1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Espinosa-Ortiz EJ, Gerlach R, Peyton BM, Roberson L, Yeh DH. Biofilm reactors for the treatment of used water in space:potential, challenges, and future perspectives. Biofilm 2023; 6:100140. [PMID: 38078057 PMCID: PMC10704334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Water is not only essential to sustain life on Earth, but also is a crucial resource for long-duration deep space exploration and habitation. Current systems in space rely on the resupply of water from Earth, however, as missions get longer and move farther away from Earth, resupply will no longer be a sustainable option. Thus, the development of regenerative reclamation water systems through which useable water can be recovered from "waste streams" (i.e., used waters) is sorely needed to further close the loop in space life support systems. This review presents the origin and characteristics of different used waters generated in space and discusses the intrinsic challenges of developing suitable technologies to treat such streams given the unique constrains of space exploration and habitation (e.g., different gravity conditions, size and weight limitations, compatibility with other systems, etc.). In this review, we discuss the potential use of biological systems, particularly biofilms, as possible alternatives or additions to current technologies for water reclamation and waste treatment in space. The fundamentals of biofilm reactors, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as different reactor configurations and their potential for use and challenges to be incorporated in self-sustaining and regenerative life support systems in long-duration space missions are also discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility to recover value-added products (e.g., biomass, nutrients, water) from used waters and the opportunity to recycle and reuse such products as resources in other life support subsystems (e.g., habitation, waste, air, etc.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika J. Espinosa-Ortiz
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Robin Gerlach
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Brent M. Peyton
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Luke Roberson
- Exploration Research and Technology Directorate, NASA, Kennedy Space Center, 32899, USA
| | - Daniel H. Yeh
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Migration of surface-associated microbial communities in spaceflight habitats. Biofilm 2023; 5:100109. [PMID: 36909662 PMCID: PMC9999172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts are spending longer periods locked up in ships or stations for scientific and exploration spatial missions. The International Space Station (ISS) has been inhabited continuously for more than 20 years and the duration of space stays by crews could lengthen with the objectives of human presence on the moon and Mars. If the environment of these space habitats is designed for the comfort of astronauts, it is also conducive to other forms of life such as embarked microorganisms. The latter, most often associated with surfaces in the form of biofilm, have been implicated in significant degradation of the functionality of pieces of equipment in space habitats. The most recent research suggests that microgravity could increase the persistence, resistance and virulence of pathogenic microorganisms detected in these communities, endangering the health of astronauts and potentially jeopardizing long-duration manned missions. In this review, we describe the mechanisms and dynamics of installation and propagation of these microbial communities associated with surfaces (spatial migration), as well as long-term processes of adaptation and evolution in these extreme environments (phenotypic and genetic migration), with special reference to human health. We also discuss the means of control envisaged to allow a lasting cohabitation between these vibrant microscopic passengers and the astronauts.
Collapse
|
4
|
Piscon B, Pia Esposito E, Fichtman B, Samburski G, Efremushkin L, Amselem S, Harel A, Rahav G, Zarrilli R, Gal-Mor O. The Effect of Outer Space and Other Environmental Cues on Bacterial Conjugation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0368822. [PMID: 36995224 PMCID: PMC10269834 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03688-22] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation is one of the most abundant horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanisms, playing a fundamental role in prokaryote evolution. A better understanding of bacterial conjugation and its cross talk with the environment is needed for a more complete understanding of HGT mechanisms and to fight the dissemination of malicious genes between bacteria. Here, we studied the effect of outer space, microgravity, and additional key environmental cues on transfer (tra) gene expression and conjugation efficiency, using the under studied broad-host range plasmid pN3, as a model. High resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphology of the pN3 conjugative pili and mating pair formation during conjugation. Using a nanosatellite carrying a miniaturized lab, we studied pN3 conjugation in outer space, and used qRT-PCR, Western blotting and mating assays to determine the effect of ground physicochemical parameters on tra gene expression and conjugation. We showed for the first time that bacterial conjugation can occur in outer space and on the ground, under microgravity-simulated conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that microgravity, liquid media, elevated temperature, nutrient depletion, high osmolarity and low oxygen significantly reduce pN3 conjugation. Interestingly, under some of these conditions we observed an inverse correlation between tra gene transcription and conjugation frequency and found that induction of at least traK and traL can negatively affect pN3 conjugation frequency in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results uncover pN3 regulation by various environmental cues and highlight the diversity of conjugation systems and the different ways in which they may be regulated in response to abiotic signals. IMPORTANCE Bacterial conjugation is a highly ubiquitous and promiscuous process, by which a donor bacterium transfers a large portion of genetic material to a recipient cell. This mechanism of horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in bacterial evolution and in the ability of bacteria to acquire resistance to antimicrobial drugs and disinfectants. Bacterial conjugation is a complex and energy-consuming process, that is tightly regulated and largely affected by various environmental signals sensed by the bacterial cell. Comprehensive knowledge about bacterial conjugation and the ways it is affected by environmental cues is required to better understand bacterial ecology and evolution and to find new effective ways to counteract the threating dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes between bacterial populations. Moreover, characterizing this process under stress or suboptimal growth conditions such as elevated temperatures, high salinity or in the outer space, may provide insights relevant to future habitat environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bar Piscon
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliana Pia Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Boris Fichtman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Guy Samburski
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Lihi Efremushkin
