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Lorenz C, Bianchi E, Alberini A, Poggiali G, Benesperi R, Papini A, Brucato JR. UV photo-degradation of the secondary lichen substance parietin: A multi-spectroscopic analysis in astrobiology perspective. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:191-201. [PMID: 38670647 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The cortical anthraquinone yellow-orange pigment parietin is a secondary lichen substance providing UV-shielding properties that is produced by several lichen species. In our work, the secondary metabolite has been extracted from air-dried thalli of Xanthoria parietina. The aims of this study were to characterize parietin absorbance through UV-VIS spectrophotometry and with IR spectroscopy and to evaluate its photodegradability under UV radiation through in situ reflectance IR spectroscopy to understand to what extent the substance may have a photoprotective role. This allows us to relate parietin photo-degradability to the lichen UV tolerance in its natural terrestrial habitat and in extreme environments relevant for astrobiology such as Mars. Extracted crystals were UV irradiated for 5.59 h under N2 flux. After the UV irradiation, we assessed relevant degradations in the 1614, 1227, 1202, 1160 and 755 cm-1 bands. However, in light of Xanthoria parietina survivability in extreme conditions such as space- and Mars-simulated ones, we highlight parietin UV photo-resistance and its relevance for astrobiology as photo-protective substance and possible bio-hint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lorenz
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrew Alberini
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poggiali
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy; LESIA-Observatoire de Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 5 place Jules Janssen, 92190 Meudon, France
| | - Renato Benesperi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Papini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - John Robert Brucato
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy.
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2
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Buckner DK, Anderson MJ, Wisnosky S, Alvarado W, Nuevo M, Williams AJ, Ricco AJ, Anamika, Debic S, Friend L, Hoac T, Jahnke L, Radosevich L, Williams R, Wilhelm MB. Quantifying Global Origin-Diagnostic Features and Patterns in Biotic and Abiotic Acyclic Lipids for Life Detection. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:1-35. [PMID: 38150549 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Lipids are a geologically robust class of organics ubiquitous to life as we know it. Lipid-like soluble organics are synthesized abiotically and have been identified in carbonaceous meteorites and on Mars. Ascertaining the origin of lipids on Mars would be a profound astrobiological achievement. We enumerate origin-diagnostic features and patterns in two acyclic lipid classes, fatty acids (i.e., carboxylic acids) and acyclic hydrocarbons, by collecting and analyzing molecular data reported in over 1500 samples from previously published studies of terrestrial and meteoritic organics. We identify 27 combined (15 for fatty acids, 12 for acyclic hydrocarbons) molecular patterns and structural features that can aid in distinguishing biotic from abiotic synthesis. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrates that multivariate analyses of molecular features (16 for fatty acids, 14 for acyclic hydrocarbons) can potentially indicate sample origin. Terrestrial lipids are dominated by longer straight-chain molecules (C4-C34 fatty acids, C14-C46 acyclic hydrocarbons), with predominance for specific branched and unsaturated isomers. Lipid-like meteoritic soluble organics are shorter, with random configurations. Organic solvent-extraction techniques are most commonly reported, motivating the design of our novel instrument, the Extractor for Chemical Analysis of Lipid Biomarkers in Regolith (ExCALiBR), which extracts lipids while preserving origin-diagnostic features that can indicate biogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise K Buckner
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Morgan J Anderson
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- Axient Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Sydney Wisnosky
- Axient Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Walter Alvarado
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michel Nuevo
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Amy J Williams
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Antonio J Ricco
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- Electrical Engineering-Integrated Circuits Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Anamika
- Department of Space Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Sara Debic
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Trinh Hoac
- Axient Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Linda Jahnke
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - Ross Williams
- Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary Beth Wilhelm
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
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3
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Aerts JW, Sarbu SM, Brad T, Ehrenfreund P, Westerhoff HV. Microbial Ecosystems in Movile Cave: An Environment of Extreme Life. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2120. [PMID: 38004260 PMCID: PMC10672346 DOI: 10.3390/life13112120] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Movile Cave, situated in Romania close to the Black Sea, constitutes a distinct and challenging environment for life. Its partially submerged ecosystem depends on chemolithotrophic processes for its energetics, which are fed by a continuous hypogenic inflow of mesothermal waters rich in reduced chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. We sampled a variety of cave sublocations over the course of three years. Furthermore, in a microcosm experiment, minerals were incubated in the cave waters for one year. Both endemic cave samples and extracts from the minerals were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The sequence data show specific community profiles in the different subenvironments, indicating that specialized prokaryotic communities inhabit the different zones in the cave. Already after one year, the different incubated minerals had been colonized by specific microbial communities, indicating that microbes in Movile Cave can adapt in a relatively short timescale to environmental opportunities in terms of energy and nutrients. Life can thrive, diversify and adapt in remote and isolated subterranean environments such as Movile Cave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost W. Aerts
- Molecular Cell Biology, A-LIFE, 01-E-57, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorstraat 3, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Serban M. Sarbu
- “Emil Racoviţă” Institute of Speleology, Str. Frumoasă 31, 010986 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Chico, CA 95929, USA
