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Tang X, Ferraz Júnior ADN, Karu K, Campos LC, Kim M. Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma for in-situ water treatment using a bubbling reactor. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 370:122574. [PMID: 39321675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Non-thermal plasma has been an emerging technology for water treatment for decades. In this study, we have designed and fabricated a bubbling plasma batch reactor using an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge with a hydrophobic porous membrane. The reactor performance is assessed for purifying synthetic contaminated water samples containing chemical contaminant sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a widely used antibiotic, and biological contaminant E. coli K12. The SMX decontamination tests indicate that the degradation process is not first-order and the reaction rate dwindle with increasing initial concentration. The yield at 50% removal achieves its highest value of 8.12 g/kWh for 50 mg/L SMX sample. For inactivation of E. coli K12 tests, the inactivation process is also not first-order, and the pathogen is completely inactivated for 102 CFU/mL and 104 CFU/mL cases after 10 min and 45 min of plasma treatment, respectively. For the 108 CFU/mL sample, a 5-log reduction is achieved after 60 min of treatment. The developed plasma reactor can achieve fast deployment in point of use, low cost for manufacturing, and simple for maintenance. Moreover, it can be used for in-situ water purification in future long duration crewed space missions as well as tackling with water pollution issues on our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tang
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, University of Southampton, SO16 7QF, United Kingdom.
| | - Antônio D N Ferraz Júnior
- Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Kersti Karu
- UCL Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Luiza C Campos
- Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Minkwan Kim
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, University of Southampton, SO16 7QF, United Kingdom
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2
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Etlin S, Rose J, Bielski L, Walter C, Kleinman AS, Mason CE. The human microbiome in space: parallels between Earth-based dysbiosis, implications for long-duration spaceflight, and possible mitigation strategies. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0016322. [PMID: 39136453 PMCID: PMC11391694 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00163-22] [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: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe human microbiota encompasses the diverse communities of microorganisms that reside in, on, and around various parts of the human body, such as the skin, nasal passages, and gastrointestinal tract. Although research is ongoing, it is well established that the microbiota exert a substantial influence on the body through the production and modification of metabolites and small molecules. Disruptions in the composition of the microbiota-dysbiosis-have also been linked to various negative health outcomes. As humans embark upon longer-duration space missions, it is important to understand how the conditions of space travel impact the microbiota and, consequently, astronaut health. This article will first characterize the main taxa of the human gut microbiota and their associated metabolites, before discussing potential dysbiosis and negative health consequences. It will also detail the microbial changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight, focusing on gut microbiota composition and pathogenic virulence and survival. Analysis will then turn to how astronaut health may be protected from adverse microbial changes via diet, exercise, and antibiotics before concluding with a discussion of the microbiota of spacecraft and microbial culturing methods in space. The implications of this review are critical, particularly with NASA's ongoing implementation of the Moon to Mars Architecture, which will include weeks or months of living in space and new habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Etlin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Julianna Rose
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Luca Bielski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Claire Walter
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashley S Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- BioAstra Inc., New York, New York, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Tri-Institutional Biology and Medicine program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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3
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King SA, Kutz CJ, Chough NG. Spaceflight Environment. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:695-709. [PMID: 38925783 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2024.02.023] [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: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The safety and health of individuals who may be exposed to the spaceflight environment are first and foremost cared for through prevention. This environment, which encompasses microgravity, radiation, and alternobaric factors, can have physiologic impacts on every human system. Available medical care and resources in the spaceflight environment are currently limited by mass and volume constraints, with available medical resources thereby focusing on a patient's stabilization and evacuation. An understanding of the spaceflight environment and its possible effects is crucial for the treatment of individuals prior to, during, and after spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A King
- University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Division of Aerospace Medicine, Department of Global and Emerging Diseases, School of Public and Population Health, 301 University Boulevard, Health Clinics, 4.208, Galveston, TX 77555-1150, USA.
| | - Craig J Kutz
- University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Division of Aerospace Medicine, Department of Global and Emerging Diseases, School of Public and Population Health, 301 University Boulevard, Health Clinics, 4.208, Galveston, TX 77555-1150, USA
| | - Natacha G Chough
- University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Division of Aerospace Medicine, Department of Global and Emerging Diseases, School of Public and Population Health, 301 University Boulevard, Health Clinics, 4.208, Galveston, TX 77555-1150, USA
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4
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Wadhwa A, Moreno-Villanueva M, Crucian B, Wu H. Synergistic interplay between radiation and microgravity in spaceflight-related immunological health risks. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:50. [PMID: 39033285 PMCID: PMC11264846 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00449-w] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a myriad of environmental stressors to astronauts´ physiology including microgravity and radiation. The individual impacts of microgravity and radiation on the immune system have been extensively investigated, though a comprehensive review on their combined effects on immune system outcomes is missing. Therefore, this review aims at understanding the synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions between microgravity and radiation and their impact on immune function as observed during spaceflight-analog studies such as rodent hindlimb unloading and cell culture rotating wall vessel models. These mimic some, but not all, of the physiological changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight and provide valuable information that should be considered when planning future missions. We provide guidelines for the design of further spaceflight-analog studies, incorporating influential factors such as age and sex for rodent models and standardizing the longitudinal evaluation of specific immunological alterations for both rodent and cellular models of spaceflight exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wadhwa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA.
| | | | | | - Honglu Wu
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
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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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Overbey EG, Ryon K, Kim J, Tierney BT, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Mullane S, Schmidt JC, MacKay M, Damle N, Najjar D, Matei I, Patras L, Garcia Medina JS, Kleinman AS, Wain Hirschberg J, Proszynski J, Narayanan SA, Schmidt CM, Afshin EE, Innes L, Saldarriaga MM, Schmidt MA, Granstein RD, Shirah B, Yu M, Lyden D, Mateus J, Mason CE. Collection of biospecimens from the inspiration4 mission establishes the standards for the space omics and medical atlas (SOMA). Nat Commun 2024; 15:4964. [PMID: 38862509 PMCID: PMC11166662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from four crew members longitudinally before (Launch: L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (Flight Day: FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (Return: R + 1, R + 45, R + 82, R + 194 days) spaceflight, spanning a total of 289 days across 2021-2022. The collection process included venous whole blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies. Venous whole blood was further processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles and particles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In total, 2,911 sample aliquots were shipped to our central lab at Weill Cornell Medicine for downstream assays and biobanking. This paper provides an overview of the extensive biospecimen collection and highlights their processing procedures and long-term biobanking techniques, facilitating future molecular tests and evaluations.As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can aid future human spaceflight and space biology experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah G Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
- Center for STEM, University of Austin, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Krista Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braden T Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean Mullane
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Julian C Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Laura Patras
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - J Sebastian Garcia Medina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley S Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Florida State University, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Caleb M Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan E Afshin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucinda Innes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Michael A Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Bader Shirah
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA.