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Shimon Amselem
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Amnon Harel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Galia Rahav
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ohad Gal-Mor
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun H, Zhou Q, Qiao P, Zhu D, Xin B, Wu B, Tang C. Short-term head-down bed rest microgravity simulation alters salivary microbiome in young healthy men. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1056637. [PMID: 36439790 PMCID: PMC9684331 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1056637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Microgravity influences are prevalent during orbital flight and can adversely affect astronaut physiology. Notably, it may affect the physicochemical properties of saliva and the salivary microbial community. Therefore, this study simulates microgravity in space using a ground-based -6° head-down bed rest (HDBR) test to observe the effects of microgravity on oral salivary secretion function and the salivary microbiome. Sixteen healthy young male volunteers were recruited for the 15-day -6° HDBR test. Non-stimulated whole saliva was collected on day 1 (pre-HDBR), on days 5, 10, and 15 of HDBR, and day 6 of recovery. Salivary pH and salivary flow rate were measured, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced and analyzed in 80 saliva samples. The results showed that there were no significant differences in salivary pH, salivary flow rate, and alpha diversity between any two time points. However, beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences between pre-HDBR and the other four time points. After HDBR, the relative abundances of Actinomyces, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas, Oribacterium, and Capnocytophaga increased significantly, whereas the relative abundances of Neisseria and Haemophilus decreased significantly. However, the relative abundances of Oribacterium and Capnocytophaga did not recover to the pre-HDBR level on day 6 of recovery. Network analysis revealed that the number of relationships between genera decreased, and the positive and negative correlations between genera changed in a complex manner after HDBR and did not reach their original levels on day 6 of recovery. PICRUSt analysis demonstrated that some gene functions of the salivary microbiome also changed after HDBR and remained significantly different from those before HDBR on day 6 of recovery. Collectively, 15 days of -6° HDBR had minimal effect on salivary secretion function but resulted in significant changes in the salivary microbiome, mainly manifested as an increase in oral disease-related bacteria and a decrease in oral health-related commensal bacteria. Further research is required to confirm these oral microbial changes and explore the underlying pathological mechanisms to determine the long-term effects on astronauts embarking on long-duration voyages to outer space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- 306th Clinical College of PLA, The Fifth Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- 306th Clinical College of PLA, The Fifth Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyan Qiao
- Department of Stomatology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhu
- 306th Clinical College of PLA, The Fifth Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bingmu Xin
- Engineering Research Center of Human Circadian Rhythm and Sleep (Shenzhen), Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Wu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chuhua Tang
- 306th Clinical College of PLA, The Fifth Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Stomatology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang Y, Shen W, Yin M, Huang W, Ye B, Li P, Shi S, Bai G, Guo X, Jin Y, Lin K, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Wang J, Han Y, Zhao Z. Changes in Higher-Order Chromosomal Structure of Klebsiella pneumoniae Under Simulated Microgravity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:879321. [PMID: 35711756 PMCID: PMC9197264 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.879321] [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: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous work have shown that certain subpopulations of Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibit significant phenotypic changes under simulated microgravity (SMG), including enhanced biofilm formation and cellulose synthesis, which may be evoked by changes in gene expression patterns. It is well known that prokaryotic cells genomic DNA can be hierarchically organized into different higher-order three-dimensional structures, which can highly influence gene expression. It is remain elusive whether phenotypic changes induced by SMG in the subpopulations of K. pneumoniae are driven by genome higher-order structural changes. Here, we investigated the above-mentioned issue using the wild-type (WT) K. pneumoniae (WT was used as a control strain and continuously cultivated for 2 weeks under standard culture conditions of normal gravity) and two previous identified subpopulations (M1 and M2) obtained after 2 weeks of continuous incubation in a SMG device. By the combination of genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C), RNA-seq and whole-genome methylation (WGS) analyses, we found that the along with the global chromosome interactions change, the compacting extent of M1, M2 subpopulations were much looser under SMG and even with an increase in active, open chromosome regions. In addition, transcriptome data showed that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated, whereas a few DEGs were downregulated in M1 and M2. The functions of both types DEGs were mainly associated with membrane fractions. Additionally, WGS analysis revealed that methylation levels were lower in M1 and M2. Using combined analysis of multi-omics data, we discovered that most upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in the boundary regions of the variable chromosomal interaction domains (CIDs), in which genes regulating biofilm formation were mainly located. These results suggest that K. pneumoniae may regulate gene expression patterns through DNA methylation and changes in genome structure, thus resulting in new phenotypes in response to altered gravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahao Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Shen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Man Yin
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyu Ye
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Shi
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Bai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Guo
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Jin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Kailin Lin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Second Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihu Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim H, Park B, Park H, Choi I, Rhee M. Low-shear modeled microgravity affects metabolic networks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 EDL933: Further insights into space-microbiology consequences. Food Res Int 2022; 154:111013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
|
12
|