| | - Traian Brad
- “Emil Racoviţă” Institute of Speleology, Clinicilor 5-7, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, 2333 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Hans V. Westerhoff
- Molecular Cell Biology, A-LIFE, 01-E-57, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorstraat 3, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Synthetic Systems Biology and Nuclear Organization, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
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4
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Muñoz-Hisado V, Ruiz-Blas F, Sobrado JM, Garcia-Lopez E, Martinez-Alonso E, Alcázar A, Cid C. Bacterial molecular machinery in the Martian cryosphere conditions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1176582. [PMID: 37840745 PMCID: PMC10569478 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1176582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The exploration of Mars is one of the main objectives of space missions since the red planet is considered to be, or was in the past, potentially habitable. Although the surface of Mars is now dry and arid, abundant research suggests that water covered Mars billions of years ago. Recently, the existence of liquid water in subglacial lakes has been postulated below the South pole of Mars. Until now, experiments have been carried out on the survival of microorganisms in Martian surface conditions, but it remains unknown how their adaptation mechanisms would be in the Martian cryosphere. In this work, two bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis and Curtobacterium flacumfaciens) were subjected to a simulated Martian environment during 24 h using a planetary chamber. Afterward, the molecular machinery of both species was studied to investigate how they had been modified. Proteomes, the entire set of proteins expressed by each bacterium under Earth (named standard) conditions and Martian conditions, were compared using proteomic techniques. To establish this evaluation, both the expression levels of each protein, and the variation in their distribution within the different functional categories were considered. The results showed that these bacterial species followed a different strategy. The Bacillus subtilis resistance approach consisted of improving its stress response, membrane bioenergetics, degradation of biomolecules; and to a lesser extent, increasing its mobility and the formation of biofilms or resistance endospores. On the contrary, enduring strategy of Curtobacterium flacumfaciens comprised of strengthening the cell envelope, trying to protect cells from the extracellular environment. These results are especially important due to their implications for planetary protection, missions to Mars and sample return since contamination by microorganisms would invalidate the results of these investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fátima Ruiz-Blas
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | | | - Emma Martinez-Alonso
- Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Alcázar
- Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Cid
- Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Gevi F, Leo P, Cassaro A, Pacelli C, de Vera JPP, Rabbow E, Timperio AM, Onofri S. Metabolomic Profile of the Fungus Cryomyces antarcticus Under Simulated Martian and Space Conditions as Support for Life-Detection Missions on Mars. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:749396. [PMID: 35633719 PMCID: PMC9133366 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.749396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of traces of life beyond Earth (e.g., Mars, icy moons) is a challenging task because terrestrial chemical-based molecules may be destroyed by the harsh conditions experienced on extraterrestrial planetary surfaces. For this reason, studying the effects on biomolecules of extremophilic microorganisms through astrobiological ground-based space simulation experiments is significant to support the interpretation of the data that will be gained and collected during the ongoing and future space exploration missions. Here, the stability of the biomolecules of the cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, grown on two Martian regolith analogues and on Antarctic sandstone, were analysed through a metabolomic approach, after its exposure to Science Verification Tests (SVTs) performed in the frame of the European Space Agency (ESA) Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX) project. These tests are building a set of ground-based experiments performed before the space exposure aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The analysis aimed to investigate the effects of different mineral mixtures on fungal colonies and the stability of the biomolecules synthetised by the fungus under simulated Martian and space conditions. The identification of a specific group of molecules showing good stability after the treatments allow the creation of a molecular database that should support the analysis of future data sets that will be collected in the ongoing and next space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gevi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Patrick Leo
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | | | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Timperio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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6
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The Ground-Based BIOMEX Experiment Verification Tests for Life Detection on Mars. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111212. [PMID: 34833088 PMCID: PMC8619271 DOI: 10.3390/life11111212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of an astrobiological search for life campaign on Mars, or other planetary bodies in the Solar System, relies on the detectability of past or present microbial life traces, namely, biosignatures. Spectroscopic methods require little or no sample preparation, can be repeated almost endlessly, and can be performed in contact or even remotely. Such methods are therefore ideally suited to use for the detection of biosignatures, which can be confirmed with supporting instrumentation. Here, we discuss the use of Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies for the detection and characterization of biosignatures from colonies of the fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, grown on Martian analogues and exposed to increasing doses of UV irradiation under dried conditions. The results report significant UV-induced DNA damage, but the non-exceeding of thresholds for allowing DNA amplification and detection, while the spectral properties of the fungal melanin remained unaltered, and pigment detection and identification was achieved via complementary analytical techniques. Finally, this work found that fungal cell wall compounds, likely chitin, were not degraded, and were still detectable even after high UV irradiation doses. The implications for the preservation and detection of biosignatures in extraterrestrial environments are discussed.
