (all used in the ISS water treatment and handling systems) was analyzed. Coated materials demonstrated reductions of P. aeruginosa biofilm across all materials when tested in a continuous flow system with tryptic soy broth medium. However, the coating lost efficacy in potato dextrose broth medium. These findings were corroborated via scanning electron microscopy. This study illustrates the fundamental importance of using multiple approaches to test antibiofilm strategies, as well as the specificity in which conditions such strategies can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn K Mettler
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Ceth W Parker
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Brent M Peyton
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
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Tesei D, Jewczynko A, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Understanding the Complexities and Changes of the Astronaut Microbiome for Successful Long-Duration Space Missions. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040495. [PMID: 35454986 PMCID: PMC9031868 DOI: 10.3390/life12040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During space missions, astronauts are faced with a variety of challenges that are unique to spaceflight and that have been known to cause physiological changes in humans over a period of time. Several of these changes occur at the microbiome level, a complex ensemble of microbial communities residing in various anatomic sites of the human body, with a pivotal role in regulating the health and behavior of the host. The microbiome is essential for day-to-day physiological activities, and alterations in microbiome composition and function have been linked to various human diseases. For these reasons, understanding the impact of spaceflight and space conditions on the microbiome of astronauts is important to assess significant health risks that can emerge during long-term missions and to develop countermeasures. Here, we review various conditions that are caused by long-term space exploration and discuss the role of the microbiome in promoting or ameliorating these conditions, as well as space-related factors that impact microbiome composition. The topics explored pertain to microgravity, radiation, immunity, bone health, cognitive function, gender differences and pharmacomicrobiomics. Connections are made between the trifecta of spaceflight, the host and the microbiome, and the significance of these interactions for successful long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Anna Jewczynko
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Anne M. Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130, USA
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
- Correspondence:
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Combined Impact of Magnetic Force and Spaceflight Conditions on Escherichia Coli Physiology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031837. [PMID: 35163759 PMCID: PMC8836844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in bacterial physiology caused by the combined action of the magnetic force and microgravity were studied in Escherichia coli grown using a specially developed device aboard the International Space Station. The morphology and metabolism of E. coli grown under spaceflight (SF) or combined spaceflight and magnetic force (SF + MF) conditions were compared with ground cultivated bacteria grown under standard (control) or magnetic force (MF) conditions. SF, SF + MF, and MF conditions provided the up-regulation of Ag43 auto-transporter and cell auto-aggregation. The magnetic force caused visible clustering of non-sedimenting bacteria that formed matrix-containing aggregates under SF + MF and MF conditions. Cell auto-aggregation was accompanied by up-regulation of glyoxylate shunt enzymes and Vitamin B12 transporter BtuB. Under SF and SF + MF but not MF conditions nutrition and oxygen limitations were manifested by the down-regulation of glycolysis and TCA enzymes and the up-regulation of methylglyoxal bypass. Bacteria grown under combined SF + MF conditions demonstrated superior up-regulation of enzymes of the methylglyoxal bypass and down-regulation of glycolysis and TCA enzymes compared to SF conditions, suggesting that the magnetic force strengthened the effects of microgravity on the bacterial metabolism. This strengthening appeared to be due to magnetic force-dependent bacterial clustering within a small volume that reinforced the effects of the microgravity-driven absence of convectional flows.
