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Schultz J, Modolon F, Peixoto RS, Rosado AS. Shedding light on the composition of extreme microbial dark matter: alternative approaches for culturing extremophiles. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1167718. [PMID: 37333658 PMCID: PMC10272570 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1167718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 20,000 species of prokaryotes (less than 1% of the estimated number of Earth's microbial species) have been described thus far. However, the vast majority of microbes that inhabit extreme environments remain uncultured and this group is termed "microbial dark matter." Little is known regarding the ecological functions and biotechnological potential of these underexplored extremophiles, thus representing a vast untapped and uncharacterized biological resource. Advances in microbial cultivation approaches are key for a detailed and comprehensive characterization of the roles of these microbes in shaping the environment and, ultimately, for their biotechnological exploitation, such as for extremophile-derived bioproducts (extremozymes, secondary metabolites, CRISPR Cas systems, and pigments, among others), astrobiology, and space exploration. Additional efforts to enhance culturable diversity are required due to the challenges imposed by extreme culturing and plating conditions. In this review, we summarize methods and technologies used to recover the microbial diversity of extreme environments, while discussing the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these approaches. Additionally, this review describes alternative culturing strategies to retrieve novel taxa with their unknown genes, metabolisms, and ecological roles, with the ultimate goal of increasing the yields of more efficient bio-based products. This review thus summarizes the strategies used to unveil the hidden diversity of the microbiome of extreme environments and discusses the directions for future studies of microbial dark matter and its potential applications in biotechnology and astrobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júnia Schultz
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Flúvio Modolon
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel Silva Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexandre Soares Rosado
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Gesztesi J, Broddrick JT, Lannin T, Lee JA. The chemical neighborhood of cells in a diffusion-limited system. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1155726. [PMID: 37143535 PMCID: PMC10151505 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1155726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms follow us everywhere, and they will be essential to sustaining long-term human space exploration through applications such as vitamin synthesis, biomining, and more. Establishing a sustainable presence in space therefore requires that we better understand how stress due to the altered physical conditions of spaceflight affects our companion organisms. In microgravity environments such as orbital space stations, microorganisms likely experience the change in gravity primarily through changes in fluid mixing processes. Without sedimentation and density-driven convection, diffusion becomes the primary process governing the movement of growth substrates and wastes for microbial cells in suspension culture. Non-motile cells might therefore develop a substrate-deficient "zone of depletion" and experience stress due to starvation and/or waste build-up. This would in turn impact the concentration-dependent uptake rate of growth substrates and could be the cause of the altered growth rates previously observed in microorganisms in spaceflight and in ground-simulated microgravity. To better understand the extent of these concentration differences and their potential influence on substrate uptake rates, we used both an analytical solution and finite difference method to visualize concentration fields around individual cells. We modeled diffusion, using Fick's Second Law, and nutrient uptake, using Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and assessed how that distribution varies in systems with multiple cells and varied geometries. We determined the radius of the zone of depletion, within which cells had reduced the substrate concentration by 10%, to be 5.04 mm for an individual Escherichia coli cell in the conditions we simulated. However, we saw a synergistic effect with multiple cells near each other: multiple cells in close proximity decreased the surrounding concentration by almost 95% from the initial substrate concentration. Our calculations provide researchers an inside look at suspension culture behavior in the diffusion-limited environment of microgravity at the scale of individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Gesztesi
- NASA Ames Research Center, Universities Space Research Association, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jared T. Broddrick
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Research Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Timothy Lannin
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Lee
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Research Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jessica A. Lee,
