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Castro-Severyn J, Fortt J, Sierralta M, Alegria P, Donoso G, Choque A, Avellaneda AM, Pardo-Esté C, Saavedra CP, Stoll A, Remonsellez F. Rhizospheric bacteria from the Atacama Desert hyper-arid core: cultured community dynamics and plant growth promotion. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0005624. [PMID: 38687070 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00056-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The Atacama Desert is the oldest and driest desert on Earth, encompassing great temperature variations, high ultraviolet radiation, drought, and high salinity, making it ideal for studying the limits of life and resistance strategies. It is also known for harboring a great biodiversity of adapted life forms. While desertification is increasing as a result of climate change and human activities, it is necessary to optimize soil and water usage, where stress-resistant crops are possible solutions. As many studies have revealed the great impact of the rhizobiome on plant growth efficiency and resistance to abiotic stress, we set up to explore the rhizospheric soils of Suaeda foliosa and Distichlis spicata desert plants. By culturing these soils and using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we address community taxonomy composition dynamics, stability through time, and the ability to promote lettuce plant growth. The rhizospheric soil communities were dominated by the families Pseudomonadaceae, Bacillaceae, and Planococcaceae for S. foliosa and Porphyromonadaceae and Haloferacaceae for D. spicata. Nonetheless, the cultures were completely dominated by the Enterobacteriaceae family (up to 98%). Effectively, lettuce plants supplemented with the cultures showed greater size and biomass accumulation. We identified 12 candidates that could be responsible for these outcomes, of which 5 (Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Paenisporosarcina, and Ammoniphilus) were part of the built co-occurrence network. We aim to contribute to the efforts to characterize the microbial communities as key for the plant's survival in extreme environments and as a possible source of consortia with plant growth promotion traits aimed at agricultural applications.IMPORTANCEThe current scenario of climate change and desertification represents a series of incoming challenges for all living organisms. As the human population grows rapidly, so does the rising demand for food and natural resources; thus, it is necessary to make agriculture more efficient by optimizing soil and water usage, thus ensuring future food supplies. Particularly, the Atacama Desert (northern Chile) is considered the most arid place on Earth as a consequence of geological and climatic characteristics, such as the naturally low precipitation patterns and high temperatures, which makes it an ideal place to carry out research that seeks to aid agriculture in future conditions that are predicted to resemble these scenarios. Our main interest lies in utilizing microorganism consortia from plants thriving under extreme conditions, aiming to promote plant growth, improve crops, and render "unsuitable" soils farmable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Castro-Severyn
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Tecnológica del Agua y Sustentabilidad en el Desierto-CEITSAZA, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jonathan Fortt
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Mariela Sierralta
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Paola Alegria
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Gabriel Donoso
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alessandra Choque
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Andrea M Avellaneda
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Tecnológica del Agua y Sustentabilidad en el Desierto-CEITSAZA, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Coral Pardo-Esté
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular y Microbiología Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Claudia P Saavedra
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexandra Stoll
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas CEAZA, La Serena, Chile
- Instituto de Investigación Multidisciplinar en Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad de la Serena, La Serena, Chile
| | - Francisco Remonsellez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada y Extremófilos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Tecnológica del Agua y Sustentabilidad en el Desierto-CEITSAZA, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
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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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Fernández-Caliani JC, Fernández-Landero S, Giráldez MI, Hidalgo PJ, Morales E. Unveiling a Technosol-based remediation approach for enhancing plant growth in an iron-rich acidic mine soil from the Rio Tinto Mars analog site. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171217. [PMID: 38417521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171217] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