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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7
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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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8
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Marra D, Karapantsios T, Caserta S, Secchi E, Holynska M, Labarthe S, Polizzi B, Ortega S, Kostoglou M, Lasseur C, Karapanagiotis I, Lecuyer S, Bridier A, Noirot-Gros MF, Briandet R. 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Marra
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPi), University of Naples, Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Thodoris Karapantsios
- Division of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Box 116, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sergio Caserta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPi), University of Naples, Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Secchi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Simon Labarthe
- University of Bordeaux, IMB, UMR 5251, CNRS, IMB, Memphis Team, INRIA, Talence, France
| | - Bastien Polizzi
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques de Besançon, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CNRS UMR-6623, Besançon, France
| | | | - Margaritis Kostoglou
- Division of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Box 116, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Karapanagiotis
- Division of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Box 116, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Arnaud Bridier
- Fougères Laboratory, Antibiotics, Biocides, Residues and Resistance Unit, ANSES, Fougères, France
| | | | - Romain Briandet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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9
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Overbey EG, Ryon K, Kim J, Tierney B, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Mullane S, Schmidt JC, MacKay M, Damle N, Najjar D, Matei I, Patras L, Medina JSG, Kleinman A, Hirschberg JW, Proszynski J, Narayanan SA, Schmidt CM, Afshin EE, Innes L, Saldarriaga MM, Schmidt MA, Granstein RD, Shirah B, Yu M, Lyden D, Mateus J, Mason CE. Collection of Biospecimens from the Inspiration4 Mission Establishes the Standards for the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.02.539108. [PMID: 37205403 PMCID: PMC10187258 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.02.539108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from the crew at different stages of the mission, including before (L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (R+1, R+45, R+82, R+194 days) spaceflight, creating a longitudinal sample set. The collection process included samples such as venous blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies, which were processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All samples were then processed in clinical and research laboratories for optimal isolation and testing of DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and other biomolecules. This paper describes the complete set of collected biospecimens, their processing steps, and long-term biobanking methods, which enable future molecular assays and testing. As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can also aid future experiments in human spaceflight and space biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah G. Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braden Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Ortiz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean Mullane
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Julian C. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena Najjar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Laura Patras
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Ashley Kleinman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Wain Hirschberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Proszynski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Caleb M. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan E. Afshin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucinda Innes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Schmidt
- Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Advanced Pattern Analysis & Human Performance Group, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Bader Shirah
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jaime Mateus
- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Hawthorne, CA, USA
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BioAstra, Inc, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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10
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McDonagh F, Cormican M, Morris D, Burke L, Singh NK, Venkateswaran K, Miliotis G. Medical Astro-Microbiology: Current Role and Future Challenges. J Indian Inst Sci 2023; 103:1-26. [PMID: 37362850 PMCID: PMC10082442 DOI: 10.1007/s41745-023-00360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The second and third decades of the twenty-first century are marked by a flourishing of space technology which may soon realise human aspirations of a permanent multiplanetary presence. The prevention, control and management of infection with microbial pathogens is likely to play a key role in how successful human space aspirations will become. This review considers the emerging field of medical astro-microbiology. It examines the current evidence regarding the risk of infection during spaceflight via host susceptibility, alterations to the host's microbiome as well as exposure to other crew members and spacecraft's microbiomes. It also considers the relevance of the hygiene hypothesis in this regard. It then reviews the current evidence related to infection risk associated with microbial adaptability in spaceflight conditions. There is a particular focus on the International Space Station (ISS), as one of the only two crewed objects in low Earth orbit. It discusses the effects of spaceflight related stressors on viruses and the infection risks associated with latent viral reactivation and increased viral shedding during spaceflight. It then examines the effects of the same stressors on bacteria, particularly in relation to changes in virulence and drug resistance. It also considers our current understanding of fungal adaptability in spaceflight. The global public health and environmental risks associated with a possible re-introduction to Earth of invasive species are also briefly discussed. Finally, this review examines the largely unknown microbiology and infection implications of celestial body habitation with an emphasis placed on Mars. Overall, this review summarises much of our current understanding of medical astro-microbiology and identifies significant knowledge gaps. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca McDonagh
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin Cormican
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dearbháile Morris
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Liam Burke
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Georgios Miliotis
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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11
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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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12
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Çelen İ, Jayasinghe A, Doh JH, Sabanayagam CR. Transcriptomic Signature of the Simulated Microgravity Response in Caenorhabditis elegans and Comparison to Spaceflight Experiments. Cells 2023; 12:270. [PMID: 36672205 PMCID: PMC9856674 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the growing interest in human exploration of space, it is crucial to identify the effects of space conditions on biological processes. Here, we analyze the transcriptomic response of Caenorhabditis elegans to simulated microgravity and observe the maintained transcriptomic response after returning to ground conditions for four, eight, and twelve days. We show that 75% of the simulated microgravity-induced changes on gene expression persist after returning to ground conditions for four days while most of these changes are reverted after twelve days. Our results from integrative RNA-seq and mass spectrometry analyses suggest that simulated microgravity affects longevity-regulating insulin/IGF-1 and sphingolipid signaling pathways. Finally, we identified 118 genes that are commonly differentially expressed in simulated microgravity- and space-exposed worms. Overall, this work provides insight into the effect of microgravity on biological systems during and after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrem Çelen
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Aroshan Jayasinghe
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Jung H. Doh
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711, USA
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13
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Gu R, Liu H, Hu M, Zhu Y, Liu X, Wang F, Wu L, Song D, Liu Y. D-Mannose prevents bone loss under weightlessness. J Transl Med 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36617569 PMCID: PMC9827691 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astronauts undergo significant microgravity-induced bone loss during space missions, which has become one of the three major medical problems hindering human's long-term space flight. A risk-free and antiresorptive drug is urgently needed to prevent bone loss during space missions. D-mannose is a natural C-2 epimer of D-glucose and is abundant in cranberries. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of D-mannose against bone loss under weightlessness. METHODS The hind legs of tail-suspended (TS) rats were used to mimic weightlessness on Earth. Rats were administered D-mannose intragastrically. The osteoclastogenic and osteogenic capacity of D-mannose in vitro and in vivo was analyzed by micro-computed tomography, biomechanical assessment, bone histology, serum markers of bone metabolism, cell proliferation assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis was performed to detect the underlying mechanisms of D-mannose in bone protection. RESULTS The TS rats showed lower bone mineral density (BMD) and poorer bone morphological indices. D-mannose could improve BMD in TS rats. D-mannose inhibited osteoclast proliferation and fusion in vitro, without apparent effects on osteoblasts. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis showed that D-mannose administration significantly inhibited the cell fusion molecule dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) and two indispensable transcription factors for osteoclast fusion (c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 [NFATc1]). Finally, TS rats tended to experience dysuria-related urinary tract infections (UTIs), which were suppressed by treatment with D-mannose. CONCLUSION D-mannose protected against bone loss and UTIs in rats under weightlessness. The bone protective effects of D-mannose were mediated by inhibiting osteoclast cell fusion. Our findings provide a potential strategy to protect against bone loss and UTIs during space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranli Gu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Hao Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319The Central Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Menglong Hu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Xuenan Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Feilong Wang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Likun Wu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Danyang Song
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yunsong Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Prosthodontics, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081 China
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14
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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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15
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Rutherford A, Glass DA, Savory S. Dermatology in orbit: Anticipating skin care requirements in the space age. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 87:1223-1224. [PMID: 28947284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Donald A Glass
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas
| | - Stephanie Savory
- Department of Dermatology University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas.