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7
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Qiu D, Jian Y, Zhang Y, Xie G. Plant Gravitropism and Signal Conversion under a Stress Environment of Altered Gravity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111723. [PMID: 34769154 PMCID: PMC8583895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have been committed to space exploration and to find the next planet suitable for human survival. The construction of an ecosystem that adapts to the long-term survival of human beings in space stations or other planets would be the first step. The space plant cultivation system is the key component of an ecosystem, which will produce food, fiber, edible oil and oxygen for future space inhabitants. Many plant experiments have been carried out under a stimulated or real environment of altered gravity, including at microgravity (0 g), Moon gravity (0.17 g) and Mars gravity (0.38 g). How plants sense gravity and change under stress environment of altered gravity were summarized in this review. However, many challenges remain regarding human missions to the Moon or Mars. Our group conducted the first plant experiment under real Moon gravity (0.17 g) in 2019. One of the cotton seeds successfully germinated and produced a green seedling, which represents the first green leaf produced by mankind on the Moon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qiu
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Correspondence: (D.Q.); (G.X.)
| | - Yongfei Jian
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuanxun Zhang
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Gengxin Xie
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: (D.Q.); (G.X.)
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8
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Cassaro A, Pacelli C, Baqué M, de Vera JPP, Böttger U, Botta L, Saladino R, Rabbow E, Onofri S. Fungal Biomarkers Stability in Mars Regolith Analogues after Simulated Space and Mars-like Conditions. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100859. [PMID: 34682280 PMCID: PMC8540304 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of life on other planets and moons in our solar system is one of the most important challenges of this era. The second ExoMars mission will look for traces of extant or extinct life on Mars. The instruments on board the rover will be able to reach samples with eventual biomarkers until 2 m of depth under the planet’s surface. This exploration capacity offers the best chance to detect biomarkers which would be mainly preserved compared to samples on the surface which are directly exposed to harmful environmental conditions. Starting with the studies of the endolithic meristematic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, which has proved its high resistance under extreme conditions, we analyzed the stability and the resistance of fungal biomarkers after exposure to simulated space and Mars-like conditions, with Raman and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, two of the scientific payload instruments on board the rover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-068567466
| | - Mickael Baqué
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Planetary Laboratories Department, Institute of Planetary Research, Ruthefordstraße 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jean-Pierre Paul de Vera
- MUSC, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Space Operations and Astronaut Training, 51147 Köln, Germany;
| | - Ute Böttger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Optical Sensor Systems, 12489 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Radiation Biology Division, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, DLR, Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany;
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (A.C.); (L.B.); (R.S.); (S.O.)
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9
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Ghosh T, Singh R, Nesamma AA, Jutur PP. Marine Polysaccharides: Properties and Applications. POLYSACCHARIDES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119711414.ch3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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10
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Riedo A, de Koning C, Stevens AH, Cockell CS, McDonald A, López AC, Grimaudo V, Tulej M, Wurz P, Ehrenfreund P. The Detection of Elemental Signatures of Microbes in Martian Mudstone Analogs Using High Spatial Resolution Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:1224-1235. [PMID: 33001758 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The detection and identification of biosignatures on planetary bodies such as Mars in situ is extremely challenging. Current knowledge from space exploration missions suggests that a suite of complementary instruments is required in situ for a successful identification of past or present life. For future exploration missions, new and innovative instrumentation capable of high spatial resolution chemical (elemental and isotope) analysis of solids with improved measurement capabilities is of considerable interest because a multitude of potential signatures of extinct or extant life have dimensions on the micrometer scale. The aim of this study is to extend the current measurement capabilities of a miniature laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer (LIMS) designed for space exploration missions to detect signatures of microbial life. In total, 14 martian mudstone analogue samples were investigated regarding their elemental composition. Half the samples were artificially inoculated with a low number density of microbes, and half were used as abiotic controls. The samples were treated in a number of ways. Some were cultured anaerobically and some aerobically; some abiotic samples were incubated with water, and some remained dry. Some of the samples were exposed to a large dose of γ radiation, and some were left un-irradiated. While no significant elemental differences were observed between the applied sample treatments, the instrument showed the capability to detect biogenic element signatures of the inoculated microbes by monitoring biologically relevant elements, such as hydrogen, carbon, sulfur, iron, and so on. When an enrichment in carbon was measured in the samples but no simultaneous increase in other biologically relevant elements was detected, it suggests, for example, a carbon-containing inclusion; when the enrichment was in carbon and in bio-relevant elements, it suggests the presences of microbes. This study presents first results on the detection of biogenic element patterns of microbial life using a miniature LIMS system designed for space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Riedo
