1
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Lai Z, Liu Z, Zhao Y, Qin S, Zhang W, Lang T, Zhu Z, Sun Y. Distinct microbial communities under different rock-associated microhabitats in the Qaidam Desert. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118462. [PMID: 38367835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Hypolithic communities, which occupy highly specialised microhabitats beneath translucent rocks in desert and arid environments, have assembly mechanisms and ecosystem functions are not fully understood. Thus, in this study, we aimed to examine the microbial community structure, assembly, and function of light-accessible (under quartz, calcite, and hypolithic lichen-dominated biocrusts) and light-inaccessible microhabitats (under basalt and adjacent soil) in the Qaidam Desert, China. The results showed that hypolithic communities have different characteristics compared with microbial communities of light-inaccessible microhabitats. Notably, hypolithic bacterial communities were dominated by Cyanobacteria, whereas light-inaccessible microhabitats showed a predominance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Although the class Dothideomycetes (phylum: Ascomycota) dominated the fungal communities between the two microhabitat types, Sordariomycetes were more prevalent in light-accessible microhabitats. Network and robustness analyses showed that hypolithic communities were less complex and more resilient than microbial communities in light-inaccessible microhabitats. Our results indicated that deterministic processes, specifically homogeneous selection, govern the establishment of bacterial and fungal communities in light-accessible and light-inaccessible microhabitats. The hypolithic community showed an increased frequency of phylotypes that exhibited increased tolerance to functional stress response pathways. In contrast to light-inaccessible microhabitats, light-accessible microhabitats showed a slight decrease and a notable increase in the prevalence of carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, respectively. For fungi, light-accessible microhabitats enriched saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal groups. These results highlight the importance of complex and diverse microhabitats in desert regions, which serve as vital shelters for microbes. Combining future research on interactions between hypolithic communities and environments may enhance our current understanding of their pivotal roles in sustaining desert ecosystems. This knowledge then be applied to design and implement informed conservation efforts to preserve these unique rock-associated microhabitats in desert ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongrui Lai
- Yanchi Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Yellow River Delta Modern Agriculture, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Yanchi Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shugao Qin
- Yanchi Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenqi Zhang
- Yanchi Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tao Lang
- MNR Key Laboratory for Geo-Environmental Monitoring of Great Bay Area & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-resource and Eco-environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China; College of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Baise University, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China.
| | - Zhengjie Zhu
- College of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Baise University, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China
| | - Yanfei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Germplasm Innovation of Tropical Special Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
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2
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Sephton MA, Freeman K, Hays L, Thiessen F, Benison K, Carrier B, Dworkin JP, Glamoclija M, Gough R, Onofri S, Peterson R, Quinn R, Russell S, Stüeken EE, Velbel M, Zolotov M. Thresholds of Temperature and Time for Mars Sample Return: Final Report of the Mars Sample Return Temperature-Time Tiger Team. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:443-488. [PMID: 38768433 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Sephton
- Imperial College London, Earth Science and Engineering, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Kate Freeman
- The Pennsylvania State University, Geosciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lindsay Hays
- NASA Headquarters, Mars Sample Return Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fiona Thiessen
- European Space Research and Technology Centre, Noordwijk, South Holland, Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Benison
- West Virginia University, Department of Geology and Geography, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Brandi Carrier
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Jason P Dworkin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Astrochemistry, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Mihaela Glamoclija
- Rutgers University Newark College of Arts and Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Raina Gough
- University of Colorado, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Silvano Onofri
- University of Tuscia, Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Largo dell'Università snc Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Richard Quinn
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Sara Russell
- Natural History Museum, Department of Earth Sciences, London, UK
| | - Eva E Stüeken
- University of St Andrews, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Michael Velbel
- Michigan State University, Earth and Environmental Sciences, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Smithsonian Institution, Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mikhail Zolotov
- Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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3
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Canini F, Borruso L, Newsham KK, D'Alò F, D'Acqui LP, Zucconi L. Wide divergence of fungal communities inhabiting rocks and soils in a hyper-arid Antarctic desert. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3671-3682. [PMID: 37964667 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Highly simplified microbial communities colonise rocks and soils of continental Antarctica ice-free deserts. These two habitats impose different selection pressures on organisms, yet the possible filtering effects on the diversity and composition of microbial communities have not hitherto been fully characterised. We hence compared fungal communities in rocks and soils in three localities of inner Victoria Land. We found low fungal diversity in both substrates, with a mean species richness of 28 across all samples, and significantly lower diversity in rocks than in soils. Rock and soil communities were strongly differentiated, with a multinomial species classification method identifying just three out of 328 taxa as generalists with no affinity for either substrate. Rocks were characterised by a higher abundance of lichen-forming fungi (typically Buellia, Carbonea, Pleopsidium, Lecanora, and Lecidea), possibly owing to the more protected environment and the porosity of rocks permitting photosynthetic activity. In contrast, soils were dominated by obligate yeasts (typically Naganishia and Meyerozyma), the abundances of which were correlated with edaphic factors, and the black yeast Cryomyces. Our study suggests that strong differences in selection pressures may account for the wide divergences of fungal communities in rocks and soils of inner Victoria Land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Luigimaria Borruso
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
| | - Kevin K Newsham
- British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Cambridge, UK
| | - Federica D'Alò
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Institute (IRET), National Research Council (CNR), Porano (TR), Italy
| | - Luigi P D'Acqui
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Institute (IRET), National Research Council (CNR), Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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4
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Cassaro A, Pacelli C, Onofri S. Survival, metabolic activity, and ultrastructural damages of Antarctic black fungus in perchlorates media. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:992077. [PMID: 36523839 PMCID: PMC9744811 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.992077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence from recent Mars landers identified the presence of perchlorates salts at 1 wt % in regolith and their widespread distribution on the Martian surface that has been hypothesized as a critical chemical hazard for putative life forms. However, the hypersaline environment may also potentially preserve life and its biomolecules over geological timescales. The high concentration of natural perchlorates is scarcely reported on Earth. The presence of perchlorates in soil and ice has been recorded in some extreme environments including the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica, one of the best terrestrial analogues for Mars. In the frame of "Life in space" Italian astrobiology project, the polyextremophilic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, a eukaryotic test organism isolated from the Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities, has been tested for its resistance, when grown on different hypersaline substrata. In addition, C. antarcticus was grown on Martian relevant perchlorate medium (0.4 wt% of Mg(ClO4)2 and 0.6 wt% of Ca(ClO4)2) to investigate the possibility for the fungus to survive in Martian environment. Here, the results indicate a good survivability and metabolic activity recovery of the black fungus when grown on four Martian relevant perchlorates. A low percentage of damaged cellular membranes have been found, confirming the ultrastructural investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, via del Politecnico, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