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16
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Cortesão M, Holland G, Schütze T, Laue M, Moeller R, Meyer V. Colony growth and biofilm formation of Aspergillus niger under simulated microgravity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:975763. [PMID: 36212831 PMCID: PMC9539656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.975763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biotechnology- and medicine-relevant fungus Aspergillus niger is a common colonizer of indoor habitats such as the International Space Station (ISS). Being able to colonize and biodegrade a wide range of surfaces, A. niger can ultimately impact human health and habitat safety. Surface contamination relies on two key-features of the fungal colony: the fungal spores, and the vegetative mycelium, also known as biofilm. Aboard the ISS, microorganisms and astronauts are shielded from extreme temperatures and radiation, but are inevitably affected by spaceflight microgravity. Knowing how microgravity affects A. niger colony growth, in particular regarding the vegetative mycelium (biofilm) and spore production, will help prevent and control fungal contaminations in indoor habitats on Earth and in space. Because fungal colonies grown on agar can be considered analogs for surface contamination, we investigated A. niger colony growth on agar in normal gravity (Ground) and simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions by fast-clinorotation. Three strains were included: a wild-type strain, a pigmentation mutant (ΔfwnA), and a hyperbranching mutant (ΔracA). Our study presents never before seen scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of A. niger colonies that reveal a complex ultrastructure and biofilm architecture, and provide insights into fungal colony development, both on ground and in simulated microgravity. Results show that simulated microgravity affects colony growth in a strain-dependent manner, leading to thicker biofilms (vegetative mycelium) and increased spore production. We suggest that the Rho GTPase RacA might play a role in A. niger’s adaptation to simulated microgravity, as deletion of ΔracA leads to changes in biofilm thickness, spore production and total biomass. We also propose that FwnA-mediated melanin production plays a role in A. niger’s microgravity response, as ΔfwnA mutant colonies grown under SMG conditions showed increased colony area and spore production. Taken together, our study shows that simulated microgravity does not inhibit A. niger growth, but rather indicates a potential increase in surface-colonization. Further studies addressing fungal growth and surface contaminations in spaceflight should be conducted, not only to reduce the risk of negatively impacting human health and spacecraft material safety, but also to positively utilize fungal-based biotechnology to acquire needed resources in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marta Cortesão,
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tabea Schütze
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Caswell G, Eshelby B. Skin microbiome considerations for long haul space flights. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:956432. [PMID: 36158225 PMCID: PMC9493037 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.956432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the human skin microbiome has long been associated with changes to the pH of the skin, dermal immune function and chronic skin conditions. Dermatological issues have been noted as the most prevalent medical presentation in the microgravity environment of space. The change in gravitational forces has been implicated in human immuno-suppression, also impacted by changes in the gastrointestinal-skin axis and its impact on Vitamin D metabolism, altered microbial gene expression in resident flora (leading changes in biofilm formation) and increased virulence factors in potential pathogens. There are also other stressors to the skin microbiome unique to space travel, including increased exposure to radiation, prolonged periods of dry washing technique, air quality and changes in microbe replication and growth parameters. Optimal microbiome health leads to enhanced skin barrier manufacture and maintenance, along with improved skin immune function and healing. In a microgravity environment expected to be experienced during long space flights, disruptions to the skin microbiome, coupled with increased virulence of pathological viruses and bacteria has implications for holistic skin health, astronaut cognitive function and mental health, and is coupled with slowed rates of wound healing. Scenario management for holistic skin health and restoration of microbiome homeostasis on long space flights require consideration.
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18
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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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19
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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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20
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Tran QD, Tran V, Toh LS, Williams PM, Tran NN, Hessel V. Space Medicines for Space Health. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1231-1247. [PMID: 35978686 PMCID: PMC9377000 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists from around the world are studying the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation via the "off-Earth" International Space Station (ISS) laboratory platform. The ISS has helped scientists make discoveries that go beyond the basic understanding of Earth. Over 300 medical experiments have been performed to date, with the goal of extending the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity. This paper gives an overview of these numerous space medical findings, critically identifies challenges and gaps, and puts the achievements into perspective toward long-term space traveling and also adding benefits to our home planet. The medical contents are trifold structured, starting with the well-being of space travelers (astronaut health studies), followed by medical formulation research under space conditions, and then concluding with a blueprint for space pharmaceutical manufacturing. The review covers essential elements of our Earth-based pharmaceutical research such as drug discovery, drug and formulation stability, drug-organ interaction, drug disintegration/bioavailability/pharmacokinetics, pathogen virulence, genome mutation, and body's resistance. The information compiles clinical, medicinal, biological, and chemical research as well as fundamentals and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy Don Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Vienna Tran
- Adelaide
Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Li Shean Toh
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M. Williams
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
| | - Volker Hessel
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- School of
Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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21
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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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22
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Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp.
similipneumoniae
Strain IF3SW-P1, Isolated from the International Space Station. Microbiol Resour Announc 2022; 11:e0047622. [PMID: 35735981 PMCID: PMC9302127 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00476-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5.2-Mb circular genome of
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
subsp.
similipneumoniae
strain IF3SW-P1, isolated from the International Space Station, was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The genome lacks a megaplasmid typical of hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant
Klebsiella
strains but does contain a chromosomally encoded OqxAB efflux pump associated with carbapenem resistance.