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Coen de Koning
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adam H Stevens
- School of Physics and Astronomy, UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charles S Cockell
- School of Physics and Astronomy, UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alison McDonald
- School of Engineering, Bioimaging Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alena Cedeño López
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Grimaudo
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Tulej
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wurz
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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11
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Ligterink NFW, Grimaudo V, Moreno-García P, Lukmanov R, Tulej M, Leya I, Lindner R, Wurz P, Cockell CS, Ehrenfreund P, Riedo A. ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption - Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9641. [PMID: 32541786 PMCID: PMC7296031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last four decades space exploration missions have searched for molecular life on planetary surfaces beyond Earth. Often pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been used as payload on such space exploration missions. These instruments have relatively low detection sensitivity and their measurements are often undermined by the presence of chloride salts and minerals. Currently, ocean worlds in the outer Solar System, such as the icy moons Europa and Enceladus, represent potentially habitable environments and are therefore prime targets for the search for biosignatures. For future space exploration missions, novel measurement concepts, capable of detecting low concentrations of biomolecules with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity are required. Here we report on a novel analytical technique for the detection of extremely low concentrations of amino acids using ORIGIN, a compact and lightweight laser desorption ionization - mass spectrometer designed and developed for in situ space exploration missions. The identified unique mass fragmentation patterns of amino acids coupled to a multi-position laser scan, allows for a robust identification and quantification of amino acids. With a detection limit of a few fmol mm-2, and the possibility for sub-fmol detection sensitivity, this measurement technique excels current space exploration systems by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, our detection method is not affected by chemical alterations through surface minerals and/or salts, such as NaCl that is expected to be present at the percent level on ocean worlds. Our results demonstrate that ORIGIN is a promising instrument for the detection of signatures of life and ready for upcoming space missions, such as the Europa Lander.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentine Grimaudo
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Moreno-García
- Interfacial Electrochemistry Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rustam Lukmanov
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Tulej
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ingo Leya
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Lindner
- Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Bern, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Wurz
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Charles S Cockell
- School of Physics and Astronomy, UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, 20052, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Abrahamsson V, Henderson BL, Zhong F, Lin Y, Kanik I. Online supercritical fluid extraction and chromatography of biomarkers analysis in aqueous samples for in situ planetary applications. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:8091-8101. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-02189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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Taxonomic and functional characterization of a microbial community from a volcanic englacial ecosystem in Deception Island, Antarctica. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12158. [PMID: 31434915 PMCID: PMC6704131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaciers are populated by a large number of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea and microeukaryotes. Several factors such as solar radiation, nutrient availability and water content greatly determine the diversity and abundance of these microbial populations, the type of metabolism and the biogeochemical cycles. Three ecosystems can be differentiated in glaciers: supraglacial, subglacial and englacial ecosystems. Firstly, the supraglacial ecosystem, sunlit and oxygenated, is predominantly populated by photoautotrophic microorganisms. Secondly, the subglacial ecosystem contains a majority of chemoautotrophs that are fed on the mineral salts of the rocks and basal soil. Lastly, the englacial ecosystem is the least studied and the one that contains the smallest number of microorganisms. However, these unknown englacial microorganisms establish a food web and appear to have an active metabolism. In order to study their metabolic potentials, samples of englacial ice were taken from an Antarctic glacier. Microorganisms were analyzed by a polyphasic approach that combines a set of -omic techniques: 16S rRNA sequencing, culturomics and metaproteomics. This combination provides key information about diversity and functions of microbial populations, especially in rare habitats. Several whole essential proteins and enzymes related to metabolism and energy production, recombination and translation were found that demonstrate the existence of cellular activity at subzero temperatures. In this way it is shown that the englacial microorganisms are not quiescent, but that they maintain an active metabolism and play an important role in the glacial microbial community.