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Singh M, Kumar S, Singh B, Jain P, Kumari A, Pahuja I, Chaturvedi S, Prasad DVR, Dwivedi VP, Das G. The 1, 2-ethylenediamine SQ109 protects against tuberculosis by promoting M1 macrophage polarization through the p38 MAPK pathway. Commun Biol 2022; 5:759. [PMID: 35902694 PMCID: PMC9334294 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTs), is an effective and widely recommended treatment for tuberculosis (TB). The antibiotics used in DOTs, are immunotoxic and impair effector T cells, increasing the risk of re-infections and reactivation. Multiple reports suggest that addition of immune-modulators along with antibiotics improves the effectiveness of TB treatment. Therefore, drugs with both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties are desirable. N1-(Adamantan-2-yl)-N2-[(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl]ethane-1,2-diamine (SQ109) is an asymmetric diamine derivative of adamantane, that targets Mycobacterial membrane protein Large 3 (MmpL3). SQ109 dissipates the transmembrane electrochemical proton-gradient necessary for cell-wall biosynthesis and bacterial activity. Here, we examined the effects of SQ109 on host-immune responses using a murine TB model. Our results suggest the pro-inflammatory nature of SQ109, which instigates M1-macrophage polarization and induces protective pro-inflammatory cytokines through the p38-MAPK pathway. SQ109 also promotes Th1 and Th17-immune responses that inhibit the bacillary burden in a murine model of TB. These findings put forth SQ109 as a potential-adjunct to TB antibiotic therapy. The adamantine derivative SQ109 induces protective pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes Th1 and Th17-immune responses that inhibit bacterial burden in a tuberculosis mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi, 110 019, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Baldeep Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Preeti Jain
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Anjna Kumari
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Isha Pahuja
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shivam Chaturvedi
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ved Prakash Dwivedi
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Gobardhan Das
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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4
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Internet of Spacecraft for Multi-Planetary Defense and Prosperity. SIGNALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/signals3030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen unprecedentedly fast-growing prosperity in the commercial space industry. Several privately funded aerospace manufacturers, such as Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) and Blue Origin have transformed what we used to know about this capital-intense industry and gradually reshaped the future of human civilization. As private spaceflight and multi-planetary immigration gradually become realities from science fiction (sci-fi) and theory, both opportunities and challenges will be presented. In this article, we first review the progress in space exploration and the underlying space technologies. Next, we revisit the K-Pg extinction event and the Chelyabinsk event and predict extra-terrestrialization, terraformation, and planetary defense, including the emerging near-Earth object (NEO) observation and NEO impact avoidance technologies and strategies. Furthermore, a framework for the Solar Communication and Defense Networks (SCADN) with advanced algorithms and high efficacy is proposed to enable an Internet of distributed deep-space sensing, communications, and defense to cope with disastrous incidents such as asteroid/comet impacts. Furthermore, perspectives on the legislation, management, and supervision of founding the proposed SCADN are also discussed in depth.
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5
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Kumar R, Sood U, Kaur J, Anand S, Gupta V, Patil KS, Lal R. The rising dominance of microbiology: what to expect in the next 15 years? Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:110-128. [PMID: 34713975 PMCID: PMC8719816 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
What microbiology beholds after a decade and a half in the future requires a vision based on the facts and ongoing trends in research and technological advancements. While the latter, assisted by microbial dark matter, presents a greater potential of creating an upsurge in in-situ and ex-situ rapid microbial detection techniques, this anticipated change will also set forth a revolution in microbial cultivation and diversity analyses. The availability of a microbial genetic toolbox at the expanse will help complement the current understanding of the microbiome and assist in real-time monitoring of the dynamics for detecting the health status of the host with utmost precision. Alongside, in light of the emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and social demands for safer and better health care alternatives, microbiology laboratories are prospected to drift in terms of the volume and nature of research and outcomes. With today's microbiological lens, one can predict with certainty that in the years to come, microbes will play a significant role in therapeutic treatment and the designing of novel diagnostic techniques. Another area where the scope of microbial application seems to be promising is the use of novel probiotics as a method to offer health benefits whilst promoting metabolic outputs specific for microbiome replenishment. Nonetheless, the evolution of extraterrestrial microbes or the adaptation of earth microbes as extraterrestrial residents are also yet another prominent microbial event one may witness in the upcoming years. But like the two sides of the coin, there is also an urgent need to dampen the bloom of urbanization, overpopulation and global trade and adopting sustainable approaches to control the recurrence of epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar