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23
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Zhang B, Bai P, Wang D. Growth Behavior and Transcriptome Profile Analysis of Proteus mirabilis Strain Under Long- versus Short-Term Simulated Microgravity Environment. Pol J Microbiol 2022; 71:161-171. [PMID: 35635525 PMCID: PMC9252141 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2022-015] [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: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight missions affect the behavior of microbes that are inevitably introduced into space environments and may impact astronauts’ health. Current studies have mainly focused on the biological characteristics and molecular mechanisms of microbes after short-term or long-term spaceflight, but few have compared the impact of various lengths of spaceflight missions on the characteristics of microbes. Researchers generally agree that microgravity (MG) is the most critical factor influencing microbial physiology in space capsules during flight missions. This study compared the growth behavior and transcriptome profile of Proteus mirabilis cells exposed to long-term simulated microgravity (SMG) with those exposed to short-term SMG. The results showed that long-term SMG decreased the growth rate, depressed biofilm formation ability, and affected several transcriptomic profiles, including stress response, membrane transportation, metal ion transportation, biological adhesion, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism in contrast to short-term SMG. This study improved the understanding of long-term versus short-term SMG effects on P. mirabilis behavior and provided relevant references for analyzing the influence of P. mirabilis on astronaut health during spaceflights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital , Binzhou , China
| | - Po Bai
- Respiratory Diseases Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center , Beijing , China
| | - Dapeng Wang
- Respiratory Diseases Department, The Second Medical Center of PLA General Hospital , Beijing , China
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24
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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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25
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Yang J, Fu Y, Liu H. Microbiomes of air dust collected during the ground-based closed bioregenerative life support experiment "Lunar Palace 365". ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:4. [PMID: 35081988 PMCID: PMC8793263 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00399-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the dynamics of airborne microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in space life support systems is important because potential pathogens and antibiotic resistance pose a health risk to crew that can lead to mission failure. There have been few reports on the distribution patterns of microbiomes and ARGs in space life support systems. In particular, there have been no detailed investigations of microbiomes and/or antibiotic resistance based on molecular methods in long-term confined bioregenerative life support systems (BLSSs). Therefore, in the present study, we collected air dust samples from two crew shifts, different areas, and different time points in the "Lunar Palace 365" experiment. We evaluated microbial diversity, species composition, functional potential, and antibiotic resistance by combining cultivation-independent analyses (amplicon, shot-gun sequencing, and qPCR). RESULTS We found that the bacterial community diversity in the Lunar Palace1 (LP1) system was higher than that in a controlled environment but lower than that in an open environment. Personnel exchange led to significant differences in bacterial community diversity, and source tracking analysis revealed that most bacteria in the air derived from the cabin crew and plants, but no differences in microbial function or antibiotic resistance were observed. Thus, human presence had the strongest effect on the succession of microbial diversity in the BLSSs. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that microbial diversity in BLSSs is heavily influenced by changes in crew and is unique from other open and controlled environments. Our findings can be used to help develop safe, enclosed BLSS that meet the requirements of human survival and habitation in outer space. In addition, our results can further enhance our understanding of the indoor air microbial community and effectively maintain a safe working and living environment, including plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlou Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuming Fu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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26
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Su X, Guo Y, Fang T, Jiang X, Wang D, Li D, Bai P, Zhang B, Wang J, Liu C. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on the Physiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Multiomic Analysis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:701265. [PMID: 34512577 PMCID: PMC8429793 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.701265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have shown that the space environment plays a pivotal role in changing the characteristics of conditional pathogens, especially their pathogenicity and virulence. However, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a type of conditional pathogen that has shown to a gradual increase in clinical morbidity in recent years, has rarely been reported for its impact in space. In this study, S. maltophilia was exposed to a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment in high-aspect ratio rotating-wall vessel bioreactors for 14days, while the control group was exposed to the same bioreactors in a normal gravity (NG) environment. Then, combined phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses were conducted to compare the influence of the SMG and NG on S. maltophilia. The results showed that S. maltophilia in simulated microgravity displayed an increased growth rate, enhanced biofilm formation ability, increased swimming motility, and metabolic alterations compared with those of S. maltophilia in normal gravity and the original strain of S. maltophilia. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) annotation analysis indicated that the increased growth rate might be related to the upregulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in energy metabolism and conversion, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, transport and catabolism, intracellular trafficking, secretion, and vesicular transport. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that the increased motility might be associated the upregulation of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in locomotion, localization, biological adhesion, and binding, in accordance with the upregulated DEGs in cell motility according to COG classification, including pilP, pilM, flgE, flgG, and ronN. Additionally, the increased biofilm formation ability might be associated with the upregulation of DEPs involved in biofilm formation, the bacterial secretion system, biological adhesion, and cell adhesion, which were shown to be regulated by the differentially expressed genes (chpB, chpC, rpoN, pilA, pilG, pilH, and pilJ) through the integration of transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. These results suggested that simulated microgravity might increase the level of corresponding functional proteins by upregulating related genes to alter physiological characteristics and modulate growth rate, motility, biofilm formation, and metabolism. In conclusion, this study is the first general analysis of the phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes in S. maltophilia under simulated microgravity and provides some suggestions for future studies of space microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Su
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghua Guo
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingzheng Fang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuege Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dapeng Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Diangeng Li
- Department of Academic Research, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Po Bai
- Respiratory Diseases Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changting Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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27
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Singh S, Vidyasagar PB, Kulkarni GR. Investigating alterations in the cellular envelope of Staphylococcus aureus in simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 30:1-8. [PMID: 34281660 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Continuous rotation of liquid bacterial culture in random positioning machine (RPM) causes formation of a colloidal bacterial culture in the culture tube, due to lack of sedimentation and convection. Interestingly, similar colloidal bacterial cultures can also be seen in suspended bacterial cultures in a spaceflight environment. Thus, as a consequence of no sedimentation, an alteration in the microenvironment of each bacterial cell in simulated microgravity is introduced, compared to the bacterial culture grown in normal gravity wherein they sediment slowly at the bottom of the culture tube. Apparently, a bacterial cell can sense changes in its environment through various receptors and sensors present at its surface, thus it can be speculated that this change in its microenvironment might induce changes in its cell wall and cell surface properties. In our study, changes in growth kinetics, cell wall constitution using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), cell surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation ability and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 2079 strain, in simulated microgravity (using RPM) was studied in detail. Noteworthy alterations in its growth kinetics, cell wall constitution, cell surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation ability and antibiotic susceptibility especially to Erythromycin and Clindamycin were observed. Our data suggests that microgravity may cause alterations in the cellular envelope of planktonic S.aureus cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Singh
- Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind road, Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Pandit B Vidyasagar
- Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind road, Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Gauri R Kulkarni
- Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind road, Pune, 411007, India.
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28
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Braddock M. From Target Identification to Drug Development in Space: Using the Microgravity Assist. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2021; 17:45-56. [PMID: 30648510 DOI: 10.2174/1570163816666190112150014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unique nature of microgravity encountered in space provides an opportunity for drug discovery and development that cannot be replicated on Earth. From the production of superior protein crystals to the identification and validation of new drug targets to microarray analyses of transcripts attenuated by microgravity, there are numerous examples which demonstrate the benefit of exploiting the space environment. Moreover, studies conducted on Space Shuttle missions, the International Space Station and other craft have had a direct benefit for drug development programmes such as those directed against reducing bone and muscle loss or increasing bone formation. This review will highlight advances made in both drug discovery and development and offer some future insight into how drug discovery and associated technologies may be further advanced using the microgravity assist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Braddock
- Sherwood Observatory, Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 5LF, United Kingdom
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29
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Biomaterials for human space exploration: A review of their untapped potential. Acta Biomater 2021; 128:77-99. [PMID: 33962071 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As biomaterial advances make headway into lightweight radiation protection, wound healing dressings, and microbe resistant surfaces, a relevance to human space exploration manifests itself. To address the needs of the human in space, a knowledge of the space environment becomes necessary. Both an understanding of the environment itself and an understanding of the physiological adaptations to that environment must inform design parameters. The space environment permits the fabrication of novel biomaterials that cannot be produced on Earth, but benefit Earth. Similarly, designing a biomaterial to address a space-based challenge may lead to novel biomaterials that will ultimately benefit Earth. This review describes several persistent challenges to human space exploration, a variety of biomaterials that might mitigate those challenges, and considers a special category of space biomaterial. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work is a review of the major human and environmental challenges facing human spaceflight, and where biomaterials may mitigate some of those challenges. The work is significant because a broad range of biomaterials are applicable to the human space program, but the overlap is not widely known amongst biomaterials researchers who are unfamiliar with the challenges to human spaceflight. Additionaly, there are adaptations to microgravity that mimic the pathology of certain disease states ("terrestrial analogs") where treatments that help the overwhelmingly healthy astronauts can be applied to help those with the desease. Advances in space technology have furthered the technology in that field on Earth. By outlining ways that biomaterials can promote human space exploration, space-driven advances in biomaterials will further biomaterials technology.
