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Chander AM, de Melo Teixeira M, Singh NK, Williams MP, Parker CW, Leo P, Stajich JE, Torok T, Tighe S, Mason CE, Venkateswaran K. Genomic and morphological characterization of Knufia obscura isolated from the Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12249. [PMID: 38806503 PMCID: PMC11133487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Members of the family Trichomeriaceae, belonging to the Chaetothyriales order and the Ascomycota phylum, are known for their capability to inhabit hostile environments characterized by extreme temperatures, oligotrophic conditions, drought, or presence of toxic compounds. The genus Knufia encompasses many polyextremophilic species. In this report, the genomic and morphological features of the strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 presented, which was isolated from the Mars 2020 mission spacecraft assembly facility located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The identification is based on sequence alignment for marker genes, multi-locus sequence analysis, and whole genome sequence phylogeny. The morphological features were studied using a diverse range of microscopic techniques (bright field, phase contrast, differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy). The phylogenetic marker genes of the strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 exhibited highest similarities with type strain of Knufia obscura (CBS 148926T) that was isolated from the gas tank of a car in Italy. To validate the species identity, whole genomes of both strains (FJI-L2-BK-P2 and CBS 148926T) were sequenced, annotated, and strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 was confirmed as K. obscura. The morphological analysis and description of the genomic characteristics of K. obscura FJI-L2-BK-P2 may contribute to refining the taxonomy of Knufia species. Key morphological features are reported in this K. obscura strain, resembling microsclerotia and chlamydospore-like propagules. These features known to be characteristic features in black fungi which could potentially facilitate their adaptation to harsh environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Munish Chander
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Marcus de Melo Teixeira
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Michael P Williams
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Ceth W Parker
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Patrick Leo
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of CA-Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Tamas Torok
- Ecology Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Scott Tighe
- Vermont Integrative Genomics Lab, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, Room Y-13.15, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, M/S 89-2, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA.
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2
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Bernardelli CE, Colman D, Donati ER, Urbieta MS. The First Description of the Microbial Diversity in the Amarillo River (La Rioja, Argentina), a Natural Extreme Environment Where the Whole Microbial Community Paints the Landscape Yellow. Microorganisms 2024; 12:235. [PMID: 38399638 PMCID: PMC10892261 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020235] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Amarillo River in Famatina, La Rioja, Argentina, is a natural acidic river with distinctive yellow-ochreous iron precipitates along its course. While mining activities have occurred in the area, the river's natural acidity is influenced by environmental factors beyond mineralogy, where microbial species have a crucial role. Although iron-oxidising bacteria have been identified, a comprehensive analysis of the entire microbial community in this extreme environment has not yet been conducted. In this study, we employ high-throughput sequencing to explore the bacterial and fungal diversity in the Amarillo River and Cueva de Pérez terraces, considered prehistoric analogues of the current river basin. Fe(II)-enrichment cultures mimicking different environmental conditions of the river were also analysed to better understand the roles of prokaryotes and fungi in iron oxidation processes. Additionally, we investigate the ecological relationships between bacteria and fungi using co-occurrence and network analysis. Our findings reveal a diverse bacterial community in the river and terraces, including uncultured species affiliated with Acidimicrobiia, part of an uncharacterised universal microbial acidic diversity. Acidophiles such as Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans, the main iron oxidiser of the system, and Acidiphilium, which is unable to catalyse Fe(II) oxidation but has a great metabolic flexibility,, are part of the core of the microbial community, showing significant involvement in intraspecies interactions. Alicyclobacillus, which is the main Fe(II) oxidiser in the enrichment culture at 30 °C and is detected all over the system, highlights its flexibility towards the iron cycle. The prevalence of key microorganisms in both rivers and terraces implies their enduring contribution to the iron cycle as well as in shaping the iconic yellow landscape of the Amarillo River. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of microbial involvement in iron mineral precipitation, emphasising the collaborative efforts of bacteria and fungi as fundamental geological agents in the Amarillo River.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - María Sofía Urbieta
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 50 N 288, Calle, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (C.E.B.); (D.C.); (E.R.D.)