Vroom MM, Rodriguez-Ocasio Y, Lynch JB, Ruby EG, Foster JS. Modeled microgravity alters lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane vesicle production of the beneficial symbiont Vibrio fischeri. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:8. [PMID: 33686090 PMCID: PMC7940393 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced gravity, or microgravity, can have a pronounced impact on the physiology of animals, but the effects on their associated microbiomes are not well understood. Here, the impact of modeled microgravity on the shedding of Gram-negative lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by the symbiotic bacterium Vibrio fischeri was examined using high-aspect ratio vessels. LPS from V. fischeri is known to induce developmental apoptosis within its symbiotic tissues, which is accelerated under modeled microgravity conditions. In this study, we provide evidence that exposure to modeled microgravity increases the amount of LPS released by the bacterial symbiont in vitro. The higher rates of shedding under modeled microgravity conditions are associated with increased production of outer-membrane vesicles (OMV), which has been previously correlated to flagellar motility. Mutants of V. fischeri defective in the production and rotation of their flagella show significant decreases in LPS shedding in all treatments, but levels of LPS are higher under modeled microgravity despite loss of motility. Modeled microgravity also appears to affect the outer-membrane integrity of V. fischeri, as cells incubated under modeled microgravity conditions are more susceptible to cell-membrane-disrupting agents. These results suggest that, like their animal hosts, the physiology of symbiotic microbes can be altered under microgravity-like conditions, which may have important implications for host health during spaceflight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Vroom
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, USA
| | - Yaneli Rodriguez-Ocasio
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan B Lynch
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edward G Ruby
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jamie S Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, Merritt Island, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Exploration of space to achieve scientific breakthroughs. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 43:107572. [PMID: 32540473 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Living organisms adapt to changing environments using their amazing flexibility to remodel themselves by a process called evolution. Environmental stress causes selective pressure and is associated with genetic and phenotypic shifts for better modifications, maintenance, and functioning of organismal systems. The natural evolution process can be used in complement to rational strain engineering for the development of desired traits or phenotypes as well as for the production of novel biomaterials through the imposition of one or more selective pressures. Space provides a unique environment of stressors (e.g., weightlessness and high radiation) that organisms have never experienced on Earth. Cells in the outer space reorganize and develop or activate a range of molecular responses that lead to changes in cellular properties. Exposure of cells to the outer space will lead to the development of novel variants more efficiently than on Earth. For instance, natural crop varieties can be generated with higher nutrition value, yield, and improved features, such as resistance against high and low temperatures, salt stress, and microbial and pest attacks. The review summarizes the literature on the parameters of outer space that affect the growth and behavior of cells and organisms as well as complex colloidal systems. We illustrate an understanding of gravity-related basic biological mechanisms and enlighten the possibility to explore the outer space environment for application-oriented aspects. This will stimulate biological research in the pursuit of innovative approaches for the future of agriculture and health on Earth.
Collapse
|
15
|
Padgen MR, Lera MP, Parra MP, Ricco AJ, Chin M, Chinn TN, Cohen A, Friedericks CR, Henschke MB, Snyder TV, Spremo SM, Wang JH, Matin AC. EcAMSat spaceflight measurements of the role of σ s in antibiotic resistance of stationary phase Escherichia coli in microgravity. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 24:18-24. [PMID: 31987476 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We report the results of the EcAMSat (Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Satellite) autonomous space flight experiment, investigating the role of σs in the development of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) in microgravity (µ-g). The presence of σs, encoded by the rpoS gene, has been shown to increase antibiotic resistance in Earth gravity, but it was unknown if this effect occurs in µ-g. Two strains, wildtype (WT) UPEC and its isogenic ΔrpoS mutant, were grown to stationary phase aboard EcAMSat, an 11-kg small satellite, and in a parallel ground-based control experiment; cell growth rates for the two strains were found to be unaltered by µ-g. After starvation for over 24 h, stationary-phase cells were incubated with three doses of gentamicin (Gm), a common treatment for urinary tract infections (which have been reported in astronauts). Cellular metabolic activity was measured optically using the redox-based indicator alamarBlue (aB): both strains exhibited slower metabolism in µ-g, consistent with results from previous smallsat missions. The results also showed that µ-g did not enhance UPEC resistance to Gm; in fact, both strains were more susceptible to Gm in µ-g. It was also found, via a second ground-control experiment, that multi-week storage in the payload hardware stressed the cells, potentially obscuring small differential effects of the antibiotic between WT and mutant and/or between µ-g and ground. Overall, results showed that the ∆rpoS mutant was 34-37% less metabolically active than the WT for four different sets of conditions: ground without Gm, ground with Gm; µ-g without Gm, µ-g with Gm. We conclude therefore that the rpoS gene and its downstream products are important therapeutic targets for treating bacterial infections in space, much as they are on the ground.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew P Lera
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Matthew Chin
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Tori N Chinn
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Aaron Cohen
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing-Hung Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - A C Matin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Senatore G, Mastroleo F, Leys N, Mauriello G. Growth of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 Under Two Simulated Microgravity Systems: Changes in Reuterin Production, Gastrointestinal Passage Resistance, and Stress Genes Expression Response. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:1-14. [PMID: 31977256 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Extreme factors such as space microgravity, radiation, and magnetic field differ from those that occur on Earth. Microgravity may induce and select some microorganisms for physiological, metabolic, and/or genetic variations. This study was conducted to determine the effects of simulated microgravity conditions on the metabolism and gene expression of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938. To investigate microbial response to simulated microgravity, two devices-the rotating wall vessel (RWV) and the random positioning machine (RPM)-were used. Microbial growth, reuterin production, and resistance to gastrointestinal passage were assessed, and morphological characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The expression of some selected genes that are responsive to stress conditions and to bile salts stress was evaluated through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Monitoring of bacterial growth, cell size, and shape under simulated microgravity did not reveal differences compared with 1 × g controls. On the contrary, an enhanced production of reuterin and a greater tolerance to the gastrointestinal passage were observed. Moreover, some stress genes were upregulated under RWV conditions, especially after 24 h of treatment, whereas RPM conditions seemed to determine a downregulation over time of the same stress genes. These results show that simulated microgravity could alter some physiological characteristics of L. reuteri DSM17938 with regard to tolerance toward stress conditions encountered on space missions and could be useful to elucidate the adaptation mechanisms of microbes to the space environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Senatore