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30
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Draft Genome Sequences of Various Bacterial Phyla Isolated from the International Space Station. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:10/17/e00214-21. [PMID: 33927037 PMCID: PMC8086211 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00214-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome sequences were generated from 96 bacterial strains of 14 species that were isolated from International Space Station surfaces during the Microbial Tracking 2 study. Continued characterization of this closed habitat's microbiome enables tracking of the spread and evolution of secondary pathogens, which is vital for astronaut health. Whole-genome sequences were generated from 96 bacterial strains of 14 species that were isolated from International Space Station surfaces during the Microbial Tracking 2 study. Continued characterization of this closed habitat's microbiome enables tracking of the spread and evolution of secondary pathogens, which is vital for astronaut health.
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31
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Stability of Antimicrobial Drug Molecules in Different Gravitational and Radiation Conditions in View of Applications during Outer Space Missions. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082221. [PMID: 33921448 PMCID: PMC8069917 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of different antimicrobial drugs in terrestrial, microgravity and hypergravity conditions is presented within this review, in connection with their implementation during human space exploration. Drug stability is of utmost importance for applications in outer space. Instabilities may be radiation-induced or micro-/hypergravity produced. The antimicrobial agents used in space may have diminished effects not only due to the microgravity-induced weakened immune response of astronauts, but also due to the gravity and radiation-altered pathogens. In this context, the paper provides schemes and procedures to find reliable ways of fighting multiple drug resistance acquired by microorganisms. It shows that the role of multipurpose medicines modified at the molecular scale by optical methods in long-term space missions should be considered in more detail. Solutions to maintain drug stability, even in extreme environmental conditions, are also discussed, such as those that would be encountered during long-duration space exploratory missions. While the microgravity conditions may not be avoided in space, the suggested approaches deal with the radiation-induced modifications in humans, bacteria and medicines onboard, which may be fought by novel pharmaceutical formulation strategies along with radioprotective packaging and storage.
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32
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Tesei D, Chiang AJ, Kalkum M, Stajich JE, Mohan GBM, Sterflinger K, Venkateswaran K. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on the Proteome and Secretome of the Polyextremotolerant Black Fungus Knufia chersonesos. Front Genet 2021; 12:638708. [PMID: 33815472 PMCID: PMC8012687 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.638708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Black fungi are a group of melanotic microfungi characterized by remarkable polyextremotolerance. Due to a broad ecological plasticity and adaptations at the cellular level, it is predicted that they may survive in a variety of extreme environments, including harsh niches on Earth and Mars, and in outer space. However, the molecular mechanisms aiding survival, especially in space, are yet to be fully elucidated. Based on these premises, the rock-inhabiting black fungus Knufia chersonesos (Wt) and its non-melanized mutant (Mut) were exposed to simulated microgravity-one of the prevalent features characterizing space conditions-by growing the cultures in high-aspect-ratio vessels (HARVs). Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses were performed on the mycelia and supernatant of culture medium (secretome) to assess alterations in cell physiology in response to low-shear simulated microgravity (LSSMG) and to ultimately evaluate the role of cell-wall melanization in stress survival. Differential expression was observed for proteins involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolic processes, transport, and ribosome biogenesis and translation via ribosomal translational machinery. However, no evidence of significant activation of stress components or starvation response was detected, except for the scytalone dehydratase, enzyme involved in the synthesis of dihydroxynaphthalene (DNH) melanin, which was found to be upregulated in the secretome of the wild type and downregulated in the mutant. Differences in protein modulation were observed between K. chersonesos Wt and Mut, with several proteins being downregulated under LSSMG in the Mut when compared to the Wt. Lastly, no major morphological alterations were observed following exposure to LSSMG. Similarly, the strains' survivability was not negatively affected. This study is the first to characterize the response to simulated microgravity in black fungi, which might have implications on future astrobiological missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Abby J. Chiang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research and Infectious Diseases, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute for Natural Sciences and Technology in the Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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McNulty MJ, Xiong YM, Yates K, Karuppanan K, Hilzinger JM, Berliner AJ, Delzio J, Arkin AP, Lane NE, Nandi S, McDonald KA. Molecular pharming to support human life on the moon, mars, and beyond. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 41:849-864. [PMID: 33715563 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1888070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Space missions have always assumed that the risk of spacecraft malfunction far outweighs the risk of human system failure. This assumption breaks down for longer duration exploration missions and exposes vulnerabilities in space medical systems. Space agencies can no longer reduce the majority of the human health and performance risks through crew members selection process and emergency re-supply or evacuation. No mature medical solutions exist to address this risk. With recent advances in biotechnology, there is promise for lessening this risk by augmenting a space pharmacy with a biologically-based space foundry for the on-demand manufacturing of high-value medical products. Here we review the challenges and opportunities of molecular pharming, the production of pharmaceuticals in plants, as the basis of a space medical foundry to close the risk gap in current space medical systems. Plants have long been considered to be an important life support object in space and can now also be viewed as programmable factories in space. Advances in molecular pharming-based space foundries will have widespread applications in promoting simple and accessible pharmaceutical manufacturing on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J McNulty
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yongao Mary Xiong
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Yates
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kalimuthu Karuppanan
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacob M Hilzinger
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J Berliner
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jesse Delzio
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nancy E Lane
- Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Somen Nandi
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen A McDonald
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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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.
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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, 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.
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Green MJ, Aylott JW, Williams P, Ghaemmaghami AM, Williams PM. Immunity in Space: Prokaryote Adaptations and Immune Response in Microgravity. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020112. [PMID: 33540536 PMCID: PMC7912908 DOI: 10.3390/life11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction has long been reported by medical professionals regarding astronauts suffering from opportunistic infections both during their time in space and a short period afterwards once back on Earth. Various species of prokaryotes onboard these space missions or cultured in a microgravity analogue exhibit increased virulence, enhanced formation of biofilms, and in some cases develop specific resistance for specific antibiotics. This poses a substantial health hazard to the astronauts confined in constant proximity to any present bacterial pathogens on long space missions with a finite number of resources including antibiotics. Furthermore, some bacteria cultured in microgravity develop phenotypes not seen in Earth gravity conditions, providing novel insights into bacterial evolution and avenues for research. Immune dysfunction caused by exposure to microgravity may increase the chance of bacterial infection. Immune cell stimulation, toll-like receptors and pathogen-associated molecular patterns can all be altered in microgravity and affect immunological crosstalk and response. Production of interleukins and other cytokines can also be altered leading to immune dysfunction when responding to bacterial infection. Stem cell differentiation and immune cell activation and proliferation can also be impaired and altered by the microgravity environment once more adding to immune dysfunction in microgravity. This review elaborates on and contextualises these findings relating to how bacteria can adapt to microgravity and how the immune system subsequently responds to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macauley J. Green
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.J.G.); (J.W.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.W.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Jonathan W. Aylott
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.J.G.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.W.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Amir M. Ghaemmaghami
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (P.W.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Philip M. Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.J.G.); (J.W.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Space Biology Research and Biosensor Technologies: Past, Present, and Future. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11020038. [PMID: 33572823 PMCID: PMC7912197 DOI: 10.3390/bios11020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In light of future missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) and the potential establishment of bases on the Moon and Mars, the effects of the deep space environment on biology need to be examined in order to develop protective countermeasures. Although many biological experiments have been performed in space since the 1960s, most have occurred in LEO and for only short periods of time. These LEO missions have studied many biological phenomena in a variety of model organisms, and have utilized a broad range of technologies. However, given the constraints of the deep space environment, upcoming deep space biological missions will be largely limited to microbial organisms and plant seeds using miniaturized technologies. Small satellites such as CubeSats are capable of querying relevant space environments using novel, miniaturized instruments and biosensors. CubeSats also provide a low-cost alternative to larger, more complex missions, and require minimal crew support, if any. Several have been deployed in LEO, but the next iterations of biological CubeSats will travel beyond LEO. They will utilize biosensors that can better elucidate the effects of the space environment on biology, allowing humanity to return safely to deep space, venturing farther than ever before.