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5
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Coleine C, Delgado-Baquerizo M. Unearthing terrestrial extreme microbiomes for searching terrestrial-like life in the Solar System. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:1101-1115. [PMID: 35568658 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.04.002] [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] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of life elsewhere in the universe has fascinated humankind for ages. To the best of our knowledge, life, as we know it, is limited to planet Earth; yet current investigation suggests that life might be more common than previously thought. In this review, we explore extreme terrestrial analogue environments in the search for some notable examples of extreme organisms, including overlooked microbial groups such as viruses, fungi, and protists, associated with limits of life on Earth. This knowledge is integral to provide the foundational principles needed to predict what sort of Earth-like organisms we might find in the Solar System and beyond, and to understand the future and origins of life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistémico. Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC, Av. Reina Mercedes 10, E-41012, Sevilla, Spain; Unidad Asociada CSIC-UPO (BioFun). Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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6
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Cordero RJB, Dragotakes Q, Friello PJ, Casadevall A. Melanin protects Cryptococcus neoformans from spaceflight effects. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:679-685. [PMID: 35852045 PMCID: PMC9326845 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
As human activity in space continues to increase, understanding how biological assets respond to spaceflight conditions is becoming more important. Spaceflight conditions include exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, spacecraft vibrations and hypervelocity; all of which can affect the viability of biological organisms. Previous studies have shown that melanin-producing fungi are capable of surviving the vacuum of space and Mars-simulated conditions in Low Earth Orbit. This survival has been associated in part with the protective effects of melanin, but a comparison of fungal viability in the presence or absence of melanin following spaceflight has never been tested. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of melanin by comparing the viability of melanized and non-melanized clones of Cryptococcus neoformans yeasts following a roundtrip to the International Space Station. Yeast colonies were placed inside two MixStix silicone tubes; one stayed on Earth and the other was transported inside for 29 days before returning to Earth. Post-flight analysis based on colony-forming unit numbers shows that melanized yeast viability was 50% higher than non-melanized yeasts, while no difference was observed between the Earth-bound control samples. The results suggest that fungal melanin could increase the lifespan of biological assets in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radames J. B. Cordero
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD21205USA
| | - Quigly Dragotakes
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD21205USA
| | | | - Arturo Casadevall
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD21205USA
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7
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Fungi are key players in extreme ecosystems. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:517-528. [PMID: 35246323 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extreme environments on Earth are typically devoid of macro life forms and are inhabited predominantly by highly adapted and specialized microorganisms. The discovery and persistence of these extremophiles provides tools to model how life arose on Earth and inform us on the limits of life. Fungi, in particular, are among the most extreme-tolerant organisms with highly versatile lifestyles and stunning ecological and morphological plasticity. Here, we overview the most notable examples of extremophilic and stress-tolerant fungi, highlighting their key roles in the functionality and balance of extreme ecosystems. The remarkable ability of fungi to tolerate and even thrive in the most extreme environments, which preclude most organisms, have reshaped current concepts regarding the limits of life on Earth.
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8
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Cassaro A, Pacelli C, Baqué M, Cavalazzi B, Gasparotto G, Saladino R, Botta L, Böttger U, Rabbow E, de Vera JP, Onofri S. Investigation of fungal biomolecules after Low Earth Orbit exposure: a testbed for the next Moon missions. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:2938-2950. [PMID: 35437941 PMCID: PMC9540993 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Moon is characterized by extremely harsh conditions due to ultraviolet irradiation, wide temperature extremes, vacuum resulting from the absence of an atmosphere and high ionizing radiation. Therefore, its surface may provide a unique platform to investigate the effects of such conditions. For lunar exploration with the Lunar Gateway platform, exposure experiments in Low Earth Orbit are useful testbeds to prepare for lunar space experiments and to understand how and if potential biomarkers are influenced by extra‐terrestrial conditions. During the BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) project, dried colonies of the fungus Cryomyces antarcticus grown on Lunar Regolith Analogue (LRA) were exposed to space conditions for 16 months aboard the EXPOSE‐R2 payload outside the International Space Station. In this study, we investigated the stability/degradation of fungal biomarkers in LRA after exposure to (i) simulated space and (ii) real space conditions, using Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and DNA amplification. The results demonstrated that fungal biomarkers were detectable after 16 months of real space exposure. This work will contribute to the interpretation of data from future biological experiments in the Cislunar orbit with the Lunar Gateway platform and/or on the lunar surface, in preparation for the next step of human exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, 01100, Italy.,Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, via del Politecnico, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Mickael Baqué
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Planetary Laboratories Department, Rutherfordstraße 2, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Cavalazzi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, Bologna, 40126, Italy.,Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.,Le Studium Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies, Rue Dupanloup 1, Orléans, France
| | - Giorgio Gasparotto
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Ute Böttger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Optical Sensor Systems, Rutherfordstraße 2, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology, Linder Höhe, Cologne, 51147, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- Space Operations and Astronaut Training, MUSC, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, Cologne, 51147, Germany
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
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9
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Antarctica as a reservoir of planetary analogue environments. Extremophiles 2021; 25:437-458. [PMID: 34586500 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-021-01245-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the main objectives of astrobiological research is the investigation of the habitability of other planetary bodies. Since space exploration missions are expensive and require long-term organization, the preliminary study of terrestrial environments is an essential step to prepare and support exploration missions. The Earth hosts a multitude of extreme environments whose characteristics resemble celestial bodies in our Solar System. In these environments, the physico-chemical properties partly match extraterrestrial environments and could clarify limits and adaptation mechanisms of life, the mineralogical or geochemical context, and support and interpret data sent back from planetary bodies. One of the best terrestrial analogues is Antarctica, whose conditions lie on the edge of habitability. It is characterized by a cold and dry climate (Onofri et al., Nova Hedwigia 68:175-182, 1999), low water availability, strong katabatic winds, salt concentration, desiccation, and high radiation. Thanks to the harsh conditions like those in other celestial bodies, Antarctica offers good terrestrial analogues for celestial body (Mars or icy moons; Léveillé, CR Palevol 8:637-648, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpv.2009.03.005 , 2009). The continent could be distinguished into several habitats, each with characteristics similar to those existing on other bodies. Here, we reported a description of each simulated parameter within the habitats, in relation to each of the simulated extraterrestrial environments.