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Felice Mastroleo
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK●CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK●CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Gianluigi Mauriello
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Molecular response of Deinococcus radiodurans to simulated microgravity explored by proteometabolomic approach. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18462. [PMID: 31804539 PMCID: PMC6895123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Regarding future space exploration missions and long-term exposure experiments, a detailed investigation of all factors present in the outer space environment and their effects on organisms of all life kingdoms is advantageous. Influenced by the multiple factors of outer space, the extremophilic bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans has been long-termly exposed outside the International Space Station in frames of the Tanpopo orbital mission. The study presented here aims to elucidate molecular key components in D. radiodurans, which are responsible for recognition and adaptation to simulated microgravity. D. radiodurans cultures were grown for two days on plates in a fast-rotating 2-D clinostat to minimize sedimentation, thus simulating reduced gravity conditions. Subsequently, metabolites and proteins were extracted and measured with mass spectrometry-based techniques. Our results emphasize the importance of certain signal transducer proteins, which showed higher abundances in cells grown under reduced gravity. These proteins activate a cellular signal cascade, which leads to differences in gene expressions. Proteins involved in stress response, repair mechanisms and proteins connected to the extracellular milieu and the cell envelope showed an increased abundance under simulated microgravity. Focusing on the expression of these proteins might present a strategy of cells to adapt to microgravity conditions.
Collapse
|
18
|
Garschagen LS, Mancinelli RL, Moeller R. Introducing Vibrio natriegens as a Microbial Model Organism for Microgravity Research. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:1211-1220. [PMID: 31486680 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial contamination of human-tended spacecraft is unavoidable, making the study of microbial growth under space conditions essential for the preservation of astronauts' health and equipment integrity. Previous studies suggested that spaceflight conditions, such as microgravity, cause a range of physiological microbial alterations including increased growth yields and decreased antibiotic susceptibility. Because of its fast generation time, Vibrio natriegens could be used as a model organism for a variety of studies where generation time is a critical factor. In this study, V. natriegens was used as a tool to study growth characteristics by determining the viable cell number and antibiotic susceptibility under simulated microgravity using a 2-D clinostat (60 rpm) to establish a test system that resolves changes in microbial growth on a solid surface (agar) under microgravity. The data show that V. natriegens biomass increases significantly after 24 h at 37°C under simulated microgravity. The final cell population after cultivation under simulated microgravity was 60-fold greater than when cultivated under normal terrestrial gravity (1 × g). No change in susceptibility to the antibiotic rifampicin after cultivation under simulated microgravity or normal gravity was detected. These data show that V. natriegens is a new and innovative model organism for microbial microgravity research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Garschagen
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, Cologne (Köln), Germany
- University of Bonn, Institute for Microbiology and Biotechnology (IfMB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Rocco L Mancinelli
- NASA Ames Research Center, Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang B, Bai P, Zhao X, Yu Y, Zhang X, Li D, Liu C. Increased growth rate and amikacin resistance of Salmonella enteritidis after one-month spaceflight on China's Shenzhou-11 spacecraft. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e00833. [PMID: 30912318 PMCID: PMC6741137 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
China launched the Tiangong-2 space laboratory in 2016 and will eventually build a basic space station by the early 2020s. These spaceflight missions require astronauts to stay on the space station for more than 6 months, and they inevitably carry microbes into the space environment. It is known that the space environment affects microbial behavior, including growth rate, biofilm formation, virulence, drug resistance, and metabolism. However, the mechanisms of these alternations have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is beneficial to monitor microorganisms for preventing infections among astronauts in a space environment. Salmonella enteritidis is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that commonly causes acute gastroenteritis in humans. In this study, to better understand the effects of the space environment on S. enteritidis, a S. enteritidis strain was taken into space by the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft from 17 October 2016 to 18 November 2016, and a ground simulation with similar temperature conditions was simultaneously performed as a control. It was found that the flight strain displayed an increased growth rate, enhanced amikacin resistance, and some metabolism alterations compared with the ground strain. Enrichment analysis of proteome revealed that the increased growth rate might be associated with differentially expressed proteins involved in transmembrane transport and energy production and conversion assembly. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis showed that the amikacin resistance was due to the downregulation of the oppA gene and oligopeptide transporter protein OppA. In conclusion, this study is the first systematic analysis of the phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic variations in S. enteritidis during spaceflight and will provide beneficial insights for future studies on space microbiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Po Bai
- Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Respiratory Diseases Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xian Zhao
- Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Zhang
- Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Diangeng Li
- Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changting Liu