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Aerts JW, van Spanning RJM, Flahaut J, Molenaar D, Bland PA, Genge MJ, Ehrenfreund P, Martins Z. Microbial Communities in Sediments From Four Mildly Acidic Ephemeral Salt Lakes in the Yilgarn Craton (Australia) - Terrestrial Analogs to Ancient Mars. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:779. [PMID: 31133990 PMCID: PMC6512757 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Yilgarn Craton in Australia has a large number of naturally occurring shallow ephemeral lakes underlain by a dendritic system of paleodrainage channels. Processes like evaporation, flooding, erosion, as well as inflow of saline, often acidic and ion-rich groundwater contribute to the (dynamic) nature of the lakes and the composition of the sediments. The region has previously been described as an analog environment for early Mars due to its geological and geophysical similarities. Here, we investigated sediment samples of four lake environments aimed at getting a fundamental understanding of the native microbial communities and the mineralogical and (bio)chemical composition of the sediments they are associated with. The dominant mineral phases in the sediments were quartz, feldspars and amphiboles, while halite and gypsum were the only evaporites detected. Element analysis revealed a rich and complex image, in which silicon, iron, and aluminum were the dominant ions, but relative high concentrations of trace elements such as strontium, chromium, zirconium, and barium were also found. The concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were generally low. 16S amplicon sequencing on the Illumina platform showed the presence of diverse microbial communities in all four lake environments. We found that most of the communities were dominated by extremely halophilic Archaea of the Halobacteriaceae family. The dynamic nature of these lakes appears to influence the biological, biochemical, and geological components of the ecosystem to a large effect. Inter- and intra-lake variations in the distributions of microbial communities were significant, and could only to a minor degree be explained by underlying environmental conditions. The communities are likely significantly influenced by small scale local effects caused by variations in geological settings and dynamic interactions caused by aeolian transport and flooding and evaporation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost W Aerts
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rob J M van Spanning
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jessica Flahaut
- Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Douwe Molenaar
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Phil A Bland
- Department of Applied Geology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matt J Genge
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Space Policy Institute, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Zita Martins
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular-Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CQFM-IN), Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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15
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Selbmann L, Pacelli C, Zucconi L, Dadachova E, Moeller R, de Vera JP, Onofri S. Resistance of an Antarctic cryptoendolithic black fungus to radiation gives new insights of astrobiological relevance. Fungal Biol 2017; 122:546-554. [PMID: 29801799 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Antarctic black meristematic fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515 occurs endolithically in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, one of the best analogue for Mars environment on Earth. To date, this fungus is considered one of the best eukaryotic models for astrobiological studies and has been repeatedly selected for space experiments in the last decade. The obtained results are reviewed here, with special focus on responses to space relevant irradiation, UV radiation, and both sparsely and densely ionizing radiation, which represent the major injuries for a putative space-traveller. The remarkable resistance of this model organism to space stress, its radioresistance in particular, and mechanisms involved, significantly contributed to expanding our concept of limits for life and provided new insights on the origin and evolution of life in planetary systems, habitability, and biosignatures for life detection as well as on human protection during space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Ekaterina Dadachova
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, Cologne (Köln), Germany.
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Astrobiological Laboratories, Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
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16
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Pacelli C, Selbmann L, Moeller R, Zucconi L, Fujimori A, Onofri S. Cryptoendolithic Antarctic Black Fungus Cryomyces antarcticus Irradiated with Accelerated Helium Ions: Survival and Metabolic Activity, DNA and Ultrastructural Damage. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2002. [PMID: 29089932 PMCID: PMC5650992 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Space represents an extremely harmful environment for life and survival of terrestrial organisms. In the last decades, a considerable deal of attention was paid to characterize the effects of spaceflight relevant radiation on various model organisms. The aim of this study was to test the survival capacity of the cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515 to space relevant radiation, to outline its endurance to space conditions. In the frame of an international radiation campaign, dried fungal colonies were irradiated with accelerated Helium ion (150 MeV/n, LET 2.2 keV/μm), up to a final dose of 1,000 Gy, as one of the space-relevant ionizing radiation. Results showed that the fungus maintained high survival and metabolic activity with no detectable DNA and ultrastructural damage, even after the highest dose irradiation. These data give clues on the resistance of life toward space ionizing radiation in general and on the resistance and responses of eukaryotic cells in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Akira Fujimori
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Research Center for Charged Particle Therapy, Chiba, Japan
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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17