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10
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Insights into the Survival Capabilities of Cryomyces antarcticus Hydrated Colonies after Exposure to Fe Particle Radiation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070495. [PMID: 34206448 PMCID: PMC8304246 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070495] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern concept of the evolution of Mars assumes that life could potentially have originated on the planet Mars, possibly during the end of the late heavy bombardment, and could then be transferred to other planets. Since then, physical and chemical conditions on Mars changed and now strongly limit the presence of terrestrial-like life forms. These adverse conditions include scarcity of liquid water (although brine solutions may exist), low temperature and atmospheric pressure, and cosmic radiation. Ionizing radiation is very important among these life-constraining factors because it damages DNA and other cellular components, particularly in liquid conditions where radiation-induced reactive oxidants diffuse freely. Here, we investigated the impact of high doses (up to 2 kGy) of densely-ionizing (197.6 keV/µm), space-relevant iron ions (corresponding on the irradiation that reach the uppermost layer of the Mars subsurface) on the survival of an extremophilic terrestrial organism—Cryomyces antarcticus—in liquid medium and under atmospheric conditions, through different techniques. Results showed that it survived in a metabolically active state when subjected to high doses of Fe ions and was able to repair eventual DNA damages. It implies that some terrestrial life forms can withstand prolonged exposure to space-relevant ion radiation.
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11
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Kreusch MG, Duarte RTD. Photoprotective compounds and radioresistance in pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:3521-3532. [PMID: 33900423 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11271-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation, continuously reaching our planet's surface, is a type of electromagnetic energy within the wavelength range of 10 to 400 nm. Despite essential for all life on Earth, ultraviolet radiation may have severe adverse cellular effects, including DNA dimerization and production of reactive oxygen species. Radioresistant microorganisms can survive under high doses of ultraviolet radiation, enduring the direct and indirect effects on nucleic acids and other biomolecules. The synthesis and accumulation of photoprotective compounds are among the main strategies employed by radioresistant yeast species to bear the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. A correlation between pigments and resistance to ultraviolet radiation has been widely recognized in these microorganisms; however, there is still some debate on this topic, with non-pigmented strains sometimes being more resistant than their pigmented counterparts. In this review, we explore the role of photoprotective compounds-specifically, melanin, carotenoids, and mycosporines-and compare the differences found in resistance between pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts. We also discuss the biotechnological potential of these photoprotective compounds, with special emphasis on those produced by non-pigmented yeast strains, such as phytoene and phytofluene. The use of "-omics" approaches should further unveil the radioresistance mechanisms of non-pigmented yeasts, opening new opportunities for both research and commercial applications. KEY POINTS: • Updated knowledge on photoprotective compounds from radioresistant yeasts. • Differences on radioresistance between pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts. • Future prospects over the study of non-pigmented photoprotective compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Gabi Kreusch
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Rubens Tadeu Delgado Duarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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12
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Tesei D, Chiang AJ, Kalkum M, Stajich JE, Mohan GBM, Sterflinger K, Venkateswaran K. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on the Proteome and Secretome of the Polyextremotolerant Black Fungus Knufia chersonesos. Front Genet 2021; 12:638708. [PMID: 33815472 PMCID: PMC8012687 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.638708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Black fungi are a group of melanotic microfungi characterized by remarkable polyextremotolerance. Due to a broad ecological plasticity and adaptations at the cellular level, it is predicted that they may survive in a variety of extreme environments, including harsh niches on Earth and Mars, and in outer space. However, the molecular mechanisms aiding survival, especially in space, are yet to be fully elucidated. Based on these premises, the rock-inhabiting black fungus Knufia chersonesos (Wt) and its non-melanized mutant (Mut) were exposed to simulated microgravity-one of the prevalent features characterizing space conditions-by growing the cultures in high-aspect-ratio vessels (HARVs). Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses were performed on the mycelia and supernatant of culture medium (secretome) to assess alterations in cell physiology in response to low-shear simulated microgravity (LSSMG) and to ultimately evaluate the role of cell-wall melanization in stress survival. Differential expression was observed for proteins involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolic processes, transport, and ribosome biogenesis and translation via ribosomal translational machinery. However, no evidence of significant activation of stress components or starvation response was detected, except for the scytalone dehydratase, enzyme involved in the synthesis of dihydroxynaphthalene (DNH) melanin, which was found to be upregulated in the secretome of the wild type and downregulated in the mutant. Differences in protein modulation were observed between K. chersonesos Wt and Mut, with several proteins being downregulated under LSSMG in the Mut when compared to the Wt. Lastly, no major morphological alterations were observed following exposure to LSSMG. Similarly, the strains' survivability was not negatively affected. This study is the first to characterize the response to simulated microgravity in black fungi, which might have implications on future astrobiological missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Abby J. Chiang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Research and Infectious Diseases, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute for Natural Sciences and Technology in the Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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13
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Culture-Dependent and Amplicon Sequencing Approaches Reveal Diversity and Distribution of Black Fungi in Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Communities. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030213. [PMID: 33809619 PMCID: PMC8001563 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the harshest environmental conditions of the Antarctic desert, normally incompatible with active life, microbes are adapted to exploit the cryptoendolithic habitat (i.e., pore spaces of rocks) and represent the predominant life-forms. In the rocky niche, microbes take advantage of the thermal buffering, physical stability, protection against UV radiation, excessive solar radiation, and water retention-of paramount importance in one of the driest environments on Earth. In this work, high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches have been combined, for the first time, to untangle the diversity and distribution of black fungi in the Antarctic cryptoendolithic microbial communities, hosting some of the most extreme-tolerant microorganisms. Rock samples were collected in a vast area, along an altitudinal gradient and opposite sun exposure-known to influence microbial diversity-with the aim to compare and integrate results gained with the two approaches. Among black fungi, Friedmanniomyces endolithicus was confirmed as the most abundant taxon. Despite the much stronger power of the high-throughput sequencing, several species were not retrieved with DNA sequencing and were detectable by cultivation only. We conclude that both culture-dependent and -independent analyses are needed for a complete overview of black fungi diversity. The reason why some species remain undetectable with molecular methods are speculated upon. The effect of environmental parameters such as sun exposure on relative abundance was clearer if based on the wider biodiversity detected with the molecular approach.