This paper explores the potential of Technosols made from non-hazardous industrial wastes as a sustainable solution for highly acidic iron-rich soils at the Rio Tinto mining site (Spain), a terrestrial Mars analog. These mine soils exhibit extreme acidity (pHH2O = 2.1-3.0), low nutrient availability (non-acid cation saturation < 20 %), and high levels of Pb (3420 mg kg-1), Cu (504 mg kg-1), Zn (415 mg kg-1), and As (319 mg kg-1), hindering plant growth and ecosystem restoration. To address these challenges, the study systematically analyzed selected waste materials, formulated them into Technosols, and conducted a four-month pot trial to evaluate the growth of Brassica juncea under greenhouse conditions. Technosols were tailored by adding varying weight percentages of waste amendments into the mine Technosol, specifically 10 %, 25 %, and 50 %. The waste amendments comprised a blend of organic waste (water clarification sludge, WCS) and inorganic wastes (white steel slag, WSS; and furnace iron slag, FIS). The formulations included: (T0) exclusively mine Technosol (control); (T1) 60 % WCS + 40 % WSS; (T2) 60 % WCS + 40 % FIS; and (T3) 50 % WCS + 16.66 % WSS + 33.33 % FIS. The analyses covered leachate quality, soil pore water chemistry, and plant response (germination and survival rates, plant height, and leaf number). Results revealed a significant reduction in leachable contaminant concentrations, with Pb (26.16 mg kg-1), Zn (4.94 mg kg-1), and Cu (2.29 mg kg-1) dropping to negligible levels and shifting towards less toxic species. These changes improved soil conditions, promoting seed germination and seedling growth. Among the formulations tested, Technosol T1 showed promise in overcoming mine soil limitations, enhancing plant adaptation, buffering against acidification, and stabilizing contaminants through precipitation and adsorption mechanisms. The paper stresses the importance of tailoring waste amendments to specific soil conditions, and highlights the broader implications of the Technosol approach, such as waste valorization, soil stabilization, and insights for Brassica juncea growth in extreme environments, including Martian soil simulants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pablo J Hidalgo
- Department of Integrated Sciences, RENSMA, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Emilio Morales
- Department of Chemistry, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
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Horstmann L, Lipus D, Bartholomäus A, Arens F, Airo A, Ganzert L, Zamorano P, Schulze-Makuch D, Wagner D. Persistent microbial communities in hyperarid subsurface habitats of the Atacama Desert: Insights from intracellular DNA analysis. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae123. [PMID: 38655503 PMCID: PMC11037274 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Desert environments constitute one of the largest and yet most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Under the absence of regular precipitation, microorganisms are the main ecological component mediating nutrient fluxes by using soil components, like minerals and salts, and atmospheric gases as a source for energy and water. While most of the previous studies on microbial ecology of desert environments have focused on surface environments, little is known about microbial life in deeper sediment layers. Our study is extending the limited knowledge about microbial communities within the deeper subsurface of the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert. By employing intracellular DNA extraction and subsequent 16S rRNA sequencing of samples collected from a soil pit in the Yungay region of the Atacama Desert, we unveiled a potentially viable microbial subsurface community residing at depths down to 4.20 m. In the upper 80 cm of the playa sediments, microbial communities were dominated by Firmicutes taxa showing a depth-related decrease in biomass correlating with increasing amounts of soluble salts. High salt concentrations are possibly causing microbial colonization to cease in the lower part of the playa sediments between 80 and 200 cm depth. In the underlying alluvial fan deposits, microbial communities reemerge, possibly due to gypsum providing an alternative water source. The discovery of this deeper subsurface community is reshaping our understanding of desert soils, emphasizing the need to consider subsurface environments in future explorations of arid ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Horstmann
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
- Department Experimental Phycology and Culture Collection of Algae (EPSAG), Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences, Georg August University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Lipus
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartholomäus
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Felix Arens
- Zentrum für Astronomie und Astrophysik, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Airo
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Ganzert
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 16775 Stechlin, Germany
| | - Pedro Zamorano
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta 02800, Chile
| | - Dirk Schulze-Makuch
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
- Zentrum für Astronomie und Astrophysik, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 16775 Stechlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Wagner
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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5