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sobisch LY, Rogowski KM, Fuchs J, Schmieder W, Vaishampayan A, Oles P, Novikova N, Grohmann E. Biofilm Forming Antibiotic Resistant Gram-Positive Pathogens Isolated From Surfaces on the International Space Station. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:543. [PMID: 30941112 PMCID: PMC6433718 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed habitat in a uniquely extreme and hostile environment. Due to these special conditions, the human microflora can undergo unusual changes and may represent health risks for the crew. To address this problem, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of AGXX®, a novel surface coating consisting of micro-galvanic elements of silver and ruthenium along with examining the activity of a conventional silver coating. The antimicrobial materials were exposed on the ISS for 6, 12, and 19 months each at a place frequently visited by the crew. Bacteria that survived on the antimicrobial coatings [AGXX® and silver (Ag)] or the uncoated stainless steel carrier (V2A, control material) were recovered, phylogenetically affiliated and characterized in terms of antibiotic resistance (phenotype and genotype), plasmid content, biofilm formation capacity and antibiotic resistance transferability. On all three materials, surviving bacteria were dominated by Gram-positive bacteria and among those by Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Enterococcus spp. The novel antimicrobial surface coating proved to be highly effective. The conventional Ag coating showed only little antimicrobial activity. Microbial diversity increased with increasing exposure time on all three materials. The number of recovered bacteria decreased significantly from V2A to V2A-Ag to AGXX®. After 6 months exposure on the ISS no bacteria were recovered from AGXX®, after 12 months nine and after 19 months three isolates were obtained. Most Gram-positive pathogenic isolates were multidrug resistant (resistant to more than three antibiotics). Sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin and ampicillin resistance were most prevalent. An Enterococcus faecalis strain recovered from V2A steel after 12 months exposure exhibited the highest number of resistances (n = 9). The most prevalent resistance genes were ermC (erythromycin resistance) and tetK (tetracycline resistance). Average transfer frequency of erythromycin, tetracycline and gentamicin resistance from selected ISS isolates was 10−5 transconjugants/recipient. Most importantly, no serious human pathogens such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) were found on any surface. Thus, the infection risk for the crew is low, especially when antimicrobial surfaces such as AGXX® are applied to surfaces prone to microbial contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia-Yasmin Sobisch
- Life Sciences and Technology, Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Marie Rogowski
- Life Sciences and Technology, Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonathan Fuchs
- Institute of Biology, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ankita Vaishampayan
- Life Sciences and Technology, Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Oles
- Life Sciences and Technology, Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Life Sciences and Technology, Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Biology, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Transcriptional profiling of the mutualistic bacterium Vibrio fischeri and an hfq mutant under modeled microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2018; 4:25. [PMID: 30588486 PMCID: PMC6299092 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-018-0060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For long-duration space missions, it is critical to maintain health-associated homeostasis between astronauts and their microbiome. To achieve this goal it is important to more fully understand the host–symbiont relationship under the physiological stress conditions of spaceflight. To address this issue we examined the impact of a spaceflight analog, low-shear-modeled microgravity (LSMMG), on the transcriptome of the mutualistic bacterium Vibrio fischeri. Cultures of V. fischeri and a mutant defective in the global regulator Hfq (∆hfq) were exposed to either LSMMG or gravity conditions for 12 h (exponential growth) and 24 h (stationary phase growth). Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed few to no significant differentially expressed genes between gravity and the LSMMG conditions in the wild type or mutant V. fischeri at exponential or stationary phase. There was, however, a pronounced change in transcriptomic profiles during the transition between exponential and stationary phase growth in both V. fischeri cultures including an overall decrease in gene expression associated with translational activity and an increase in stress response. There were also several upregulated stress genes specific to the LSMMG condition during the transition to stationary phase growth. The ∆hfq mutants exhibited a distinctive transcriptome profile with a significant increase in transcripts associated with flagellar synthesis and transcriptional regulators under LSMMG conditions compared to gravity controls. These results indicate the loss of Hfq significantly influences gene expression under LSMMG conditions in a bacterial symbiont. Together, these results improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which microgravity alters the physiology of beneficial host-associated microbes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Huang B, Li DG, Huang Y, Liu CT. Effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on microbial growth and secondary metabolism. Mil Med Res 2018; 5:18. [PMID: 29807538 PMCID: PMC5971428 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-018-0162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and ground-based microgravity analog experiments have suggested that microgravity can affect microbial growth and metabolism. Although the effects of microgravity and its analogs on microorganisms have been studied for more than 50 years, plausible conflicting and diverse results have frequently been reported in different experiments, especially regarding microbial growth and secondary metabolism. Until now, only the responses of a few typical microbes to microgravity have been investigated; systematic studies of the genetic and phenotypic responses of these microorganisms to microgravity in space are still insufficient due to technological and logistical hurdles. The use of different test strains and secondary metabolites in these studies appears to have caused diverse and conflicting results. Moreover, subtle changes in the extracellular microenvironments around microbial cells play a key role in the diverse responses of microbial growth and secondary metabolisms. Therefore, "indirect" effects represent a reasonable pathway to explain the occurrence of these phenomena in microorganisms. This review summarizes current knowledge on the changes in microbial growth and secondary metabolism in response to spaceflight and its analogs and discusses the diverse and conflicting results. In addition, recommendations are given for future studies on the effects of microgravity in space on microbial growth and secondary metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Huang
- Nanlou Respiratory Diseases Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital/Chinese PLA Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Dian-Geng Li