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Bashir AK, Wink L, Duller S, Schwendner P, Cockell C, Rettberg P, Mahnert A, Beblo-Vranesevic K, Bohmeier M, Rabbow E, Gaboyer F, Westall F, Walter N, Cabezas P, Garcia-Descalzo L, Gomez F, Malki M, Amils R, Ehrenfreund P, Monaghan E, Vannier P, Marteinsson V, Erlacher A, Tanski G, Strauss J, Bashir M, Riedo A, Moissl-Eichinger C. Taxonomic and functional analyses of intact microbial communities thriving in extreme, astrobiology-relevant, anoxic sites. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:50. [PMID: 33602336 PMCID: PMC7893877 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00989-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme terrestrial, analogue environments are widely used models to study the limits of life and to infer habitability of extraterrestrial settings. In contrast to Earth's ecosystems, potential extraterrestrial biotopes are usually characterized by a lack of oxygen. METHODS In the MASE project (Mars Analogues for Space Exploration), we selected representative anoxic analogue environments (permafrost, salt-mine, acidic lake and river, sulfur springs) for the comprehensive analysis of their microbial communities. We assessed the microbiome profile of intact cells by propidium monoazide-based amplicon and shotgun metagenome sequencing, supplemented with an extensive cultivation effort. RESULTS The information retrieved from microbiome analyses on the intact microbial community thriving in the MASE sites, together with the isolation of 31 model microorganisms and successful binning of 15 high-quality genomes allowed us to observe principle pathways, which pinpoint specific microbial functions in the MASE sites compared to moderate environments. The microorganisms were characterized by an impressive machinery to withstand physical and chemical pressures. All levels of our analyses revealed the strong and omnipresent dependency of the microbial communities on complex organic matter. Moreover, we identified an extremotolerant cosmopolitan group of 34 poly-extremophiles thriving in all sites. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal the presence of a core microbiome and microbial taxonomic similarities between saline and acidic anoxic environments. Our work further emphasizes the importance of the environmental, terrestrial parameters for the functionality of a microbial community, but also reveals a high proportion of living microorganisms in extreme environments with a high adaptation potential within habitability borders. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kristin Bashir
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Microbiology and Archaea Center, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Wink
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Duller
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Petra Schwendner
- UK Center for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Charles Cockell
- UK Center for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Mahnert
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kristina Beblo-Vranesevic
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Bohmeier
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Frederic Gaboyer
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France
| | - Frances Westall
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherché Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France
| | | | | | - Laura Garcia-Descalzo
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial – Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CAB), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Gomez
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial – Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CAB), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mustapha Malki
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Amils
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Euan Monaghan
- Leiden Observatory, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Viggo Marteinsson
- MATIS, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Armin Erlacher
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - George Tanski
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Periglacial Research Unit, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jens Strauss
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Periglacial Research Unit, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mina Bashir
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Sackler Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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Cheptsov VS, Belov AA, Vorobyova EA, Pavlov AK, Lomasov VN. Effects of Radiation Intensity, Mineral Matrix, and Pre-Irradiation on the Bacterial Resistance to Gamma Irradiation under Low Temperature Conditions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:198. [PMID: 33477915 PMCID: PMC7833375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is one of the main factors limiting the survival of microorganisms in extraterrestrial conditions. The survivability of microorganisms under irradiation depends significantly on the conditions, in which the irradiation occurs. In particular, temperature, pressure, oxygen and water concentrations are of great influence. However, the influence of factors such as the radiation intensity (in low-temperature conditions) and the type of mineral matrix, in which microorganisms are located, has been practically unstudied. It has been shown that the radioresistance of bacteria can increase after their exposure to sublethal doses and subsequent repair of damage under favorable conditions, however, such studies are also few and the influence of other factors of extraterrestrial space (temperature, pressure) was not studied in them. The viability of bacteria Arthrobacter polychromogenes, Kocuria rosea and Xanthomonas sp. after irradiation with gamma radiation at a dose of 1 kGy under conditions of low pressure (1 Torr) and low temperature (-50 °C) at different radiation intensities (4 vs. 0.8 kGy/h) with immobilization of bacteria on various mineral matrices (montmorillonite vs. analogue of lunar dust) has been studied. Native, previously non-irradiated strains, and strains that were previously irradiated with gamma radiation and subjected to 10 passages of cultivation on solid media were irradiated. The number of survived cells was determined by culturing on a solid medium. It has been shown that the radioresistance of bacteria depends significantly on the type of mineral matrix, on which they are immobilized, wherein montmorillonite contributes to an increased survivability in comparison with a silicate matrix. Survivability of the studied bacteria was found to increase with decreasing radiation intensity, despite the impossibility of active reparation processes under experimental conditions. Considering the low intensity of radiation on various space objects in comparison with radiobiological experiments, this suggests a longer preservation of the viable microorganisms outside the Earth than is commonly believed. An increase in bacterial radioresistance was revealed even after one cycle of irradiation of the strains and their subsequent cultivation under favourable conditions. This indicates the possibility of hypothetical microorganisms on Mars increasing their radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir S. Cheptsov
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.B.); (E.A.V.)