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Cell Envelope Stress Response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1386:147-184. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08491-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kumar R, Sood U, Kaur J, Anand S, Gupta V, Patil KS, Lal R. The rising dominance of microbiology: what to expect in the next 15 years? Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:110-128. [PMID: 34713975 PMCID: PMC8719816 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
What microbiology beholds after a decade and a half in the future requires a vision based on the facts and ongoing trends in research and technological advancements. While the latter, assisted by microbial dark matter, presents a greater potential of creating an upsurge in in-situ and ex-situ rapid microbial detection techniques, this anticipated change will also set forth a revolution in microbial cultivation and diversity analyses. The availability of a microbial genetic toolbox at the expanse will help complement the current understanding of the microbiome and assist in real-time monitoring of the dynamics for detecting the health status of the host with utmost precision. Alongside, in light of the emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and social demands for safer and better health care alternatives, microbiology laboratories are prospected to drift in terms of the volume and nature of research and outcomes. With today's microbiological lens, one can predict with certainty that in the years to come, microbes will play a significant role in therapeutic treatment and the designing of novel diagnostic techniques. Another area where the scope of microbial application seems to be promising is the use of novel probiotics as a method to offer health benefits whilst promoting metabolic outputs specific for microbiome replenishment. Nonetheless, the evolution of extraterrestrial microbes or the adaptation of earth microbes as extraterrestrial residents are also yet another prominent microbial event one may witness in the upcoming years. But like the two sides of the coin, there is also an urgent need to dampen the bloom of urbanization, overpopulation and global trade and adopting sustainable approaches to control the recurrence of epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar
- Post‐Graduate Department of ZoologyMagadh UniversityBodh GayaBihar824234India
| | - Utkarsh Sood
- The Energy and Resources InstituteDarbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi RoadNew Delhi110003India
| | - Jasvinder Kaur
- Department of ZoologyGargi CollegeUniversity of DelhiSiri Fort RoadNew Delhi110049India
| | - Shailly Anand
- Department of ZoologyDeen Dayal Upadhyaya CollegeUniversity of DelhiDwarkaNew Delhi110078India
| | - Vipin Gupta
- Indira Paryavaran BhawanMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate ChangeLodi ColonyNew Delhi110003India
| | - Kishor Sureshbhai Patil
- Department of Biological SciencesP. D. Patel Institute of Applied SciencesCharotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT)ChangaGujarat388421India
| | - Rup Lal
- The Energy and Resources InstituteDarbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi RoadNew Delhi110003India
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Nickerson CA, Medina-Colorado AA, Barrila J, Poste G, Ott CM. A vision for spaceflight microbiology to enable human health and habitat sustainability. Nat Microbiol 2021; 7:471-474. [PMID: 34903836 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-01015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Nickerson
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA. .,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - George Poste
- Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - C Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Kaksonen AH, Deng X, Morris C, Khaleque HN, Zea L, Gumulya Y. Potential of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to Grow on and Bioleach Metals from Mars and Lunar Regolith Simulants under Simulated Microgravity Conditions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2416. [PMID: 34946018 PMCID: PMC8706024 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomining microbes which extract metals from ores that have been applied in mining processes worldwide hold potential for harnessing space resources. Their cell growth and ability to extract metals from extraterrestrial minerals under microgravity environments, however, remains largely unknown. The present study used the model biomining bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to extract metals from lunar and Martian regolith simulants cultivated in a rotating clinostat with matched controls grown under the influence of terrestrial gravity. Analyses included assessments of final cell count, size, morphology, and soluble metal concentrations. Under Earth gravity, with the addition of Fe3+ and H2/CO2, A. ferrooxidans grew in the presence of regolith simulants to a final cell density comparable to controls without regoliths. The simulated microgravity appeared to enable cells to grow to a higher cell density in the presence of lunar regolith simulants. Clinostat cultures of A. ferrooxidans solubilised higher amounts of Si, Mn and Mg from lunar and Martian regolith simulants than abiotic controls. Electron microscopy observations revealed that microgravity stimulated the biosynthesis of intracellular nanoparticles (most likely magnetite) in anaerobically grown A. ferrooxidans cells. These results suggested that A. ferrooxidans has the potential for metal bioleaching and the production of useful nanoparticles in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna H. Kaksonen
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat 6014, Australia; (A.H.K.); (X.D.); (C.M.); (H.N.K.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Xiao Deng
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat 6014, Australia; (A.H.K.); (X.D.); (C.M.); (H.N.K.)
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - Christina Morris
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat 6014, Australia; (A.H.K.); (X.D.); (C.M.); (H.N.K.)
| | - Himel Nahreen Khaleque
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat 6014, Australia; (A.H.K.); (X.D.); (C.M.); (H.N.K.)
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA;
| | - Yosephine Gumulya
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Floreat 6014, Australia; (A.H.K.); (X.D.); (C.M.); (H.N.K.)