- Nanlou Respiratory Diseases Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital/Chinese PLA Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Chang-Ting Liu
- Nanlou Respiratory Diseases Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital/Chinese PLA Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing, 100853, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Senatore G, Mastroleo F, Leys N, Mauriello G. Effect of microgravity & space radiation on microbes. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:831-847. [PMID: 29745771 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the new challenges facing humanity is to reach increasingly further distant space targets. It is therefore of upmost importance to understand the behavior of microorganisms that will unavoidably reach the space environment together with the human body and equipment. Indeed, microorganisms could activate their stress defense mechanisms, modifying properties related to human pathogenesis. The host-microbe interactions, in fact, could be substantially affected under spaceflight conditions and the study of microorganisms' growth and activity is necessary for predicting these behaviors and assessing precautionary measures during spaceflight. This review gives an overview of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on microorganisms both in real and simulated conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Senatore
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Mastroleo
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Gianluigi Mauriello
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Matin AC, Wang JH, Keyhan M, Singh R, Benoit M, Parra MP, Padgen MR, Ricco AJ, Chin M, Friedericks CR, Chinn TN, Cohen A, Henschke MB, Snyder TV, Lera MP, Ross SS, Mayberry CM, Choi S, Wu DT, Tan MX, Boone TD, Beasley CC, Piccini ME, Spremo SM. Payload hardware and experimental protocol development to enable future testing of the effect of space microgravity on the resistance to gentamicin of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and its σ s-deficient mutant. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2017; 15:1-10. [PMID: 29198308 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Human immune response is compromised and bacteria can become more antibiotic resistant in space microgravity (MG). We report that under low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG), stationary-phase uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) become more resistant to gentamicin (Gm), and that this increase is dependent on the presence of σs (a transcription regulator encoded by the rpoS gene). UPEC causes urinary tract infections (UTIs), reported to afflict astronauts; Gm is a standard treatment, so these findings could impact astronaut health. Because LSMMG findings can differ from MG, we report preparations to examine UPEC's Gm sensitivity during spaceflight using the E. coli Anti-Microbial Satellite (EcAMSat) as a free-flying "nanosatellite" in low Earth orbit. Within EcAMSat's payload, a 48-microwell fluidic card contains and supports study of bacterial cultures at constant temperature; optical absorbance changes in cell suspensions are made at three wavelengths for each microwell and a fluid-delivery system provides growth medium and predefined Gm concentrations. Performance characterization is reported here for spaceflight prototypes of this payload system. Using conventional microtiter plates, we show that Alamar Blue (AB) absorbance changes can assess the Gm effect on E. coli viability, permitting telemetric transfer of the spaceflight data to Earth. Laboratory results using payload prototypes are consistent with wellplate and flask findings of differential sensitivity of UPEC and its ∆rpoS strain to Gm. if σs plays the same role in space MG as in LSMMG and Earth gravity, countermeasures discovered in recent Earth studies (aimed at weakening the UPEC antioxidant defense) to control UPEC infections would prove useful also in space flights. Further, EcAMSat results should clarify inconsistencies from previous space experiments on bacterial antibiotic sensitivity and other issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Matin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - J-H Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mimi Keyhan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rachna Singh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael Benoit
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Chin
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Tori N Chinn
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Aaron Cohen
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sungshin Choi
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Diana T Wu
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Ming X Tan
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Characterization of methyl parathion degradation by a Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain, CEIB S4-3, isolated from agricultural soils. Biodegradation 2017; 28:351-367. [DOI: 10.1007/s10532-017-9801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
26
|
Karouia F, Peyvan K, Pohorille A. Toward biotechnology in space: High-throughput instruments for in situ biological research beyond Earth. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:905-932. [PMID: 28433608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space biotechnology is a nascent field aimed at applying tools of modern biology to advance our goals in space exploration. These advances rely on our ability to exploit in situ high throughput techniques for amplification and sequencing DNA, and measuring levels of RNA transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell. These techniques, collectively known as "omics" techniques have already revolutionized terrestrial biology. A number of on-going efforts are aimed at developing instruments to carry out "omics" research in space, in particular on board the International Space Station and small satellites. For space applications these instruments require substantial and creative reengineering that includes automation, miniaturization and ensuring that the device is resistant to conditions in space and works independently of the direction of the gravity vector. Different paths taken to meet these requirements for different "omics" instruments are the subjects of this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these instruments and technological solutions and their level of readiness for deployment in space are discussed. Considering that effects of space environments on terrestrial organisms appear to be global, it is argued that high throughput instruments are essential to advance (1) biomedical and physiological studies to control and reduce space-related stressors on living systems, (2) application of biology to life support and in situ resource utilization, (3) planetary protection, and (4) basic research about the limits on life in space. It is also argued that carrying out measurements in situ provides considerable advantages over the traditional space biology paradigm that relies on post-flight data analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Systems Implementation Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shao D, Yao L, Riaz MS, Zhu J, Shi J, Jin M, Huang Q, Yang H. Simulated microgravity affects some biological characteristics of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 101:3439-3449. [PMID: 28013406 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-8059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The effects of