- Space Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya str., 84/32, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK
| | - Andrey A. Belov
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.B.); (E.A.V.)
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK
| | - Elena A. Vorobyova
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.B.); (E.A.V.)
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK
| | - Anatoli K. Pavlov
- Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Polytechnicheskaya Street, 26, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vladimir N. Lomasov
- STC “Nuclear Physics”, Peter the Great St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya Street, 29, 195251 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
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16
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Advantages and Limitations of Current Microgravity Platforms for Space Biology Research. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app11010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human Space exploration has created new challenges and new opportunities for science. Reaching beyond the Earth’s surface has raised the issue of the importance of gravity for the development and the physiology of biological systems, while giving scientists the tools to study the mechanisms of response and adaptation to the microgravity environment. As life has evolved under the constant influence of gravity, gravity affects biological systems at a very fundamental level. Owing to limited access to spaceflight platforms, scientists rely heavily on on-ground facilities that reproduce, to a different extent, microgravity or its effects. However, the technical constraints of counterbalancing the gravitational force on Earth add complexity to data interpretation. In-flight experiments are also not without their challenges, including additional stressors, such as cosmic radiation and lack of convection. It is thus extremely important in Space biology to design experiments in a way that maximizes the scientific return and takes into consideration all the variables of the chosen setup, both on-ground or on orbit. This review provides a critical analysis of current ground-based and spaceflight facilities. In particular, the focus was given to experimental design to offer the reader the tools to select the appropriate setup and to appropriately interpret the results.
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Selbmann L, Benkő Z, Coleine C, de Hoog S, Donati C, Druzhinina I, Emri T, Ettinger CL, Gladfelter AS, Gorbushina AA, Grigoriev IV, Grube M, Gunde-Cimerman N, Karányi ZÁ, Kocsis B, Kubressoian T, Miklós I, Miskei M, Muggia L, Northen T, Novak-Babič M, Pennacchio C, Pfliegler WP, Pòcsi I, Prigione V, Riquelme M, Segata N, Schumacher J, Shelest E, Sterflinger K, Tesei D, U’Ren JM, Varese GC, Vázquez-Campos X, Vicente VA, Souza EM, Zalar P, Walker AK, Stajich JE. Shed Light in the DaRk LineagES of the Fungal Tree of Life-STRES. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10120362. [PMID: 33352712 PMCID: PMC7767062 DOI: 10.3390/life10120362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The polyphyletic group of black fungi within the Ascomycota (Arthoniomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Eurotiomycetes) is ubiquitous in natural and anthropogenic habitats. Partly because of their dark, melanin-based pigmentation, black fungi are resistant to stresses including UV- and ionizing-radiation, heat and desiccation, toxic metals, and organic pollutants. Consequently, they are amongst the most stunning extremophiles and poly-extreme-tolerant organisms on Earth. Even though ca. 60 black fungal genomes have been sequenced to date, [mostly in the family Herpotrichiellaceae (Eurotiomycetes)], the class Dothideomycetes that hosts the largest majority of extremophiles has only been sparsely sampled. By sequencing up to 92 species that will become reference genomes, the “Shed light in The daRk lineagES of the fungal tree of life” (STRES) project will cover a broad collection of black fungal diversity spread throughout the Fungal Tree of Life. Interestingly, the STRES project will focus on mostly unsampled genera that display different ecologies and life-styles (e.g., ant- and lichen-associated fungi, rock-inhabiting fungi, etc.). With a resequencing strategy of 10- to 15-fold depth coverage of up to ~550 strains, numerous new reference genomes will be established. To identify metabolites and functional processes, these new genomic resources will be enriched with metabolomics analyses coupled with transcriptomics experiments on selected species under various stress conditions (salinity, dryness, UV radiation, oligotrophy). The data acquired will serve as a reference and foundation for establishing an encyclopedic database for fungal metagenomics as well as the biology, evolution, and ecology of the fungi in extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Section of Mycology, Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), 16121 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (J.E.S.); Tel.: +39-0761-357012 (L.S.); +1-951-827-2363 (J.E.S.)
| | - Zsigmond Benkő
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.E.); (B.K.); (W.P.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Claudio Donati
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy;
| | - Irina Druzhinina
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Tamás Emri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.E.); (B.K.); (W.P.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Cassie L. Ettinger
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Amy S. Gladfelter
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
| | - Anna A. Gorbushina
- Department of Materials and Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), 10115 Berlin, Germany; (A.A.G.); (J.S.)