- Centre for Microbiome Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
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Mabwi HA, Hitayezu E, Mauliasari IR, Mwaikono KS, Yoon HS, Komba EVG, Pan CH, Cha KH. Simulation of the mucosal environment in the re-construction of the synthetic gut microbial ecosystem. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 191:106351. [PMID: 34710513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human gut surface-attached mucosal microbiota plays significant roles in human health and diseases. This study sought to simulate the mucosal environment using mucin-agar gel and synthetic mucosal microbial community in vitro. To select suitable culture media, microbial communities were assembled and cultured in seven different media at 37 °C for 36 h. Among the seven media, Bryant & Burkey (BB) and Gifu Anaerobic Media (GAM) were selected considering their microbial biomass and bacterial composition. The communities were again assembled and cultured in these two media with mucin-agar. The results showed that some bacterial genus such as Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, and Roseburia could efficiently colonize in the solid mucin-agar part while Enterococcus, Clostridium, and Veilonella dominated in the liquid part. Metabolic functional prediction for the microbial community in each medium part showed that the gene expression involved in metabolism and cell motility pathways were distinctively differentiated between the liquid and solid medium part, and the functional potential was highly related to the microbial composition. The current results demonstrate that the simulation of the gut microbial ecosystem in vitro can be beneficial to the mucosal environment mimicking and the study on the mechanistic potential of the human gut microbiota for easy translation of microbiome research to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey A Mabwi
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, South Korea; SACIDS Foundation for One Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 25523, Tanzania; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania.
| | - Emmanuel Hitayezu
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, South Korea.
| | - Intan Rizki Mauliasari
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, South Korea.
| | - Kilaza Samson Mwaikono
- Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam 11000, Tanzania.
| | - Hyo Shin Yoon
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, South Korea.
| | - Erick V G Komba
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 25523, Tanzania.
| | - Cheol-Ho Pan
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, South Korea.
| | - Kwang Hyun Cha
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, South Korea.
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Yang J, Barrila J, Mark Ott C, King O, Bruce R, McLean RJC, Nickerson CA. Longitudinal characterization of multispecies microbial populations recovered from spaceflight potable water. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:70. [PMID: 34489467 PMCID: PMC8421509 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00240-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
While sequencing technologies have revolutionized our knowledge of microbial diversity, little is known about the dynamic emergent phenotypes that arise within the context of mixed-species populations, which are not fully predicted using sequencing technologies alone. The International Space Station (ISS) is an isolated, closed human habitat that can be harnessed for cross-sectional and longitudinal functional microbiome studies. Using NASA-archived microbial isolates collected from the ISS potable water system over several years, we profiled five phenotypes: antibiotic resistance, metabolism, hemolysis, and biofilm structure/composition of individual or multispecies communities, which represent characteristics that could negatively impact astronaut health and life-support systems. Data revealed a temporal dependence on interactive behaviors, suggesting possible microbial adaptation over time within the ecosystem. This study represents one of the most extensive phenotypic characterization of ISS potable water microbiota with implications for microbial risk assessments of water systems in built environments in space and on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Jennifer Barrila
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - C Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Olivia King
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebekah Bruce
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Cheryl A Nickerson
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Schuerger AC, Amaradasa BS, Dufault NS, Hummerick ME, Richards JT, Khodadad CL, Smith TM, Massa GD. Fusarium oxysporum as an Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen on Zinnia hybrida Plants Grown on board the International Space Station. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1029-1048. [PMID: 33926205 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A plant production system called Veggie was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014. In late 2015, during the growth of Zinnia hybrida cv. 'Profusion' in the Veggie hardware, plants developed chlorosis, leaf curling, fungal growth that damaged leaves and stems, and eventually necrosis. The development of symptoms was correlated to reduced air flow leading to a significant buildup of water enveloping the leaves and stems in microgravity. Symptomatic tissues were returned to Earth on 18 May 2016 and were immediately processed to determine the primary causal agent of the disease. The presumptive pathogen was identified as Fusarium oxysporum by morphological features of microconidia and conidiophores on symptomatic tissues; that is, by epifluorescent microscopy (EFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), metabolic microarrays, and ITS sequencing. Both EFM and SEM imaging of infected tissues showed that germinating conidia were capable of stomatal penetration and thus acted as the primary method for infecting host tissues. A series of ground-based pathogenicity assays were conducted with healthy Z. hybrida plants that were exposed to reduced-airflow and high-water stress (i.e., encased in sealed bags) or were kept in an unstressed configuration. Koch's postulates were successfully completed with Z. hybrida plants in the lab, but symptoms only matched ISS-flown symptomatic tissues when the plants were stressed with high-water exposure. Unstressed plants grown under similar lab conditions failed to develop the symptoms observed with plants on board the ISS. The overall results of the pathogenicity tests imply that F. oxysporum acted as an opportunistic pathogen on severely high-water stressed plants. The source of the opportunistic pathogen is not known, but virulent strains of F. oxysporum were not recovered from unused materials in the Veggie plant pillow growth units assayed after the flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Schuerger