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3
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Jang H, Choi SY, Mitchell RJ. Staphylococcus aureus Sensitivity to Membrane Disrupting Antibacterials Is Increased under Microgravity. Cells 2023; 12:1907. [PMID: 37508571 PMCID: PMC10377918 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In a survey of the International Space Station (ISS), the most common pathogenic bacterium identified in samples from the air, water and surfaces was Staphylococcus aureus. While growth under microgravity is known to cause physiological changes in microbial pathogens, including shifts in antibacterial sensitivity, its impact on S. aureus is not well understood. Using high-aspect ratio vessels (HARVs) to generate simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in the lab, we found S. aureus lipid profiles are altered significantly, with a higher presence of branch-chained fatty acids (BCFAs) (14.8% to 35.4%) with a concomitant reduction (41.3% to 31.4%) in straight-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) under SMG. This shift significantly increased the sensitivity of this pathogen to daptomycin, a membrane-acting antibiotic, leading to 12.1-fold better killing under SMG. Comparative assays with two additional compounds, i.e., SDS and violacein, confirmed S. aureus is more susceptible to membrane-disrupting agents, with 0.04% SDS and 0.6 mg/L violacein resulting in 22.9- and 12.8-fold better killing in SMG than normal gravity, respectively. As humankind seeks to establish permanent colonies in space, these results demonstrate the increased potency of membrane-active antibacterials to control the presence and spread of S. aureus, and potentially other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyochan Jang
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Yeol Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert J Mitchell
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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Koehle AP, Brumwell SL, Seto EP, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Microbial applications for sustainable space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37344487 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to "normal" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Koehle
- Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brumwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA.
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Corydon TJ, Schulz H, Richter P, Strauch SM, Böhmer M, Ricciardi DA, Wehland M, Krüger M, Erzinger GS, Lebert M, Infanger M, Wise PM, Grimm D. Current Knowledge about the Impact of Microgravity on Gene Regulation. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071043. [PMID: 37048115 PMCID: PMC10093652 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity (µg) has a massive impact on the health of space explorers. Microgravity changes the proliferation, differentiation, and growth of cells. As crewed spaceflights into deep space are being planned along with the commercialization of space travelling, researchers have focused on gene regulation in cells and organisms exposed to real (r-) and simulated (s-) µg. In particular, cancer and metastasis research benefits from the findings obtained under µg conditions. Gene regulation is a key factor in a cell or an organism’s ability to sustain life and respond to environmental changes. It is a universal process to control the amount, location, and timing in which genes are expressed. In this review, we provide an overview of µg-induced changes in the numerous mechanisms involved in gene regulation, including regulatory proteins, microRNAs, and the chemical modification of DNA. In particular, we discuss the current knowledge about the impact of microgravity on gene regulation in different types of bacteria, protists, fungi, animals, humans, and cells with a focus on the brain, eye, endothelium, immune system, cartilage, muscle, bone, and various cancers as well as recent findings in plants. Importantly, the obtained data clearly imply that µg experiments can support translational medicine on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Hoegh Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-28-992-179
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian M. Strauch
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Joinville 89219-710, SC, Brazil
| | - Maik Böhmer
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dario A. Ricciardi
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gilmar S. Erzinger
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Joinville 89219-710, SC, Brazil
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Petra M. Wise
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Hoegh Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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Isola D, Prigione VP, Zucconi L, Varese GC, Poli A, Turchetti B, Canini F. Knufia obscura sp. nov. and Knufia victoriae sp. nov., two new species from extreme environments. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Six strains of black meristematic fungi were isolated from Antarctic soils, gasoline car tanks and from the marine alga Flabellia petiolata. These fungi were characterized by morphological, physiological and phylogenetic analyses. According to the maximum-likelihood analysis reconstructed with ITS and LSU sequences, these strains belonged to the genus Knufia. Knufia obscura sp. nov. (holotype CBS 148926) and Knufia victoriae sp. nov. (holotype CBS 149015) are proposed as two novel species and descriptions of their morphological, physiological and phylogenetic features are presented. Based on the maximum-likelihood analyses, K. obscura was closely related to Knufia hypolithi (99 % bootstrap support), while K. victoriae clustered in the clade of Knufia cryptophialidica and Knufia perfecta (93 % bootstrap support). Knufia victoriae, recorded in Antarctic soil samples, had a psychrophilic behaviour, with optimal growth between 10 and 15 °C and no growth recorded at 20 °C. Knufia obscura, from a gasoline car tank and algae, displayed optimal growth between 20 and 25 °C and was more tolerant to salinity than K. victoriae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Isola
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Valeria Paola Prigione
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Poli
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Turchetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Industrial Yeasts Collection DBVPG, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, Viterbo 01100, Italy