- Department of Earth Sciences & Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität, Berlin 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Igor V. Grigoriev
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (I.V.G.); (T.N.); (C.P.)
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz A-8010, Austria;
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.G.-C.); (M.N.-B.); (P.Z.)
| | - Zsolt Ákos Karányi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Beatrix Kocsis
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.E.); (B.K.); (W.P.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Tania Kubressoian
- Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Ida Miklós
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Márton Miskei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Lucia Muggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34121 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Trent Northen
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (I.V.G.); (T.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Monika Novak-Babič
- Department Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.G.-C.); (M.N.-B.); (P.Z.)
| | - Christa Pennacchio
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (I.V.G.); (T.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Walter P. Pfliegler
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.E.); (B.K.); (W.P.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Istvàn Pòcsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.E.); (B.K.); (W.P.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Valeria Prigione
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (G.C.V.)
| | - Meritxell Riquelme
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California 22980, Mexico;
| | - Nicola Segata
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Julia Schumacher
- Department of Materials and Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), 10115 Berlin, Germany; (A.A.G.); (J.S.)
| | - Ekaterina Shelest
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK;
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute of Natural Sciences and Technology in the Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna 22180, Austria;
| | - Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna 22180, Austria;
| | - Jana M. U’Ren
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Giovanna C. Varese
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (G.C.V.)
| | - Xabier Vázquez-Campos
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2006, Australia;
| | - Vania A. Vicente
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Paraná E3100, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Emanuel M. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Paraná E3100, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Polona Zalar
- Department Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.G.-C.); (M.N.-B.); (P.Z.)
| | - Allison K. Walker
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada;
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (J.E.S.); Tel.: +39-0761-357012 (L.S.); +1-951-827-2363 (J.E.S.)
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Aureli L, Pacelli C, Cassaro A, Fujimori A, Moeller R, Onofri S. Iron Ion Particle Radiation Resistance of Dried Colonies of Cryomyces antarcticus Embedded in Martian Regolith Analogues. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E306. [PMID: 33255166 PMCID: PMC7761078 DOI: 10.3390/life10120306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the celestial bodies in the Solar System, Mars currently represents the main target for the search for life beyond Earth. However, its surface is constantly exposed to high doses of cosmic rays (CRs) that may pose a threat to any biological system. For this reason, investigations into the limits of resistance of life to space relevant radiation is fundamental to speculate on the chance of finding extraterrestrial organisms on Mars. In the present work, as part of the STARLIFE project, the responses of dried colonies of the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus Culture Collection of Fungi from Extreme Environments (CCFEE) 515 to the exposure to accelerated iron (LET: 200 keV/μm) ions, which mimic part of CRs spectrum, were investigated. Samples were exposed to the iron ions up to 1000 Gy in the presence of Martian regolith analogues. Our results showed an extraordinary resistance of the fungus in terms of survival, recovery of metabolic activity and DNA integrity. These experiments give new insights into the survival probability of possible terrestrial-like life forms on the present or past Martian surface and shallow subsurface environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Aureli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
- Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Cassaro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Molecular and Cellular Radiation Biology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba 263-8555, Japan;
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, DLR, Linder Höhe, D-51147 Köln, Germany;
- Natural Sciences Department, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), von-Liebig-Straße 20, D-53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.C.); (S.O.)
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Coleine C, Stajich JE, de Los Ríos A, Selbmann L. Beyond the extremes: Rocks as ultimate refuge for fungi in drylands. Mycologia 2020; 113:108-133. [PMID: 33232202 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2020.1816761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In an era of rapid climate change and expansion of desertification, the extremely harsh conditions of drylands are a true challenge for microbial life. Under drought conditions, where most life forms cannot survive, rocks represent the main refuge for life. Indeed, the endolithic habitat provides thermal buffering, physical stability, and protection against incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation and solar radiation and, to some extent, ensures water retention to microorganisms. The study of these highly specialized extreme-tolerant and extremophiles may provide tools for understanding microbial interactions and processes that allow them to keep their metabolic machinery active under conditions of dryness and oligotrophy that are typically incompatible with active life, up to the dry limits for life. Despite lithobiontic communities being studied all over the world, a comprehensive understanding of their ecology, evolution, and adaptation is still nascent. Herein, we survey the fungal component of these microbial ecosystems. We first provide an overview of the main defined groups (i.e., lichen-forming fungi, black fungi, and yeasts) of the most known and studied Antarctic endolithic communities that are almost the only life forms ensuring ecosystem functionality in the ice-free areas of the continent. For each group, we discuss their main traits and their diversity. Then, we focus on the fungal taxonomy and ecology of other worldwide endolithic communities. Finally, we highlight the utmost importance of a global rock survey in order to have a comprehensive view of the diversity, distribution, and functionality of these fungi in drylands, to obtain tools in desert area management, and as early alarm systems to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, 900 University Ave , Riverside, California 92521
| | - Asunción de Los Ríos
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish National Resource Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.,Italian National Antarctic Museum, Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
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Zucconi L, Canini F, Temporiti ME, Tosi S. Extracellular Enzymes and Bioactive Compounds from Antarctic Terrestrial Fungi for Bioprospecting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186459. [PMID: 32899827 PMCID: PMC7558612 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antarctica, one of the harshest environments in the world, has been successfully colonized by extremophilic, psychrophilic, and psychrotolerant microorganisms, facing a range of extreme conditions. Fungi are the most diverse taxon in the Antarctic ecosystems, including soils. Genetic adaptation to this environment results in the synthesis of a range of metabolites, with different functional roles in relation to the biotic and abiotic environmental factors, some of which with new biological properties of potential biotechnological interest. An overview on the production of cold-adapted enzymes and other bioactive secondary metabolites from filamentous fungi and yeasts isolated from Antarctic soils is here provided and considerations on their ecological significance are reported. A great number of researches have been carried out to date, based on cultural approaches. More recently, metagenomics approaches are expected to increase our knowledge on metabolic potential of these organisms, leading to the characterization of unculturable taxa. The search on fungi in Antarctica deserves to be improved, since it may represent a useful strategy for finding new metabolic pathways and, consequently, new bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-328-2741247 (L.Z.); +39-347-9288247 (F.C.)
| | - Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-328-2741247 (L.Z.); +39-347-9288247 (F.C.)
| | - Marta Elisabetta Temporiti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via S. Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.E.T.); (S.T.)
| | - Solveig Tosi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, via S. Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.E.T.); (S.T.)