weightlessness on enteric microorganisms have been extensively studied, but have mainly been focused on pathogens. As a major component of the microbiome of the human intestinal tract, probiotics are important to keep the host healthy. Accordingly, understanding their changes under weightlessness conditions has substantial value. This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a typical probiotic for humans, under simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions. The results revealed that SMG had no significant impact on the morphology of L. acidophilus, but markedly shortened its lag phase, enhanced its growth rate, acid tolerance ability up to pH < 2.5, and the bile resistance at the bile concentration of <0.05%. SMG also decreased the sensitivity of L. acidophilus to cefalexin, sulfur gentamicin, and sodium penicillin. No obvious effect of SMG was observed on the adhesion ability of L. acidophilus to Caco-2 cells. Moreover, after SMG treatment, both the culture of L. acidophilus and its liquid phase exhibited higher antibacterial activity against S. typhimurium and S. aureus in a time-dependent manner. The SMG treatment also increased the in vitro cholesterol-lowering ability of L. acidophilus by regulating the expression of the key cholesterol metabolism genes CYP7A1, ABCB11, LDLR, and HMGCR in the HepG2 cell line. Thus, the SMG treatment did have considerable influence on some biological activities and characteristics of L. acidophilus related to human health. These findings provided valuable information for understanding the influence of probiotics on human health under simulated microgravity conditions, at least.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Linbo Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Area, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A & F University, 28 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Muhammad Shahid Riaz
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China.
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yamaguchi N, Roberts M, Castro S, Oubre C, Makimura K, Leys N, Grohmann E, Sugita T, Ichijo T, Nasu M. Microbial monitoring of crewed habitats in space-current status and future perspectives. Microbes Environ 2014; 29:250-60. [PMID: 25130885 PMCID: PMC4159036 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me14031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous space research conducted during short-term flight experiments and long-term environmental monitoring on board orbiting space stations suggests that the relationship between humans and microbes is altered in the crewed habitat in space. Both human physiology and microbial communities adapt to spaceflight. Microbial monitoring is critical to crew safety in long-duration space habitation and the sustained operation of life support systems on space transit vehicles, space stations, and surface habitats. To address this critical need, space agencies including NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) are working together to develop and implement specific measures to monitor, control, and counteract biological contamination in closed-environment systems. In this review, the current status of microbial monitoring conducted in the International Space Station (ISS) as well as the results of recent microbial spaceflight experiments have been summarized and future perspectives are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyasu Yamaguchi
- Environmental Science and Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Soni A, O'Sullivan L, Quick LN, Ott CM, Nickerson CA, Wilson JW. Conservation of the Low-shear Modeled Microgravity Response in Enterobacteriaceae and Analysis of the trp Genes in this Response. Open Microbiol J 2014; 8:51-8. [PMID: 25006354 PMCID: PMC4085587 DOI: 10.2174/1874285801408010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Low fluid shear force, including that encountered in microgravity models, induces bacterial responses, but the range of bacteria capable of responding to this signal remains poorly characterized. We systematically analyzed a range of Gram negative Enterobacteriaceae for conservation of the low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG) response using phenotypic assays, qPCR, and targeted mutations. Our results indicate LSMMG response conservation across Enterobacteriacae with potential variance in up- or down-regulation of a given response depending on genus. Based on the data, we analyzed the role of the trp operon genes and the TrpR regulator in the LSMMG response using targeted mutations in these genes in S. Typhimurium and E. coli. We found no alteration of the LSMMG response compared to WT in these mutant strains under the conditions tested here. To our knowledge, this study is first-of-kind for Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Serratia, presents novel data for Escherichia, and provides the first analysis of trp genes in LSMMG responses. This impacts our understanding of how LSMMG affects bacteria and our ability to modify bacteria with this condition in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Soni
- Villanova University, Biology Department, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085 ; Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Laura O'Sullivan
- Villanova University, Biology Department, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085 ; University of Pennsylvania,School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Laura N Quick
- Villanova University, Biology Department, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085 ; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - C Mark Ott
- NASA/Johnson Space Center, Habitability and Environmental Factors Division, Houston, TX77058
| | - Cheryl A Nickerson
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Institute, Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Tempe, AZ85281
| | - James W Wilson
- Villanova University, Biology Department, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Foster JS, Wheeler RM, Pamphile R. Host-microbe interactions in microgravity: assessment and implications. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:250-66. [PMID: 25370197 PMCID: PMC4187166 DOI: 10.3390/life4020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight imposes several unique stresses on biological life that together can have a profound impact on the homeostasis between eukaryotes and their associated microbes. One such stressor, microgravity, has been shown to alter host-microbe interactions at the genetic and physiological levels. Recent sequencing of the microbiomes associated with plants and animals have shown that these interactions are essential for maintaining host health through the regulation of several metabolic and immune responses. Disruptions to various environmental parameters or community characteristics may impact the resiliency of the microbiome, thus potentially driving host-microbe associations towards disease. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of host-microbe interactions in microgravity and assess the impact of this unique environmental stress on the normal physiological and genetic responses of both pathogenic and mutualistic associations. As humans move beyond our biosphere and undergo longer duration space flights, it will be essential to more fully understand microbial fitness in microgravity conditions in order to maintain a healthy homeostasis between humans, plants and their respective microbiomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie S Foster
- Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA.