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Ben Abdallah M, Chamkha M, Karray F, Sayadi S. Microbial diversity in polyextreme salt flats and their potential applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11371-11405. [PMID: 38180652 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31644-9] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent geological, hydrochemical, and mineralogical studies performed on hypersaline salt flats have given insights into similar geo-morphologic features on Mars. These salt-encrusted depressions are widely spread across the Earth, where they are characterized by high salt concentrations, intense UV radiation, high evaporation, and low precipitation. Their surfaces are completely dry in summer; intermittent flooding occurs in winter turning them into transitory hypersaline lakes. Thanks to new approaches such as culture-dependent, culture-independent, and metagenomic-based methods, it is important to study microbial life under polyextreme conditions and understand what lives in these dynamic ecosystems and how they function. Regarding these particular features, new halophilic microorganisms have been isolated from some salt flats and identified as excellent producers of primary and secondary metabolites and granules such as halocins, enzymes, carotenoids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and exopolysaccharides. Additionally, halophilic microorganisms are implemented in heavy metal bioremediation and hypersaline wastewater treatment. As a result, there is a growing interest in the distribution of halophilic microorganisms around the world that can be looked upon as good models to develop sustainable biotechnological processes for all fields. This review provides insights into diversity, ecology, metabolism, and genomics of halophiles in hypersaline salt flats worldwide as well as their potential uses in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Ben Abdallah
- Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Mohamed Chamkha
- Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Karray
- Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sami Sayadi
- Biotechnology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
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6
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Wood C, Bruinink A, Trembath-Reichert E, Wilhelm MB, Vidal C, Balaban E, McKay CP, Swan R, Swan B, Goordial J. Active microbiota persist in dry permafrost and active layer from Elephant Head, Antarctica. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycad002. [PMID: 38304082 PMCID: PMC10833075 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Dry permafrost is a challenging environment for microbial life due to cold, dry, and often oligotrophic conditions. In 2016, Elephant Head, Antarctica, was confirmed as the second site on Earth to contain dry permafrost. It is geographically distinct from the McMurdo Dry Valleys where dry permafrost has been studied previously. Here, we present the first study of the microbial activity, diversity, and functional potential of Elephant Head dry permafrost. Microbial activity was measured using radiorespiration assays with radiolabeled acetate as a carbon source at 5, 0, and -5°C. Low, but detectable, rates of microbial activity were measured in some samples at 0 and -5°C. This is distinct from previous studies of McMurdo Dry Valley dry permafrost which concluded that dry permafrost represents a cold-arid limit to life on the planet. The isolation of cold-adapted organisms from these soils, including one capable of subzero growth, further supports that the Elephant Head dry active layer and dry permafrost harbor viable microbial life, which may be active in situ. Metagenomic, 16S rRNA gene, and internal transcribed spacer and amplicon sequencing identified similar microbial communities to other Antarctic and cold environments. The Elephant Head microbial community appears to be adapted for survival in cold, dry, and oligotrophic conditions based on the presence of cold adaptation and stress response genes in the metagenomes. Together, our results show that dry permafrost environments do not exclude active microbial life at subzero temperatures, suggesting that the cold, dry soils of Mars may also not be as inhospitable as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wood
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alyssa Bruinink
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Trembath-Reichert
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, 781 Terrace Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Mary Beth Wilhelm
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, United States
| | - Chanel Vidal
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, 781 Terrace Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Edward Balaban
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, United States
| | - Christopher P McKay
- Space Science & Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, United States
| | - Robert Swan
- 2041 Foundation, 130 Wescott Ct, Auburn, CA 95603, United States
| | - Barney Swan
- 2041 Foundation, 130 Wescott Ct, Auburn, CA 95603, United States
| | - Jackie Goordial
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Moreno-Paz M, dos Santos Severino RS, Sánchez-García L, Manchado JM, García-Villadangos M, Aguirre J, Fernández-Martínez MA, Carrizo D, Kobayashi L, Dave A, Warren-Rhodes K, Davila A, Stoker CR, Glass B, Parro V. Life Detection and Microbial Biomarker Profiling with Signs of Life Detector-Life Detector Chip During a Mars Drilling Simulation Campaign in the Hyperarid Core of the Atacama Desert. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1259-1283. [PMID: 37930382 PMCID: PMC10825288 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The low organic matter content in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert, together with abrupt temperature shifts and high ultraviolet radiation at its surface, makes this region one of the best terrestrial analogs of Mars and one of the best scenarios for testing instrumentation devoted to in situ planetary exploration. We have operated remotely and autonomously the SOLID-LDChip (Signs of Life Detector-Life Detector Chip), an antibody microarray-based sensor instrument, as part of a rover payload during the 2019 NASA Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) Mars drilling simulation campaign. A robotic arm collected drilled cuttings down to 80 cm depth and loaded SOLID to process and assay them with LDChip for searching for molecular biomarkers. A remote science team received and analyzed telemetry data and LDChip results. The data revealed the presence of microbial markers from Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteria to be relatively more abundant in the middle layer (40-50 cm). In addition, the detection of several proteins from nitrogen metabolism indicates a pivotal role in the system. These findings were corroborated and complemented on "returned samples" to the lab by a comprehensive analysis that included DNA sequencing, metaproteomics, and a metabolic reconstruction of the sampled area. Altogether, the results describe a relatively complex microbial community with members capable of nitrogen fixation and denitrification, sulfur oxidation and reduction, or triggering oxidative stress responses, among other traits. This remote operation demonstrated the high maturity of SOLID-LDChip as a powerful tool for remote in situ life detection for future missions in the Solar System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Moreno-Paz
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rita Sofia dos Santos Severino
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Física y Matemáticas y de Automática, University of Alcalá de Henares (UAH), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-García
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Manchado
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jacobo Aguirre
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Fernández-Martínez
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Carrizo
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda Kobayashi
- Space Science Division and Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Arwen Dave
- Space Science Division and Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Kim Warren-Rhodes
- Space Science Division and Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Alfonso Davila
- Space Science Division and Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Carol R. Stoker
- Space Science Division and Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Brian Glass
- Space Science Division and Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Víctor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), INTA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Bonaccorsi R, Glass B, Moreno-Paz M, García-Villadangos M, Warren-Rhodes K, Parro V, Manchado JM, Wilhelm MB, McKay CP. In Situ Real-Time Monitoring for Aseptic Drilling: Lessons Learned from the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation and Application to the Icebreaker Mars Life Detection Mission. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1303-1336. [PMID: 38133823 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) project field-tested an autonomous rover-mounted robotic drill prototype for a 6-Sol life detection mission to Mars (Icebreaker). ARADS drilled Mars-like materials in the Atacama Desert (Chile), one of the most life-diminished regions on Earth, where mitigating contamination transfer into life-detection instruments becomes critical. Our Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation (CCSI) for the Sample Handling and Transfer System (SHTS) hardware (drill, scoop and funnels) included out-of-simulation protocol testing (out-of-sim) for hardware decontamination and verification during the 6-Sol simulation (in-sim). The most effective five-step decontamination combined safer-to-use sterilants (3%_hydrogen-peroxide-activated 5%_sodium-hypochlorite), and in situ real-time verification by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Signs of Life Detector (SOLID) Fluorescence Immunoassay for characterization hardware bioburden and airborne contaminants. The 20- to 40-min protocol enabled a 4-log bioburden reduction down to <0.1 fmoles ATP detection limit (funnels and drill) to 0.2-0.7 fmoles (scoop) of total ATP. The (post-cleaning) hardware background was 0.3 to 1-2 attomoles ATP/cm2 (cleanliness benchmark background values) equivalent to ca. 1-10 colony forming unit (CFU)/cm2. Further, 60-100% of the in-sim hardware background was ≤3-4 bacterial cells/cm2, the threshold limit for Class <7 aseptic operations. Across the six Sols, the flux of airborne contaminants to the drill sites was ∼5 and ∼22 amoles ATP/(cm2·day), accounting for an unexpectedly high Fluorescence Intensity (FI) signal (FI: ∼6000) against aquatic cyanobacteria, but negligible anthropogenic contribution. The SOLID immunoassay also detected microorganisms from multiple habitats across the Atacama Desert (anoxic, alkaline/acidic microenvironments in halite fields, playas, and alluvial fans) in both airborne and post-cleaning hardware background. Finally, the hardware ATP background was 40-250 times lower than the ATP in cores. Similarly, the FI peaks (FImax) against the microbial taxa and molecular biomarkers detected in the post-cleaned hardware (FI: ∼1500-1600) were 5-10 times lower than biomarkers in drilled sediments, excluding significant interference with putative biomarker found in cores. Similar protocols enable the acquisition of contamination-free materials for ultra-sensitive instruments analysis and the integrity of scientific results. Their application can augment our scientific knowledge of the distribution of cryptic life on Mars-like grounds and support life-detection robotic and human-operated missions to Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Bonaccorsi
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Brian Glass
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Mercedes Moreno-Paz