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Coleine C, Gevi F, Fanelli G, Onofri S, Timperio AM, Selbmann L. Specific adaptations are selected in opposite sun exposed Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities as revealed by untargeted metabolomics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233805. [PMID: 32460306 PMCID: PMC7253227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities are self-supporting borderline ecosystems spreading across the extreme conditions of the Antarctic desert and represent the predominant life-form in the ice-free areas of McMurdo Dry Valleys, accounted as the closest terrestrial Martian analogue. Components of these communities are highly adapted extremophiles and extreme-tolerant microorganisms, among the most resistant known to date. Recently, studies investigated biodiversity and community composition in these ecosystems but the metabolic activity of the metacommunity has never been investigated. Using an untargeted metabolomics, we explored stress-response of communities spreading in two sites of the same location, subjected to increasing environmental pressure due to opposite sun exposure, accounted as main factor influencing the diversity and composition of these ecosystems. Overall, 331 altered metabolites (206 and 125 unique for north and south, respectively), distinguished the two differently exposed communities. We also selected 10 metabolites and performed two-stage Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to test them as potential biomarkers. We further focused on melanin and allantoin as protective substances; their concentration was highly different in the community in the shadow or in the sun. These results clearly indicate that opposite insolation selected organisms in the communities with different adaptation strategies in terms of key metabolites produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Federica Gevi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Agriculture, Forestry, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Fanelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Agriculture, Forestry, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Timperio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Agriculture, Forestry, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- * E-mail: (AMT); (LS)
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
- * E-mail: (AMT); (LS)
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Coleine C, Pombubpa N, Zucconi L, Onofri S, Stajich JE, Selbmann L. Endolithic Fungal Species Markers for Harshest Conditions in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E13. [PMID: 32041249 PMCID: PMC7175349 DOI: 10.3390/life10020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbial communities that inhabit lithic niches inside sandstone in the Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valleys of life's limits on Earth. The cryptoendolithic communities survive in these ice-free areas that have the lowest temperatures on Earth coupled with strong thermal fluctuations, extreme aridity, oligotrophy and high levels of solar and UV radiation. In this study, based on DNA metabarcoding, targeting the fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer region 1 (ITS1) and multivariate statistical analyses, we supply the first comprehensive overview onto the fungal diversity and composition of these communities sampled over a broad geographic area of the Antarctic hyper-arid cold desert. Six locations with surfaces that experience variable sun exposure were sampled to compare communities from a common area across a gradient of environmental pressure. The Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) identified were primarily members of the Ascomycota phylum, comprised mostly of the Lecanoromycetes and Dothideomycetes classes. The fungal species Friedmanniomyces endolithicus, endemic to Antarctica, was found to be a marker species to the harshest conditions occurring in the shady, south exposed rock surfaces. Analysis of community composition showed that sun exposure was an environmental property that explained community diversity and structured endolithic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (C.C.); (L.Z.); (S.O.)
| | - Nuttapon Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (C.C.); (L.Z.); (S.O.)
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (C.C.); (L.Z.); (S.O.)
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (C.C.); (L.Z.); (S.O.)
- Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, 16166 Genoa, Italy
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Coleine C, Masonjones S, Sterflinger K, Onofri S, Selbmann L, Stajich JE. Peculiar genomic traits in the stress-adapted cryptoendolithic Antarctic fungus Friedmanniomyces endolithicus. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:458-467. [PMID: 32389308 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Friedmanniomyces endolithicus is a highly melanized fungus endemic to the Antarctic, occurring exclusively in endolithic communities of the ice-free areas of the Victoria Land, including the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the coldest and most hyper-arid desert on Earth and accounted as the Martian analog on our planet. F. endolithicus is highly successful in these inhospitable environments, the most widespread and commonly isolated species from these peculiar niches, indicating a high degree of adaptation. The nature of its extremo tolerance has not been previously studied. To investigate this, we sequenced genome of F. endolithicus CCFEE 5311 to explore gene content and genomic patterns that could be attributed to its specialization. The predicted functional potential of the genes was assigned by similarity to InterPro and CAZy domains. The genome was compared to phylogenetically close relatives which are also melanized fungi occurring in extreme environments including Friedmanniomyces simplex, Baudoinia panamericana, Acidomyces acidophilus, Hortaea thailandica and Hortaea werneckii. We tested if shared genomic traits existed among these species and hyper-extremotolerant fungus F. endolithicus. We found that some characters for stress tolerance such as meristematic growth and cold tolerance are enriched in F. endolithicus that may be triggered by the exposure to Antarctic prohibitive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Sawyer Masonjones
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy; Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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Habitability of Mars: How Welcoming Are the Surface and Subsurface to Life on the Red Planet? GEOSCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences9090361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mars is a planet of great interest in the search for signatures of past or present life beyond Earth. The years of research, and more advanced instrumentation, have yielded a lot of evidence which may be considered by the scientific community as proof of past or present habitability of Mars. Recent discoveries including seasonal methane releases and a subglacial lake are exciting, yet challenging findings. Concurrently, laboratory and environmental studies on the limits of microbial life in extreme environments on Earth broaden our knowledge of the possibility of Mars habitability. In this review, we aim to: (1) Discuss the characteristics of the Martian surface and subsurface that may be conducive to habitability either in the past or at present; (2) discuss laboratory-based studies on Earth that provide us with discoveries on the limits of life; and (3) summarize the current state of knowledge in terms of direction for future research.