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Garcia-Lopez E, Cid C. Glaciers and Ice Sheets As Analog Environments of Potentially Habitable Icy Worlds. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1407. [PMID: 28804477 PMCID: PMC5532398 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Icy worlds in the solar system and beyond have attracted a remarkable attention as possible habitats for life. The current consideration about whether life exists beyond Earth is based on our knowledge of life in terrestrial cold environments. On Earth, glaciers and ice sheets have been considered uninhabited for a long time as they seemed too hostile to harbor life. However, these environments are unique biomes dominated by microbial communities which maintain active biochemical routes. Thanks to techniques such as microscopy and more recently DNA sequencing methods, a great biodiversity of prokaryote and eukaryote microorganisms have been discovered. These microorganisms are adapted to a harsh environment, in which the most extreme features are the lack of liquid water, extremely cold temperatures, high solar radiation and nutrient shortage. Here we compare the environmental characteristics of icy worlds, and the environmental characteristics of terrestrial glaciers and ice sheets in order to address some interesting questions: (i) which are the characteristics of habitability known for the frozen worlds, and which could be compatible with life, (ii) what are the environmental characteristics of terrestrial glaciers and ice sheets that can be life-limiting, (iii) What are the microbial communities of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms that can live in them, and (iv) taking into account these observations, could any of these planets or satellites meet the conditions of habitability? In this review, the icy worlds are considered from the point of view of astrobiological exploration. With the aim of determining whether icy worlds could be potentially habitable, they have been compared with the environmental features of glaciers and ice sheets on Earth. We also reviewed some field and laboratory investigations about microorganisms that live in analog environments of icy worlds, where they are not only viable but also metabolically active.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Cid
- Microbial Evolution Laboratory, Centro de Astrobiología (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas-Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial)Madrid, Spain
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18
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Pacelli C, Selbmann L, Zucconi L, De Vera JP, Rabbow E, Horneck G, de la Torre R, Onofri S. BIOMEX Experiment: Ultrastructural Alterations, Molecular Damage and Survival of the Fungus Cryomyces antarcticus after the Experiment Verification Tests. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2017; 47:187-202. [PMID: 27033201 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The search for traces of extinct or extant life in extraterrestrial environments is one of the main goals for astrobiologists; due to their ability to withstand stress producing conditions, extremophiles are perfect candidates for astrobiological studies. The BIOMEX project aims to test the ability of biomolecules and cell components to preserve their stability under space and Mars-like conditions, while at the same time investigating the survival capability of microorganisms. The experiment has been launched into space and is being exposed on the EXPOSE-R2 payload, outside of the International Space Station (ISS) over a time-span of 1.5 years. Along with a number of other extremophilic microorganisms, the Antarctic cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515 has been included in the experiment. Before launch, dried colonies grown on Lunar and Martian regolith analogues were exposed to vacuum, irradiation and temperature cycles in ground based experiments (EVT1 and EVT2). Cultural and molecular tests revealed that the fungus survived on rock analogues under space and simulated Martian conditions, showing only slight ultra-structural and molecular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre De Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Institute of Planetary Research, Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Linder Hoehe, D 51170, Köln, Germany
| | - Gerda Horneck
- German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Linder Hoehe, D 51170, Köln, Germany
| | - Rosa de la Torre
- Department of Earth Observation, INTA - National Institute of Aerospace Technique, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science (DEB), University of Tuscia, L.go dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
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19
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Podolich O, Zaets I, Kukharenko O, Orlovska I, Reva O, Khirunenko L, Sosnin M, Haidak A, Shpylova S, Rabbow E, Skoryk M, Kremenskoy M, Demets R, Kozyrovska N, de Vera JP. Kombucha Multimicrobial Community under Simulated Spaceflight and Martian Conditions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:459-469. [PMID: 28520475 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Kombucha microbial community (KMC) produces a cellulose-based biopolymer of industrial importance and a probiotic beverage. KMC-derived cellulose-based pellicle film is known as a highly adaptive microbial macrocolony-a stratified community of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In the framework of the multipurpose international astrobiological project "BIOlogy and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX)," which aims to study the vitality of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and the stability of selected biomarkers in low Earth orbit and in a Mars-like environment, a cellulose polymer structural integrity will be assessed as a biomarker and biotechnological nanomaterial. In a preflight assessment program for BIOMEX, the mineralized bacterial cellulose did not exhibit significant changes in the structure under all types of tests. KMC members that inhabit the cellulose-based pellicle exhibited a high survival rate; however, the survival capacity depended on a variety of stressors such as the vacuum of space, a Mars-like atmosphere, UVC radiation, and temperature fluctuations. The critical limiting factor for microbial survival was high-dose UV irradiation. In the tests that simulated a 1-year mission of exposure outside the International Space Station, the core populations of bacteria and yeasts survived and provided protection against UV; however, the microbial density of the populations overall was reduced, which was revealed by implementation of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Reduction of microbial richness was also associated with a lower accumulation of chemical elements in the cellulose-based pellicle film, produced by microbiota that survived in the post-test experiments, as compared to untreated cultures that populated the film. Key Words: BIOlogy and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX)-Kombucha multimicrobial community-Biosignature-Biofilm-Bacterial cellulose. Astrobiology 17, 459-469.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Podolich
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - I Zaets
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - O Kukharenko
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - I Orlovska
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - O Reva
- 2 Pretoria University , Bioinformatics Center, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - M Sosnin
- 3 Institute of Physics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - A Haidak
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - S Shpylova