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Mahnert A, Verseux C, Schwendner P, Koskinen K, Kumpitsch C, Blohs M, Wink L, Brunner D, Goessler T, Billi D, Moissl-Eichinger C. Microbiome dynamics during the HI-SEAS IV mission, and implications for future crewed missions beyond Earth. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:27. [PMID: 33487169 PMCID: PMC7831191 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human health is closely interconnected with its microbiome. Resilient microbiomes in, on, and around the human body will be key for safe and successful long-term space travel. However, longitudinal dynamics of microbiomes inside confined built environments are still poorly understood. Herein, we used the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation IV (HI-SEAS IV) mission, a 1 year-long isolation study, to investigate microbial transfer between crew and habitat, in order to understand adverse developments which may occur in a future outpost on the Moon or Mars. RESULTS Longitudinal 16S rRNA gene profiles, as well as quantitative observations, revealed significant differences in microbial diversity, abundance, and composition between samples of the built environment and its crew. The microbiome composition and diversity associated with abiotic surfaces was found to be rather stable, whereas the microbial skin profiles of individual crew members were highly dynamic, resulting in an increased microbiome diversity at the end of the isolation period. The skin microbiome dynamics were especially pronounced by a regular transfer of the indicator species Methanobrevibacter between crew members within the first 200 days. Quantitative information was used to track the propagation of antimicrobial resistance in the habitat. Together with functional and phenotypic predictions, quantitative and qualitative data supported the observation of a delayed longitudinal microbial homogenization between crew and habitat surfaces which was mainly caused by a malfunctioning sanitary facility. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights main routes of microbial transfer, interaction of the crew, and origins of microbial dynamics in an isolated environment. We identify key targets of microbial monitoring, and emphasize the need for defined baselines of microbiome diversity and abundance on surfaces and crew skin. Targeted manipulation to counteract adverse developments of the microbiome could be a highly important strategy to ensure safety during future space endeavors. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mahnert
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- Laboratory of Applied Space Microbiology, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), University of Bremen, Am Fallturm 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Petra Schwendner
- University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab, 505 Odyssey Way, Exploration Park, N. Merritt Island, FL 32953 USA
| | - Kaisa Koskinen
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Kumpitsch
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marcus Blohs
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Wink
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Brunner
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Theodora Goessler
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Billi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica s.n.c, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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Fajardo-Cavazos P, Nicholson WL. Mechanotransduction in Prokaryotes: A Possible Mechanism of Spaceflight Adaptation. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:33. [PMID: 33430182 PMCID: PMC7825584 DOI: 10.3390/life11010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the mechanisms of microgravity perception and response in prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) lag behind those which have been elucidated in eukaryotic organisms. In this hypothesis paper, we: (i) review how eukaryotic cells sense and respond to microgravity using various pathways responsive to unloading of mechanical stress; (ii) we observe that prokaryotic cells possess many structures analogous to mechanosensitive structures in eukaryotes; (iii) we review current evidence indicating that prokaryotes also possess active mechanosensing and mechanotransduction mechanisms; and (iv) we propose a complete mechanotransduction model including mechanisms by which mechanical signals may be transduced to the gene expression apparatus through alterations in bacterial nucleoid architecture, DNA supercoiling, and epigenetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne L. Nicholson
- Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA;
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Madrigal P, Gabel A, Villacampa A, Manzano A, Deane CS, Bezdan D, Carnero-Diaz E, Medina FJ, Hardiman G, Grosse I, Szewczyk N, Weging S, Giacomello S, Harridge SDR, Morris-Paterson T, Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Herranz R. Revamping Space-omics in Europe. Cell Syst 2020; 11:555-556. [PMID: 33242401 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Madrigal
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Alicia Villacampa
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Manzano
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain
| | - Colleen S Deane
- Department of Sport and Health Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - F Javier Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ivo Grosse
- University of Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, School of Medicine. Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen D R Harridge
- Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Shepherd's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Tessa Morris-Paterson
- Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Shepherd's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Thomas Cahill
- Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Willian A da Silveira
- Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas" (CSIC), Madrid E28040, Spain.
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40
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Morrison MD, Nicholson WL. Comparisons of Transcriptome Profiles from Bacillus subtilis Cells Grown in Space versus High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) Clinostats Reveal a Low Degree of Concordance. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:1498-1509. [PMID: 33074712 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although clinostats have long been used in space microbiology studies as ground-based analogs of spaceflight, few studies to date have systematically compared -omics data from clinostats versus spaceflight. This study compared the transcriptomic response of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis flown in space with corresponding transcriptomes derived from 2-D clinostat (High Aspect Ratio Vessel: HARV) experiments performed under the same conditions of bacterial strain, growth medium, temperature, and incubation time. High-quality total RNA (RNA Integrity Number >9.6) was isolated from multiple biological replicates from each treatment, transcripts were quantified by RNA-seq, and raw data was processed through a previously described standardized bioinformatics pipeline. Transcriptome data sets from spaceflight-grown and corresponding clinostat-grown cells were compared by using three different methods: (i) principal component analysis, (ii) analysis of differentially expressed genes, and (iii) gene set enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways. All three analyses found a low degree of concordance between the spaceflight and corresponding clinostat transcriptome data sets, ranging from 0.9% to 5.3% concordance. These results are in agreement with prior studies that also revealed low concordances between spaceflight and clinostat transcriptomes of the Gram-negative bacteria Rhodospirillum rubrum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results are discussed from the perspective of several potential confounding factors, and suggestions are offered with the aim of achieving increased concordance between clinostat and spaceflight data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Morrison
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| | - Wayne L Nicholson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
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Alauzet C, Cunat L, Wack M, Lanfumey L, Legrand-Frossi C, Lozniewski A, Agrinier N, Cailliez-Grimal C, Frippiat JP. Impact of a Model Used to Simulate Chronic Socio-Environmental Stressors Encountered during Spaceflight on Murine Intestinal Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217863. [PMID: 33114008 PMCID: PMC7672645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During deep-space travels, crewmembers face various physical and psychosocial stressors that could alter gut microbiota composition. Since it is well known that intestinal dysbiosis is involved in the onset or exacerbation of several disorders, the aim of this study was to evaluate changes in intestinal microbiota in a murine model used to mimic chronic psychosocial stressors encountered during a long-term space mission. We demonstrate that 3 weeks of exposure to this model (called CUMS for Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress) induce significant change in intracaecal β-diversity characterized by an important increase of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These alterations are associated with a decrease of Porphyromonadaceae, particularly of the genus Barnesiella, a major member of gut microbiota in mice and humans where it is described as having protective properties. These results raise the question of the impact of stress-induced decrease of beneficial taxa, support recent data deduced from in-flight experimentations and other ground-based models, and emphasize the critical need for further studies exploring the impact of spaceflight on intestinal microbiota in order to propose strategies to countermeasure spaceflight-associated dysbiosis and its consequences on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentine Alauzet
- Stress Immunity Pathogens unit (SIMPA), EA 7300, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (L.C.); (C.L.-F.); (A.L.); (C.C.-G.); (J.-P.F.)