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25
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de Vera JP, Alawi M, Backhaus T, Baqué M, Billi D, Böttger U, Berger T, Bohmeier M, Cockell C, Demets R, de la Torre Noetzel R, Edwards H, Elsaesser A, Fagliarone C, Fiedler A, Foing B, Foucher F, Fritz J, Hanke F, Herzog T, Horneck G, Hübers HW, Huwe B, Joshi J, Kozyrovska N, Kruchten M, Lasch P, Lee N, Leuko S, Leya T, Lorek A, Martínez-Frías J, Meessen J, Moritz S, Moeller R, Olsson-Francis K, Onofri S, Ott S, Pacelli C, Podolich O, Rabbow E, Reitz G, Rettberg P, Reva O, Rothschild L, Sancho LG, Schulze-Makuch D, Selbmann L, Serrano P, Szewzyk U, Verseux C, Wadsworth J, Wagner D, Westall F, Wolter D, Zucconi L. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars: The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:145-157. [PMID: 30742496 PMCID: PMC6383581 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports-among others-the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mashal Alawi
- GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Section 5.3 Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Theresa Backhaus
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mickael Baqué
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Billi
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Ute Böttger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Maria Bohmeier
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Charles Cockell
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - René Demets
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa de la Torre Noetzel
- Departamento de Observación de la Tierra, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Howell Edwards
- Raman Spectroscopy Group, University Analytical Centre, Division of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Andreas Elsaesser
- Institut für experimentelle Physik, Experimentelle Molekulare Biophysik, Frei Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Annelie Fiedler
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Bernard Foing
- European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Foucher
- CNRS, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, Orléans, France
| | - Jörg Fritz
- Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Hanke
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Herzog
- TH Wildau (Technical University of Applied Sciences), Wildau, Germany
| | - Gerda Horneck
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Optical Sensor Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn Huwe
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jasmin Joshi
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
- Hochschule für Technik HSR Rapperswil, Institute for Landscape and Open Space, Rapperswil, Switzerland
| | | | - Martha Kruchten
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Lasch
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natuschka Lee
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stefan Leuko
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Thomas Leya
- Extremophile Research & Biobank CCCryo, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Lorek
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Meessen
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sophie Moritz
- University of Potsdam, Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Karen Olsson-Francis
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Sieglinde Ott
- Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität (HHU), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Pacelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Olga Podolich
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Elke Rabbow
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Günther Reitz
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Petra Rettberg
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Köln, Germany
| | - Oleg Reva
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paloma Serrano
- GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Section 5.3 Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- AWI, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ulrich Szewzyk
- TU Berlin, Institute of Environmental Technology, Environmental Microbiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Dirk Wagner
- GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Section 5.3 Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Frances Westall
- CNRS, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301, Orléans, France
| | - David Wolter
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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International Space Station conditions alter genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in Aspergillus nidulans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 103:1363-1377. [PMID: 30539259 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9525-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The first global genomic, proteomic, and secondary metabolomic characterization of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans following growth onboard the International Space Station (ISS) is reported. The investigation included the A. nidulans wild-type and three mutant strains, two of which were genetically engineered to enhance secondary metabolite production. Whole genome sequencing revealed that ISS conditions altered the A. nidulans genome in specific regions. In strain CW12001, which features overexpression of the secondary metabolite global regulator laeA, ISS conditions induced the loss of the laeA stop codon. Differential expression of proteins involved in stress response, carbohydrate metabolic processes, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis was also observed. ISS conditions significantly decreased prenyl xanthone production in the wild-type strain and increased asperthecin production in LO1362 and CW12001, which are deficient in a major DNA repair mechanism. These data provide valuable insights into the adaptation mechanism of A. nidulans to spacecraft environments.
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27
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Coleine C, Stajich JE, Zucconi L, Onofri S, Pombubpa N, Egidi E, Franks A, Buzzini P, Selbmann L. Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Fungal Communities Are Highly Adapted and Dominated by Lecanoromycetes and Dothideomycetes. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1392. [PMID: 30008702 PMCID: PMC6033990 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endolithic growth is one of the most spectacular microbial adaptations to extreme environmental constraints and the predominant life-form in the ice-free areas of Continental Antarctica. Although Antarctic endolithic microbial communities are known to host among the most resistant and extreme-adapted organisms, our knowledge on microbial diversity and composition in this peculiar niche is still limited. In this study, we investigated the diversity and structure of the fungal assemblage in the cryptoendolithic communities inhabiting sandstone using a meta-barcoding approach targeting the fungal Internal Transcribed Sequence region 1 (ITS1). Samples were collected from 14 sites in the Victoria Land, along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 1,000 to 3,300 m a.s.l. and from 29 to 96 km distance to coast. Our study revealed a clear dominance of a 'core' group of fungal taxa consistently present across all the samples, mainly composed of lichen-forming and Dothideomycetous fungi. Pareto-Lorenz curves indicated a very high degree of specialization (F0 approximately 95%), suggesting these communities are highly adapted but have limited ability to recover after perturbations. Overall, both fungal community biodiversity and composition did not show any correlation with the considered abiotic parameters, potentially due to strong fluctuations of environmental conditions at local scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, 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
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Nuttapon Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Eleonora Egidi
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashley Franks
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pietro Buzzini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Industrial Yeasts Collection DBVPG, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Section of Mycology, Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), Genoa, Italy
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