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - E Rabbow
- 4 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - M Skoryk
- 5 NanoMedTech LLC , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - R Demets
- 6 ESA/ESTEC , Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - N Kozyrovska
- 1 Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU , Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - J-P de Vera
- 7 Institute of Planetary Research , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin, Germany
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20
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Pacelli C, Selbmann L, Zucconi L, Raguse M, Moeller R, Shuryak I, Onofri S. Survival, DNA Integrity, and Ultrastructural Damage in Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Eukaryotic Microorganisms Exposed to Ionizing Radiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:126-135. [PMID: 28151696 PMCID: PMC5314979 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Life dispersal between planets, planetary protection, and the search for biosignatures are main topics in astrobiology. Under the umbrella of the STARLIFE project, three Antarctic endolithic microorganisms, the melanized fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515, a hyaline strain of Umbilicaria sp. (CCFEE 6113, lichenized fungus), and a Stichococcus sp. strain (C45A, green alga), were exposed to high doses of space-relevant gamma radiation (60Co), up to 117.07 kGy. After irradiation survival, DNA integrity and ultrastructural damage were tested. The first was assessed by clonogenic test; viability and dose responses were reasonably described by the linear-quadratic formalism. DNA integrity was evaluated by PCR, and ultrastructural damage was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The most resistant among the tested organisms was C. antarcticus both in terms of colony formation and DNA preservation. Besides, results clearly demonstrate that DNA was well detectable in all the tested organisms even when microorganisms were dead. This high resistance provides support for the use of DNA as a possible biosignature during the next exploration campaigns. Implication in planetary protection and contamination during long-term space travel are put forward. Key Words: Biosignatures-Ionizing radiation-DNA integrity-Eukaryotic microorganisms-Fingerprinting-Mars exploration. Astrobiology 17, 126-135.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marina Raguse
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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21
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Rolfe SM, Patel MR, Gilmour I, Olsson-Francis K, Ringrose TJ. Defining Multiple Characteristic Raman Bands of α-Amino Acids as Biomarkers for Planetary Missions Using a Statistical Method. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2016; 46:323-46. [PMID: 26744263 PMCID: PMC4764629 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-015-9477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Biomarker molecules, such as amino acids, are key to discovering whether life exists elsewhere in the Solar System. Raman spectroscopy, a technique capable of detecting biomarkers, will be on board future planetary missions including the ExoMars rover. Generally, the position of the strongest band in the spectra of amino acids is reported as the identifying band. However, for an unknown sample, it is desirable to define multiple characteristic bands for molecules to avoid any ambiguous identification. To date, there has been no definition of multiple characteristic bands for amino acids of interest to astrobiology. This study examined L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-cysteine, L-glutamine and glycine and defined several Raman bands per molecule for reference as characteristic identifiers. Per amino acid, 240 spectra were recorded and compared using established statistical tests including ANOVA. The number of characteristic bands defined were 10, 12, 12, 14 and 19 for L-alanine (strongest intensity band: 832 cm(-1)), L-aspartic acid (938 cm(-1)), L-cysteine (679 cm(-1)), L-glutamine (1090 cm(-1)) and glycine (875 cm(-1)), respectively. The intensity of bands differed by up to six times when several points on the crystal sample were rotated through 360 °; to reduce this effect when defining characteristic bands for other molecules, we find that spectra should be recorded at a statistically significant number of points per sample to remove the effect of sample rotation. It is crucial that sets of characteristic Raman bands are defined for biomarkers that are targets for future planetary missions to ensure a positive identification can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Rolfe
- Planetary and Space Sciences, Department of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Robert Hooke Building, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - M R Patel
- Planetary and Space Sciences, Department of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Robert Hooke Building, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
- Space Science and Technology Department, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - I Gilmour
- Planetary and Space Sciences, Department of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Robert Hooke Building, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - K Olsson-Francis
- Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - T J Ringrose
- Planetary and Space Sciences, Department of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Robert Hooke Building, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
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22
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Moreno-García P, Grimaudo V, Riedo A, Tulej M, Wurz P, Broekmann P. Towards matrix-free femtosecond-laser desorption mass spectrometry for in situ space research. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2016; 30:1031-1036. [PMID: 27003040 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is an increasing interest in the quest for low molecular weight biomarkers that can be studied on extra-terrestrial objects by direct laser desorption mass spectrometry (LD-MS). Although molecular structure investigations have recently been carried out by direct LD-MS approaches, there is still a lack of suitable instruments for implementation on a spacecraft due to weight, size and power consumption demands. In this contribution we demonstrate the feasibility of LD-MS structural analysis of molecular species by a miniature laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometer (instrument name LMS) originally designed for in situ elemental and isotope analysis of solids in space research. METHODS Direct LD-MS studies with molecular resolution were carried out by means of a Laser Ablation/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) technique. Two polymer samples served as model systems: neutral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cationic polymerizates of imidazole and epichlorohydrin (IMEP). Optimal conditions for molecular fragmentation could be identified for both polymers by tuning the