- CHRU-Nancy, Service de Microbiologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-383-153-938
| | - Lisiane Cunat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens unit (SIMPA), EA 7300, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (L.C.); (C.L.-F.); (A.L.); (C.C.-G.); (J.-P.F.)
| | - Maxime Wack
- Département d’Informatique Médicale, Biostatistiques et Santé Publique, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, UMRS 1138, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Laurence Lanfumey
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, F-75014 Paris, France;
| | - Christine Legrand-Frossi
- Stress Immunity Pathogens unit (SIMPA), EA 7300, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (L.C.); (C.L.-F.); (A.L.); (C.C.-G.); (J.-P.F.)
| | - Alain Lozniewski
- Stress Immunity Pathogens unit (SIMPA), EA 7300, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (L.C.); (C.L.-F.); (A.L.); (C.C.-G.); (J.-P.F.)
- CHRU-Nancy, Service de Microbiologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Nelly Agrinier
- CHRU-Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC, Epidémiologie Clinique, F-54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Catherine Cailliez-Grimal
- Stress Immunity Pathogens unit (SIMPA), EA 7300, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (L.C.); (C.L.-F.); (A.L.); (C.C.-G.); (J.-P.F.)
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens unit (SIMPA), EA 7300, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (L.C.); (C.L.-F.); (A.L.); (C.C.-G.); (J.-P.F.)
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42
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Draft Genome Sequences of Klebsiella Species Isolated from the International Space Station. Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/42/e00923-20. [PMID: 33060271 PMCID: PMC7561690 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00923-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolated across four locations aboard the International Space Station (ISS), 10 bacterial strains were compared using whole-genome sequencing analysis and were phylogenetically identified as Klebsiella The whole-genome sequences will aid in comparative genomic studies of ISS Klebsiella strains with Earth counterparts to gain insight into their adaptation to space conditions.
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Santomartino R, Waajen AC, de Wit W, Nicholson N, Parmitano L, Loudon CM, Moeller R, Rettberg P, Fuchs FM, Van Houdt R, Finster K, Coninx I, Krause J, Koehler A, Caplin N, Zuijderduijn L, Zolesi V, Balsamo M, Mariani A, Pellari SS, Carubia F, Luciani G, Leys N, Doswald-Winkler J, Herová M, Wadsworth J, Everroad RC, Rattenbacher B, Demets R, Cockell CS. No Effect of Microgravity and Simulated Mars Gravity on Final Bacterial Cell Concentrations on the International Space Station: Applications to Space Bioproduction. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:579156. [PMID: 33154740 PMCID: PMC7591705 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.579156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms perform countless tasks on Earth and they are expected to be essential for human space exploration. Despite the interest in the responses of bacteria to space conditions, the findings on the effects of microgravity have been contradictory, while the effects of Martian gravity are nearly unknown. We performed the ESA BioRock experiment on the International Space Station to study microbe-mineral interactions in microgravity, simulated Mars gravity and simulated Earth gravity, as well as in ground gravity controls, with three bacterial species: Sphingomonas desiccabilis, Bacillus subtilis, and Cupriavidus metallidurans. To our knowledge, this was the first experiment to study simulated Martian gravity on bacteria using a space platform. Here, we tested the hypothesis that different gravity regimens can influence the final cell concentrations achieved after a multi-week period in space. Despite the different sedimentation rates predicted, we found no significant differences in final cell counts and optical densities between the three gravity regimens on the ISS. This suggests that possible gravity-related effects on bacterial growth were overcome by the end of the experiment. The results indicate that microbial-supported bioproduction and life support systems can be effectively performed in space (e.g., Mars), as on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Annemiek C Waajen
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wessel de Wit
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Nicholson
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Parmitano
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Claire-Marie Loudon
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Felix M Fuchs
- Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Kai Finster
- Department of Biology - Microbiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ilse Coninx
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jutta Krause
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Koehler
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Nicol Caplin
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Lobke Zuijderduijn
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Magdalena Herová
- BIOTESC, Hochschule Luzern Technik und Architektur, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Wadsworth
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, CA, United States
| | - R Craig Everroad
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, CA, United States
| | - Bernd Rattenbacher
- BIOTESC, Hochschule Luzern Technik und Architektur, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - René Demets
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Draft Genome Sequences of Lactobacillales Isolated from the International Space Station. Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/39/e00942-20. [PMID: 32972947 PMCID: PMC7516158 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00942-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nineteen strains from the order Lactobacillales were isolated from the International Space Station and commercial resupply vehicle, and whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated. WGS would permit the characterization of these potentially pathogenic bacteria that have been adapting to the extreme conditions of the space environment. Nineteen strains from the order Lactobacillales were isolated from the International Space Station and commercial resupply vehicle, and whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated. WGS would permit the characterization of these potentially pathogenic bacteria that have been adapting to the extreme conditions of the space environment.
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Antimicrobial Photoinactivation Approach Based on Natural Agents for Control of Bacteria Biofilms in Spacecraft. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186932. [PMID: 32967302 PMCID: PMC7554952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A spacecraft is a confined system that is inhabited by a changing microbial consortium, mostly originating from life-supporting devices, equipment collected in pre-flight conditions, and crewmembers. Continuous monitoring of the spacecraft’s bioburden employing culture-based and molecular methods has shown the prevalence of various taxa, with human skin-associated microorganisms making a substantial contribution to the spacecraft microbiome. Microorganisms in spacecraft can prosper not only in planktonic growth mode but can also form more resilient biofilms that pose a higher risk to crewmembers’ health and the material integrity of the spacecraft’s equipment. Moreover, bacterial biofilms in space conditions are characterized by faster formation and acquisition of resistance to chemical and physical effects than under the same conditions on Earth, making most decontamination methods unsafe. There is currently no reported method available to combat biofilm formation in space effectively and safely. However, antibacterial photodynamic inactivation based on natural photosensitizers, which is reviewed in this work, seems to be a promising method.