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Kimberley Warren-Rhodes
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Victor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Manchado
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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9
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Stoker CR, Glass BJ, Stucky TR, Dave AI, Kobayashi LT, Quinn RC, Moreno-Paz M, Sánchez-García L, Mora MF, Kehl F, Parro V, Willis PA, Davila A, Noe Dobrea E, Rask JC, Ricardo D. A Mission Simulating the Search for Life on Mars with Automated Drilling, Sample Handling, and Life Detection Instruments Performed in the Hyperarid Core of the Atacama Desert, Chile. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1284-1302. [PMID: 37856168 PMCID: PMC10750310 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0055] [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: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
We report on a field demonstration of a rover-based drilling mission to search for biomolecular evidence of life in the arid core of the Atacama Desert, Chile. The KREX2 rover carried the Honeybee Robotics 1 m depth The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploration of New Terrains (TRIDENT) drill and a robotic arm with scoop that delivered subsurface fines to three flight prototype instruments: (1) The Signs of Life Detector (SOLID), a protein and biomolecule analyzer based on fluorescence sandwich microarray immunoassay; (2) the Planetary In Situ Capillary Electrophoresis System (PISCES), an amino acid analyzer based on subcritical water extraction coupled to microchip electrophoresis analysis; and (3) a Wet Chemistry Laboratory cell to measure soluble ions using ion selective electrodes and chronopotentiometry. A California-based science team selected and directed drilling and sampling of three sites separated by hundreds of meters that included a light-toned basin area showing evidence of aqueous activity surrounded by a rocky desert pavement. Biosignatures were detected in basin samples collected at depths ranging from 20 to 80 cm but were not detected in the surrounding area. Subsurface stratigraphy of the units drilled was interpreted from drill sensor data as fine-scale layers of sand/clay sediments interspersed with layers of harder material in the basins and a uniform subsurface composed of course-to-fine sand in the surroundings. The mission timeline and number of commands sent to accomplish each activity were tracked. The deepest sample collected (80 cm) required 55 commands, including drilling and delivery to three instruments. Elapsed time required for drilling and sample handling was less than 3 hours to collect sample from 72 cm depth, including time devoted to recovery from a jammed drill. The experiment demonstrated drilling, sample transfer technologies, and instruments that accomplished successful detection of biomolecular evidence of life in one of the most biologically sparse environments on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian J. Glass
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - Arwen I. Dave
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria F. Mora
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Florian Kehl
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
- Innovation Cluster Space and Aviation (UZH Space Hub), Air Force Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology, Institute for Computational Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Space Biology Group, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Víctor Parro
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter A. Willis
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Alfonso Davila
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - Jon C. Rask
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Daniel Ricardo
- Space Technology and Industry Institute, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technoogy, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Liu L, Chen Y, Shen J, Pan Y, Lin W. Metabolic versatility of soil microbial communities below the rocks of the hyperarid Dalangtan Playa. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0107223. [PMID: 37902391 PMCID: PMC10686078 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01072-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The hyperarid Dalangtan Playa in the western Qaidam Basin, northwestern China, is a unique terrestrial analog of Mars. Despite the polyextreme environments of this area, habitats below translucent rocks capable of environmental buffering could serve as refuges for microbial life. In this study, the hybrid assembly of Illumina short reads and Nanopore long reads recovered high-quality and high-continuity genomes, allowing for high-accuracy analysis and a deeper understanding of extremophiles in the sheltered soils of the Dalangtan Playa. Our findings reveal self-supporting and metabolically versatile sheltered soil communities adapted to a hyperarid and hypersaline playa, which provides implications for the search for life signals on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Shen