| | | | - Regine Pamphile
- Space Life Science Lab, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Impact of simulated microgravity on the normal developmental time line of an animal-bacteria symbiosis. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1340. [PMID: 23439280 PMCID: PMC3581829 DOI: 10.1038/srep01340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment during space flight imposes numerous adverse effects on animal and microbial physiology. It is unclear, however, how microgravity impacts those cellular interactions between mutualistic microbes and their hosts. Here, we used the symbiosis between the host squid Euprymna scolopes and its luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri as a model system. We examined the impact of simulated microgravity on the timeline of bacteria-induced development in the host light organ, the site of the symbiosis. To simulate the microgravity environment, host squid and symbiosis-competent bacteria were incubated together in high-aspect ratio rotating wall vessel bioreactors and examined throughout the early stages of the bacteria-induced morphogenesis. The host innate immune response was suppressed under simulated microgravity; however, there was an acceleration of bacteria-induced apoptosis and regression in the host tissues. These results suggest that the space flight environment may alter the cellular interactions between animal hosts and their natural healthy microbiome.
Collapse
|
32
|
Schiwon K, Arends K, Rogowski KM, Fürch S, Prescha K, Sakinc T, Van Houdt R, Werner G, Grohmann E. Comparison of antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation and conjugative transfer of Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates from International Space Station and Antarctic Research Station Concordia. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2013; 65:638-51. [PMID: 23411852 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0193-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) and the Antarctic Research Station Concordia are confined and isolated habitats in extreme and hostile environments. The human and habitat microflora can alter due to the special environmental conditions resulting in microbial contamination and health risk for the crew. In this study, 29 isolates from the ISS and 55 from the Antarctic Research Station Concordia belonging to the genera Staphylococcus and Enterococcus were investigated. Resistance to one or more antibiotics was detected in 75.8 % of the ISS and in 43.6 % of the Concordia strains. The corresponding resistance genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction in 86 % of the resistant ISS strains and in 18.2 % of the resistant Concordia strains. Plasmids are present in 86.2 % of the ISS and in 78.2 % of the Concordia strains. Eight Enterococcus faecalis strains (ISS) harbor plasmids of about 130 kb. Relaxase and/or transfer genes encoded on plasmids from gram-positive bacteria like pIP501, pRE25, pSK41, pGO1 and pT181 were detected in 86.2 % of the ISS and in 52.7 % of the Concordia strains. Most pSK41-homologous transfer genes were detected in ISS isolates belonging to coagulase-negative staphylococci. We demonstrated through mating experiments that Staphylococcus haemolyticus F2 (ISS) and the Concordia strain Staphylococcus hominis subsp. hominis G2 can transfer resistance genes to E. faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Biofilm formation was observed in 83 % of the ISS and in 92.7 % of the Concordia strains. In conclusion, the ISS isolates were shown to encode more resistance genes and possess a higher gene transfer capacity due to the presence of three vir signature genes, virB1, virB4 and virD4 than the Concordia isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Schiwon
- Department of Environmental Microbiology/Genetics, Technical University, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Arunasri K, Adil M, Venu Charan K, Suvro C, Himabindu Reddy S, Shivaji S. Effect of simulated microgravity on E. coli K12 MG1655 growth and gene expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57860. [PMID: 23472115 PMCID: PMC3589462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates the effects of simulated microgravity on E. coli K 12 MG1655 grown on LB medium supplemented with glycerol. Global gene expression analysis indicated that the expressions of hundred genes were significantly altered in simulated microgravity conditions compared to that of normal gravity conditions. Under these conditions genes coding for adaptation to stress are up regulated (sufE and ssrA) and simultaneously genes coding for membrane transporters (ompC, exbB, actP, mgtA, cysW and nikB) and carbohydrate catabolic processes (ldcC, ptsA, rhaD and rhaS) are down regulated. The enhanced growth in simulated gravity conditions may be because of the adequate supply of energy/reducing equivalents and up regulation of genes involved in DNA replication (srmB) and repression of the genes encoding for nucleoside metabolism (dfp, pyrD and spoT). In addition, E. coli cultured in LB medium supplemented with glycerol (so as to protect the cells from freezing temperatures) do not exhibit multiple stress responses that are normally observed when cells are exposed to microgravity in LB medium without glycerol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed Adil
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|