- Post‐Graduate Department of ZoologyMagadh UniversityBodh GayaBihar824234India
| | - Utkarsh Sood
- The Energy and Resources InstituteDarbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi RoadNew Delhi110003India
| | - Jasvinder Kaur
- Department of ZoologyGargi CollegeUniversity of DelhiSiri Fort RoadNew Delhi110049India
| | - Shailly Anand
- Department of ZoologyDeen Dayal Upadhyaya CollegeUniversity of DelhiDwarkaNew Delhi110078India
| | - Vipin Gupta
- Indira Paryavaran BhawanMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate ChangeLodi ColonyNew Delhi110003India
| | - Kishor Sureshbhai Patil
- Department of Biological SciencesP. D. Patel Institute of Applied SciencesCharotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT)ChangaGujarat388421India
| | - Rup Lal
- The Energy and Resources InstituteDarbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi RoadNew Delhi110003India
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6
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Ricciardi A, Cassey P, Leuko S, Woolnough AP. Planetary Biosecurity: Applying Invasion Science to Prevent Biological Contamination from Space Travel. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
As plans for space exploration and commercial use expand rapidly, biosecurity measures and risk assessments that inform them must adapt. Sophisticated protocols are required to prevent biological contamination of extraterrestrial environments from Earth and vice versa. Such protocols should be informed by research on biological invasions—human-assisted spread of organisms into novel environments—which has revealed, inter alia, that (1) invasion risk is driven by the timing and frequency of introduction events, whose control requires addressing the least secure human activities associated with organismal transport; (2) invasions and their impacts are difficult to predict, because these phenomena are governed by context dependencies involving traits of the organism and the receiving environment; and (3) early detection and rapid response are crucial for prevention but undermined by taxonomic methods that fail to recognize what is “alien” versus what is native. Collaboration among astrobiologists, invasion biologists, and policymakers could greatly enhance planetary biosecurity protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrew P Woolnough
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, and the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, both in Australia
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7
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Góes-Neto A, Kukharenko O, Orlovska I, Podolich O, Imchen M, Kumavath R, Kato RB, de Carvalho DS, Tiwari S, Brenig B, Azevedo V, Reva O, de Vera JPP, Kozyrovska N, Barh D. Shotgun metagenomic analysis of kombucha mutualistic community exposed to Mars-like environment outside the International Space Station. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:3727-3742. [PMID: 33476085 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Kombucha is a multispecies microbial ecosystem mainly composed of acetic acid bacteria and osmophilic acid-tolerant yeasts, which is used to produce a probiotic drink. Furthermore, Kombucha Mutualistic Community (KMC) has been recently proposed to be used during long space missions as both a living functional fermented product to improve astronauts' health and an efficient source of bacterial nanocellulose. In this study, we compared KMC structure and functions before and after samples were exposed to the space/Mars-like environment outside the International Space Station in order to investigate the changes related to their re-adaptation to Earth-like conditions by shotgun metagenomics, using both diversity and functional analyses of Community Ecology and Complex Networks approach. Our study revealed that the long-term exposure to space/Mars-like conditions on low Earth orbit may disorganize the KMC to such extent that it will not restore the initial community structure; however, KMC core microorganisms of the community were maintained. Nonetheless, there were no significant differences in the community functions, meaning that the KMC communities are ecologically resilient. Therefore, despite the extremely harsh conditions, key KMC species revived and provided the community with the genetic background needed to survive long periods of time under extraterrestrial conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Olga Kukharenko
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Acad. Zabolotnoho str., 150, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Orlovska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Acad. Zabolotnoho str., 150, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine
| | - Olga Podolich
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Acad. Zabolotnoho str., 150, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine
| | - Madangchanok Imchen
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Padannakkad P.O., Kasaragod, Kerala, 671320, India
| | - Ranjith Kumavath
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Padannakkad P.O., Kasaragod, Kerala, 671320, India
| | - Rodrigo Bentes Kato
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel Santana de Carvalho
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sandeep Tiwari
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Burckhardtweg, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Padannakkad P.O., Kasaragod, Kerala, 671320, India
| | - Oleg Reva
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Natalia Kozyrovska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Acad. Zabolotnoho str., 150, Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