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Hakobyan A, Velte S, Sickel W, Quandt D, Stoll A, Knief C. Tillandsia landbeckii phyllosphere and laimosphere as refugia for bacterial life in a hyperarid desert environment. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:246. [PMID: 37936139 PMCID: PMC10631034 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of water is a major constraint for microbial life in hyperarid deserts. Consequently, the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in common habitats such as soil are strongly reduced, and colonization occurs primarily by specifically adapted microorganisms that thrive in particular refugia to escape the harsh conditions that prevail in these deserts. We suggest that plants provide another refugium for microbial life in hyperarid deserts. We studied the bacterial colonization of Tillandsia landbeckii (Bromeliaceae) plants, which occur in the hyperarid regions of the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. RESULTS We detected clear differences between the bacterial communities being plant associated to those of the bare soil surface (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.187, p = 0.001), indicating that Tillandsia plants host a specific bacterial community, not only dust-deposited cells. Moreover, the bacterial communities in the phyllosphere were distinct from those in the laimosphere, i.e., on buried shoots (R2 = 0.108, p = 0.001), indicating further habitat differentiation within plant individuals. The bacterial taxa detected in the phyllosphere are partly well-known phyllosphere colonizers, but in addition, some rather unusual taxa (subgroup2 Acidobacteriae, Acidiphilum) and insect endosymbionts (Wolbachia, "Candidatus Uzinura") were found. The laimosphere hosted phyllosphere-associated as well as soil-derived taxa. The phyllosphere bacterial communities showed biogeographic patterns across the desert (R2 = 0.331, p = 0.001). These patterns were different and even more pronounced in the laimosphere (R2 = 0.467, p = 0.001), indicating that different factors determine community assembly in the two plant compartments. Furthermore, the phyllosphere microbiota underwent temporal changes (R2 = 0.064, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that T. landbeckii plants host specific bacterial communities in the phyllosphere as well as in the laimosphere. Therewith, these plants provide compartment-specific refugia for microbial life in hyperarid desert environments. The bacterial communities show biogeographic patterns and temporal variation, as known from other plant microbiomes, demonstrating environmental responsiveness and suggesting that bacteria inhabit these plants as viable microorganisms. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hakobyan
- Molecular Biology of the Rhizosphere, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefanie Velte
- Molecular Biology of the Rhizosphere, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wiebke Sickel
- Molecular Biology of the Rhizosphere, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Johann Heinrich Von Thünen Institute, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Dietmar Quandt
- Nees Institute for Biodiversity of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Stoll
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas Ceaza, La Serena, Chile
- Instituto de Investigación Multidisciplinar en Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile
| | - Claudia Knief
- Molecular Biology of the Rhizosphere, Institute for Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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12
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Demergasso C, Neilson JW, Tebes-Cayo C, Véliz R, Ayma D, Laubitz D, Barberán A, Chong-Díaz G, Maier RM. Hyperarid soil microbial community response to simulated rainfall. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1202266. [PMID: 37779711 PMCID: PMC10537920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1202266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The exceptionally long and protracted aridity in the Atacama Desert (AD), Chile, provides an extreme, terrestrial ecosystem that is ideal for studying microbial community dynamics under hyperarid conditions. Our aim was to characterize the temporal response of hyperarid soil AD microbial communities to ex situ simulated rainfall (5% g water/g dry soil for 4 weeks) without nutrient amendment. We conducted replicated microcosm experiments with surface soils from two previously well-characterized AD hyperarid locations near Yungay at 1242 and 1609 masl (YUN1242 and YUN1609) with distinct microbial community compositions and average soil relative humidity levels of 21 and 17%, respectively. The bacterial and archaeal response to soil wetting was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene qPCR, and amplicon sequencing. Initial YUN1242 bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene copy numbers were significantly higher than for YUN1609. Over the next 4 weeks, qPCR results showed significant increases in viable bacterial abundance, whereas archaeal abundance decreased. Both communities were dominated by 10 prokaryotic phyla (Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexota, Gemmatimonadota, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Planctomycetota, Nitrospirota, Cyanobacteriota, and Crenarchaeota) but there were significant site differences in the relative abundances of Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota, and specific actinobacterial orders. The response to simulated rainfall was distinct for the two communities. The actinobacterial taxa in the YUN1242 community showed rapid changes while the same taxa in the YUN1609 community remained relatively stable until day 30. Analysis of inferred function of the YUN1242 microbiome response implied an increase in the relative abundance of known spore-forming taxa with the capacity for mixotrophy at the expense of more oligotrophic taxa, whereas the YUN1609 community retained a stable profile of oligotrophic, facultative chemolithoautotrophic and mixotrophic taxa. These results indicate that bacterial communities in extreme hyperarid soils have the capacity for growth in response to simulated rainfall; however, historic variations in long-term hyperaridity exposure produce communities with distinct putative metabolic capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Demergasso