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Exploration Park, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| | - Bimal S Amaradasa
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Nicholas S Dufault
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Trent M Smith
- NASA Exploration Research and Technology Programs, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
| | - Gioia D Massa
- NASA Exploration Research and Technology Programs, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
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49
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Orlovska I, Podolich O, Kukharenko O, Zaets I, Reva O, Khirunenko L, Zmejkoski D, Rogalsky S, Barh D, Tiwari S, Kumavath R, Góes-Neto A, Azevedo V, Brenig B, Ghosh P, de Vera JP, Kozyrovska N. Bacterial Cellulose Retains Robustness but Its Synthesis Declines After Exposure to a Mars-like Environment Simulated Outside the International Space Station. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:706-717. [PMID: 33646011 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose is a widespread macromolecule in terrestrial environments and a major architectural component of microbial biofilm. Therefore, cellulose might be considered a biosignature that indicates the presence of microbial life. We present, for the first time, characteristics of bacterial cellulose after long-term spaceflight and exposure to simuled Mars-like stressors. The pristine cellulose-based pellicle membranes from a kombucha microbial community (KMC) were exposed outside the International Space Station, and after their return to Earth, the samples were reactivated and cultured for 2.5 years to discern whether the KMC could be restored. Analyses of cellulose polymer integrity and mechanical properties of cellulose-based pellicle films, as well as the cellulose biosynthesis-related genes' structure and expression, were performed. We observed that (i) the cellulose polymer integrity was not significantly changed under Mars-like conditions; (ii) de novo cellulose production was 1.5 times decreased in exposed KMC samples; (iii) the dry cellulose yield from the reisolated Komagataeibacter oboediens was 1.7 times lower than by wild type; (iv) there was no significant change in mechanical properties of the de novo synthesized cellulose-based pellicles produced by the exposed KMCs and K. oboediens; and (v) the gene, encoding biosynthesis of cellulose (bcsA) of the K. oboediens, was downregulated, and no topological change or mutation was observed in any of the bcs operon genes, indicating that the decreased cellulose production by the space-exposed samples was probably due to epigenetic regulation. Our results suggest that the cellulose-based pellicle could be a good material with which to protect microbial communities during space journeys, and the cellulose produced by KMC members could be suitable in the fabrication of consumer goods for extraterrestrial locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Orlovska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olga Podolich
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olga Kukharenko
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Zaets
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleg Reva
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Danica Zmejkoski
- Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sergiy Rogalsky
- V.P. Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandeep Tiwari
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ranjith Kumavath
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Computacional de Fungos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Preetam Ghosh
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Planetary Laboratories, Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
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50
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Abstract
Microbial research in space is being conducted for almost 50 years now. The closed system of the International Space Station (ISS) has acted as a microbial observatory for the past 10 years, conducting research on adaptation and survivability of microorganisms exposed to space conditions. This adaptation can be either beneficial or detrimental to crew members and spacecraft. Therefore, it becomes crucial to identify the impact of two primary stress conditions, namely, radiation and microgravity, on microbial life aboard the ISS. Elucidating the mechanistic basis of microbial adaptation to space conditions aids in the development of countermeasures against their potentially detrimental effects and allows us to harness their biotechnologically important properties. Several microbial processes have been studied, either in spaceflight or using devices that can simulate space conditions. However, at present, research is limited to only a few microorganisms, and extensive research on biotechnologically important microorganisms is required to make long-term space missions self-sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bijlani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Elisa Stephens
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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