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8
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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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9
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Manzanera M. Dealing with water stress and microbial preservation. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:3351-3359. [PMID: 32452073 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The relevance of preserving microorganisms has been well accepted for several decades. Interest is now shifting towards investigating adequate preservation methods to improve microbial survival rates and to preserve new taxa of previously considered unculturable microorganisms. In addition, a growing interest in preserving fragile microbial consortia or communities with biotechnological interest motivates the improvement of preservation methods. In the present study, we reviewed the effect of water availability in microbial diversity shift. We describe the effect of drought on microorganisms at the molecular level and their molecular responses to this life-threatening challenge focusing on the production of xeroprotectants. We also review the interspecies interactions of those drought-tolerant microorganisms with other sensitive organisms including neighbouring prokaryotes and eukaryotes such as plants, and the potential role of these microorganisms at determining the ecological composition of stressed environments. We emphasize the importance of applying the knowledge derived from the molecular mechanisms used by desiccation-tolerant microorganisms for the improvement of the preservation techniques. An overview of the current and newer techniques for preserving microorganisms and microbial communities is provided. The biotechnological interest in preserving pure cultures, microbial consortia and communities is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximino Manzanera
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Water Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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10
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Amalfitano S, Levantesi C, Copetti D, Stefani F, Locantore I, Guarnieri V, Lobascio C, Bersani F, Giacosa D, Detsis E, Rossetti S. Water and microbial monitoring technologies towards the near future space exploration. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 177:115787. [PMID: 32315899 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Space exploration is demanding longer lasting human missions and water resupply from Earth will become increasingly unrealistic. In a near future, the spacecraft water monitoring systems will require technological advances to promptly identify and counteract contingent events of waterborne microbial contamination, posing health risks to astronauts with lowered immune responsiveness. The search for bio-analytical approaches, alternative to those applied on Earth by cultivation-dependent methods, is pushed by the compelling need to limit waste disposal and avoid microbial regrowth from analytical carryovers. Prospective technologies will be selected only if first validated in a flight-like environment, by following basic principles, advantages, and limitations beyond their current applications on Earth. Starting from the water monitoring activities applied on the International Space Station, we provide a critical overview of the nucleic acid amplification-based approaches (i.e., loop-mediated isothermal amplification, quantitative PCR, and high-throughput sequencing) and early-warning methods for total microbial load assessments (i.e., ATP-metry, flow cytometry), already used at a high readiness level aboard crewed space vehicles. Our findings suggest that the forthcoming space applications of mature technologies will be necessarily bounded by a compromise between analytical performances (e.g., speed to results, identification depth, reproducibility, multiparametricity) and detrimental technical requirements (e.g., reagent usage, waste production, operator skills, crew time). As space exploration progresses toward extended missions to Moon and Mars, miniaturized systems that also minimize crew involvement in their end-to-end operation are likely applicable on the long-term and suitable for the in-flight water and microbiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy.
| | - Caterina Levantesi
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Copetti
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via del Mulino 19, 20861, Brugherio, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Stefani
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via del Mulino 19, 20861, Brugherio, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Locantore
- Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA, Strada Antica di Collegno, 253 - 10146, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guarnieri
- Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA, Strada Antica di Collegno, 253 - 10146, Turin, Italy
| | - Cesare Lobascio
- Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA, Strada Antica di Collegno, 253 - 10146, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Bersani
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so Unità d'Italia 235/3, 10127, Torino, Italy
| | - Donatella Giacosa
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so Unità d'Italia 235/3, 10127, Torino, Italy
| | - Emmanouil Detsis
- European Science Foundation, 1 quai Lezay Marnésia, BP 90015, 67080, Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
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