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Draft Genome Sequences of Enterobacteriales Strains Isolated from the International Space Station. Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/37/e00817-20. [PMID: 32912916 PMCID: PMC7484075 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00817-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The whole-genome sequences of 26 strains isolated from the International Space Station were generated, and the strains were identified as being members of the order Enterobacteriales. Characterization of these whole-genome sequences might enable the identification of potential pathogenic bacteria that have been adapting to the space environment.
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47
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Yin M, Ye B, Jin Y, Liu L, Zhang Y, Li P, Wang Y, Li Y, Han Y, Shen W, Zhao Z. Changes in Vibrio natriegens Growth Under Simulated Microgravity. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2040. [PMID: 32983034 PMCID: PMC7483581 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth rate of bacteria increases under simulated microgravity (SMG) with low-shear force. The next-generation microbial chassis Vibrio natriegens (V. natriegens) is a fast-growing Gram-negative, non-pathogenic bacterium with a generation time of less than 10 min. Screening of a V. natriegens strain with faster growth rate was attempted by 2-week continuous long-term culturing under SMG. However, the rapid growth rate of this strain made it difficult to obtain the desired mutant strain with even more rapid growth. Thus, a mutant with slower growth rate emerged. Multi-omics integration analysis was conducted to explore why this mutant grew more slowly, which might inform us about the molecular mechanisms of rapid growth of V. natriegens instead. The transcriptome data revealed that whereas genes related to mechanical signal transduction and flagellin biogenesis were up-regulated, those involved in adaptive responses, anaerobic and nitrogen metabolism, chromosome segregation and cell vitality were down-regulated. Moreover, genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) results of the slower growth mutant and wide type indicated that SMG-induced great changes of genome 3D organization were highly correlated with differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Meanwhile, whole genome re-sequencing found a significant number of structure variations (SVs) were enriched in regions with lower interaction frequency and down-regulated genes in the slower growth mutant compared with wild type (WT), which might represent a prophage region. Additionally, there was also a decreased interaction frequency in regions associated with well-orchestrated chromosomes replication. These results suggested that SMG might regulate local gene expression by sensing stress changes through conformation changes in the genome region of genes involved in flagellin, adaptability and chromosome segregation, thus followed by alteration of some physiological characteristics and affecting the growth rate and metabolic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyu Ye
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yifei Jin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Wuhan Frasergen Bioinformatics Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yahao Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen & Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen & Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Shen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihu Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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48
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Siddiqui R, Akbar N, Khan NA. Gut microbiome and human health under the space environment. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:14-24. [PMID: 32692438 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is well recognized to have a pivotal role in regulation of the health and behaviour of the host, affecting digestion, metabolism, immunity, and has been linked to changes in bones, muscles and the brain, to name a few. However, the impact of microgravity environment on gut bacteria is not well understood. In space environments, astronauts face several health issues including stress, high iron diet, radiation and being in a closed system during extended space missions. Herein, we discuss the role of gut bacteria in the space environment, in relation to factors such as microgravity, radiation and diet. Gut bacteria may exact their effects by synthesis of molecules, their absorption, and through physiological effects on the host. Moreover we deliberate the role of these challenges in the dysbiosis of the human microbiota and possible dysregulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - N Akbar
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - N A Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Wischer D, Schneider D, Poehlein A, Herrmann F, Oruc H, Meinhardt J, Wagner O, Ahmed R, Kharin S, Novikova N, Haag R, Daniel R, Grohmann E. Novel Antimicrobial Cellulose Fleece Inhibits Growth of Human-Derived Biofilm-Forming Staphylococci During the SIRIUS19 Simulated Space Mission. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1626. [PMID: 32849336 PMCID: PMC7405646 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel antimicrobial surface coatings were assessed for their lasting antibacterial effect under simulated space conditions during the SIRIUS-19 study. Because long-term space travel can affect the human immune system, astronauts are particularly susceptible to infectious disease. Moreover, the space flight environment can alter the composition of microbial communities within the spacecraft and increase bacterial virulence and resistance to antibiotics. In addition to protecting the crew from infection by human pathogens, prevention and elimination of bacterial contamination is important to avoid corrosion and damage of the technical equipment. The antimicrobial coating AGXX® consists of micro-galvanic cells composed of silver and ruthenium which damage bacterial cells through the release of reactive oxygen species. Over the last years, several studies on the antimicrobial effect of AGXX® have demonstrated an effective inhibition of growth and even complete elimination of many pathogenic bacteria – including multiresistant microorganisms – as well as their biofilms. The second antimicrobial coating, GOX, consists of chemically modified graphene oxide. Through a positive surface charge and its flexible scaffold, GOX can multivalently bind and immobilize bacteria via electrostatic attraction. Here, AGXX® and GOX were applied to non-metallic carriers not previously tested. The antimicrobial coated materials, as well as uncoated control samples, were exposed in the SIRIUS artificial space module and analyzed at different time points during the 4-months isolation study. Survival and growth of airborne heterotrophic, aerobic bacteria on the surfaces were assessed by cultivation-based methods, employing growth conditions suitable for potential human pathogens. Human-associated, biofilm-forming Staphylococcus spp. (S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, and S. epidermidis) strongly dominated at all time points, most were resistant against erythromycin, kanamycin, and ampicillin. AGXX® coatings completely inhibited growth of these opportunistic pathogens on all tested surface materials. Particularly, AGXX®-cellulose fleece achieved a clear reduction in bacterial load able to recover post contact. GOX-cellulose fleece effectively immobilized bacteria. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed that the isolated Staphylococcus spp. did not dominate the overall bacterial community, accounting for only 0.1–0.4% of all sequences. Instead, molecular data revealed Lactobacillus, Comamonas, Pseudomonas, Sporosarcina, and Bacillus as the dominant genera across all samples and time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Wischer
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneider
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Friederike Herrmann
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harun Oruc
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Junias Meinhardt
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Wagner
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rameez Ahmed
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sergey Kharin
- Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
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50
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Milojevic T, Weckwerth W. Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Survivability in Outer Space: A Systems Biology Approach. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:923. [PMID: 32499769 PMCID: PMC7242639 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the dawn of space exploration, the survivability of terrestrial life in outer space conditions has attracted enormous attention. Space technology has enabled the development of advanced space exposure facilities to investigate in situ responses of microbial life to the stress conditions of space during interplanetary transfer. Significant progress has been made toward the understanding of the effects of space environmental factors, e.g., microgravity, vacuum and radiation, on microorganisms exposed to real and simulated space conditions. Of extreme importance is not only knowledge of survival potential of space-exposed microorganisms, but also the determination of mechanisms of survival and adaptation of predominant species to the extreme space environment, i.e., revealing the molecular machinery, which elicit microbial survivability and adaptation. Advanced technologies in -omics research have permitted genome-scale studies of molecular alterations of space-exposed microorganisms. A variety of reports show that microorganisms grown in the space environment exhibited global alterations in metabolic functions and gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Proteomic, metabolomic and especially metabolic modeling approaches as essential instruments of space microbiology, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are rather underrepresented. Here we summarized the molecular space-induced alterations of exposed microorganisms in terms of understanding the molecular mechanisms of microbial survival and adaptation to drastic outer space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Milojevic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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