laser energy and the instrument-sample distance. RESULTS PEG and IMEP polymers show sufficient stability over a relatively wide laser energy range. Under mild LD conditions only moderate fragmentation of the polymers takes place so that valuable structural characterization based on fragment ions can be achieved. As the applied laser pulse energy rises, the abundance of fragment ions increases, reaches a plateau and subsequently drops down due to more severe fragmentation and atomization of the polymers. At this final stage, usually referred to as laser ablation, only elemental/isotope analysis can be achieved. CONCLUSIONS Our investigations demonstrate the versatility of the LMS instrument that can be tuned to favourable laser desorption conditions that successfully meet molecule-specific requirements and deliver abundant fragment ion signals with detailed structural information. Overall, the results show promise for use in similar studies on planetary surfaces beyond Earth where no or minimal sample preparation is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Moreno-García
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Interfacial Electrochemistry Group, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Grimaudo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Interfacial Electrochemistry Group, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Tulej
- Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wurz
- Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Broekmann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Interfacial Electrochemistry Group, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Howard C, Wood IG, Knight KS, Fortes AD. X-ray and neutron powder diffraction analyses of Gly·MgSO4·5H2O and Gly·MgSO4·3H2O, and their deuterated counterparts. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2016; 72:203-16. [PMID: 26942430 DOI: 10.1107/s2053229616001200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We have identified a new compound in the glycine-MgSO4-water ternary system, namely glycine magnesium sulfate trihydrate (or Gly·MgSO4·3H2O) {systematic name: catena-poly[[tetraaquamagnesium(II)]-μ-glycine-κ(2)O:O'-[diaquabis(sulfato-κO)magnesium(II)]-μ-glycine-κ(2)O:O']; [Mg(SO4)(C2D5NO2)(D2O)3]n}, which can be grown from a supersaturated solution at ∼350 K and which may also be formed by heating the previously known glycine magnesium sulfate pentahydrate (or Gly·MgSO4·5H2O) {systematic name: hexaaquamagnesium(II) tetraaquadiglycinemagnesium(II) disulfate; [Mg(D2O)6][Mg(C2D5NO2)2(D2O)4](SO4)2} above ∼330 K in air. X-ray powder diffraction analysis reveals that the trihydrate phase is monoclinic (space group P21/n), with a unit-cell metric very similar to that of recently identified Gly·CoSO4·3H2O [Tepavitcharova et al. (2012). J. Mol. Struct. 1018, 113-121]. In order to obtain an accurate determination of all structural parameters, including the locations of H atoms, and to better understand the relationship between the pentahydrate and the trihydrate, neutron powder diffraction measurements of both (fully deuterated) phases were carried out at 10 K at the ISIS neutron spallation source, these being complemented with X-ray powder diffraction measurements and Raman spectroscopy. At 10 K, glycine magnesium sulfate pentahydrate, structurally described by the `double' formula [Gly(d5)·MgSO4·5D2O]2, is triclinic (space group P-1, Z = 1), and glycine magnesium sulfate trihydrate, which may be described by the formula Gly(d5)·MgSO4·3D2O, is monoclinic (space group P21/n, Z = 4). In the pentahydrate, there are two symmetry-inequivalent MgO6 octahedra on sites of -1 symmetry and two SO4 tetrahedra with site symmetry 1. The octahedra comprise one [tetraaquadiglcyinemagnesium](2+) ion (centred on Mg1) and one [hexaaquamagnesium](2+) ion (centred on Mg2), and the glycine zwitterion, NH3(+)CH2COO(-), adopts a monodentate coordination to Mg2. In the trihydrate, there are two pairs of symmetry-inequivalent MgO6 octahedra on sites of -1 symmetry and two pairs of SO4 tetrahedra with site symmetry 1; the glycine zwitterion adopts a binuclear-bidentate bridging function between Mg1 and Mg2, whilst the Mg2 octahedra form a corner-sharing arrangement with the sulfate tetrahedra. These bridged polyhedra thus constitute infinite polymeric chains extending along the b axis of the crystal. A range of O-H...O, N-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds, including some three-centred interactions, complete the three-dimensional framework of each crystal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Howard
- Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, England
| | - Ian G Wood
- Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, England
| | - Kevin S Knight
- ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, England
| | - A Dominic Fortes
- Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, England
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Onofri S, de Vera JP, Zucconi L, Selbmann L, Scalzi G, Venkateswaran KJ, Rabbow E, de la Torre R, Horneck G. Survival of Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Fungi in Simulated Martian Conditions On Board the International Space Station. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:1052-9. [PMID: 26684504 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dehydrated Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities and colonies of the rock inhabitant black fungi Cryomyces antarcticus (CCFEE 515) and Cryomyces minteri (CCFEE 5187) were exposed as part of the Lichens and Fungi Experiment (LIFE) for 18 months in the European Space Agency's EXPOSE-E facility to simulated martian conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Upon sample retrieval, survival was proved by testing colony-forming ability, and viability of cells (as integrity of cell membrane) was determined by the propidium monoazide (PMA) assay coupled with quantitative PCR tests. Although less than 10% of the samples exposed to simulated martian conditions were able to proliferate and form colonies, the PMA assay indicated that more than 60% of the cells and rock communities had remained intact after the "Mars exposure." Furthermore, a high stability of the DNA in the cells was demonstrated. The results contribute to assessing the stability of resistant microorganisms and biosignatures on the surface of Mars, data that are valuable information for further search-for-life experiments on Mars. KEY WORDS Endoliths-Eukaryotes-Extremophilic microorganisms-Mars-Radiation resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Onofri
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- 2 Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Zucconi
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuliano Scalzi
- 1 Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Elke Rabbow
- 4 Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Cologne, Germany
| | - Rosa de la Torre
- 5 Department of Earth Observation, Spanish Aerospace Research Establishment-INTA , Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerda Horneck
- 4 Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Cologne, Germany
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