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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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Blachowicz A, Romsdahl J, Chiang AJ, Masonjones S, Kalkum M, Stajich JE, Torok T, Wang CCC, Venkateswaran K. The International Space Station Environment Triggers Molecular Responses in Aspergillus niger. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:893071. [PMID: 35847112 PMCID: PMC9280654 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.893071] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to immense phenotypic plasticity and adaptability, Aspergillus niger is a cosmopolitan fungus that thrives in versatile environments, including the International Space Station (ISS). This is the first report of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic alterations observed in A. niger strain JSC-093350089 grown in a controlled experiment aboard the ISS. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that ISS conditions, including microgravity and enhanced irradiation, triggered non-synonymous point mutations in specific regions, chromosomes VIII and XII of the JSC-093350089 genome when compared to the ground-grown control. Proteome analysis showed altered abundance of proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, stress response, and cellular amino acid and protein catabolic processes following growth aboard the ISS. Metabolome analysis further confirmed that space conditions altered molecular suite of ISS-grown A. niger JSC-093350089. After regrowing both strains on Earth, production of antioxidant—Pyranonigrin A was significantly induced in the ISS-flown, but not the ground control strain. In summary, the microgravity and enhanced irradiation triggered unique molecular responses in the A. niger JSC-093350089 suggesting adaptive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Blachowicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Jillian Romsdahl
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Abby J. Chiang
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Sawyer Masonjones
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Tamas Torok
- Ecology Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Clay C. C. Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kasthuri Venkateswaran,
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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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Erdmann EA, Nitsche S, Gorbushina AA, Schumacher J. Genetic Engineering of the Rock Inhabitant Knufia petricola Provides Insight Into the Biology of Extremotolerant Black Fungi. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:862429. [PMID: 37746170 PMCID: PMC10512386 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.862429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Black microcolonial fungi (Ascomycetes from Arthonio-, Dothideo-, and Eurotiomycetes) are stress-tolerant and persistent dwellers of natural and anthropogenic extreme habitats. They exhibit slow yeast-like or meristematic growth, do not form specialized reproduction structures and accumulate the black pigment 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin in the multilayered cell walls. To understand how black fungi live, survive, colonize mineral substrates, and interact with phototrophs genetic methods are needed to test these functions and interactions. We chose the rock inhabitant Knufia petricola of the Chaetothyriales as a model for developing methods for genetic manipulation. Here, we report on the expansion of the genetic toolkit by more efficient multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 using a plasmid-based system for expression of Cas9 and multiple sgRNAs and the implementation of the three resistance selection markers genR (geneticin/nptII), baR (glufosinate/bar), and suR (chlorimuron ethyl/sur). The targeted integration of expression constructs by replacement of essential genes for pigment synthesis allows for an additional color screening of the transformants. The black-pink screening due to the elimination of pks1 (melanin) was applied for promoter studies using GFP fluorescence as reporter. The black-white screening due to the concurrent elimination of pks1 and phs1 (carotenoids) allows to identify transformants that contain the two expression constructs for co-localization or bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) studies. The co-localization and interaction of the two K. petricola White Collar orthologs were demonstrated. Two intergenic regions (igr1, igr2) were identified in which expression constructs can be inserted without causing obvious phenotypes. Plasmids of the pNXR-XXX series and new compatible entry plasmids were used for fast and easy generation of expression constructs and are suitable for a broad implementation in other fungi. This variety of genetic tools is opening a completely new perspective for mechanistic and very detailed study of expression, functioning and regulation of the genes/proteins encoded by the genomes of black fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A. Erdmann
- Department of Materials and the Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology Chemistry Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Nitsche
- Department of Materials and the Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology Chemistry Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna A. Gorbushina
- Department of Materials and the Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology Chemistry Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Earth Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Schumacher
- Department of Materials and the Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology Chemistry Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Schulz H, Strauch SM, Richter P, Wehland M, Krüger M, Sahana J, Corydon TJ, Wise P, Baran R, Lebert M, Grimm D. Latest knowledge about changes in the proteome in microgravity. Expert Rev Proteomics 2022; 19:43-59. [PMID: 35037812 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2022.2030711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : A long-term stay of humans in space causes a large number of well-known health problems and changes in protists and plants. Deep space exploration will increase the time humans or rodents will spend in microgravity (µg). Moreover, they are exposed to cosmic radiation, hypodynamia, and isolation. OMICS investigations will increase our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of µg-induced alterations in vivo and in vitro. AREAS COVERED : We summarize the findings over the recent 3 years on µg-induced changes in the proteome of protists, plants, rodent and human cells. Considering the thematic orientation of microgravity-related publications in that time frame, we focus on medicine-associated findings such as the µg-induced antibiotic resistance of bacteria, the myocardial consequences of µg-induced calpain activation and the role of MMP13 in osteoarthritis. All these point to the fact that µg is an extreme stressor that could not be evolutionarily addressed on Earth. EXPERT COMMENTARY : In conclusion, when interpreting µg-experiments, the direct, mostly unspecific stress response, must be distinguished from specific µg-effects. For this reason, recent studies often do not consider single protein findings but place them in the context of protein-protein interactions. This enables an estimation of functional relationships, especially if these are supported by epigenetic and transcriptional data (multi-omics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group 'Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen' (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M Strauch
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC, CEP 89219-710, Brazil
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group 'Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen' (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group 'Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen' (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Petra Wise
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Ronni Baran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.,Space Biology Unlimited SAS, 24 Cours de l'Intendance, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group 'Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen' (MARS), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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