- Biotechnology Center “Profesor Alberto Ruíz”, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Julia W. Neilson
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Cinthya Tebes-Cayo
- Biotechnology Center “Profesor Alberto Ruíz”, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Geological Sciences, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Roberto Véliz
- Biotechnology Center “Profesor Alberto Ruíz”, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Diego Ayma
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Daniel Laubitz
- Steele Steele Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Albert Barberán
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Guillermo Chong-Díaz
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Geological Sciences, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Raina M. Maier
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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13
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Contreras MJ, Leal K, Bruna P, Nuñez-Montero K, Goméz-Espinoza O, Santos A, Bravo L, Valenzuela B, Solis F, Gahona G, Cayo M, Dinamarca MA, Ibacache-Quiroga C, Zamorano P, Barrientos L. Commonalities between the Atacama Desert and Antarctica rhizosphere microbial communities. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1197399. [PMID: 37538842 PMCID: PMC10395097 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1197399] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-microbiota interactions have significant effects on plant growth, health, and productivity. Rhizosphere microorganisms are involved in processes that promote physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. In recent years, the interest in microorganisms to improve plant productivity has increased, mainly aiming to find promising strains to overcome the impact of climate change on crops. In this work, we hypothesize that given the desertic environment of the Antarctic and the Atacama Desert, different plant species inhabiting these areas might share microbial taxa with functions associated with desiccation and drought stress tolerance. Therefore, in this study, we described and compared the composition of the rhizobacterial community associated with Deschampsia antarctica (Da), Colobanthus quitensis (Cq) from Antarctic territories, and Croton chilensis (Cc), Eulychnia iquiquensis (Ei) and Nicotiana solanifolia (Ns) from coastal Atacama Desert environments by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. In addition, we evaluated the putative functions of that rhizobacterial community that are likely involved in nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance of these plants. Even though each plant microbial rhizosphere presents a unique taxonomic pattern of 3,019 different sequences, the distribution at the genus level showed a core microbiome with a higher abundance of Haliangium, Bryobacter, Bacillus, MND1 from the Nitrosomonadaceae family, and unclassified taxa from Gemmatiamonadaceae and Chitinophagaceae families in the rhizosphere of all samples analyzed (781 unique sequences). In addition, species Gemmatirosa kalamazoonesis and Solibacter usitatus were shared by the core microbiome of both Antarctic and Desert plants. All the taxa mentioned above had been previously associated with beneficial effects in plants. Also, this microbial core composition converged with the functional prediction related to survival under harsh conditions, including chemoheterotrophy, ureolysis, phototrophy, nitrogen fixation, and chitinolysis. Therefore, this study provides relevant information for the exploration of rhizospheric microorganisms from plants in extreme conditions of the Atacama Desert and Antarctic as promising plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Contreras
- Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Karla Leal
- Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pablo Bruna
- Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Kattia Nuñez-Montero
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
- Biotechnology Research Center, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cártago, Costa Rica
| | - Olman Goméz-Espinoza
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Andrés Santos
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Institut Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - León Bravo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Bernardita Valenzuela
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Francisco Solis
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Giovanni Gahona
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Mayra Cayo
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - M. Alejandro Dinamarca
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Micro-Bioinnovación, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Claudia Ibacache-Quiroga
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Micro-Bioinnovación, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pedro Zamorano
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Leticia Barrientos
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
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14
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Tarasashvili MV, Elbakidze K, Doborjginidze ND, Gharibashvili ND. Carbonate precipitation and nitrogen fixation in AMG (Artificial Martian Ground) by cyanobacteria. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 37:65-77. [PMID: 37087180 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.03.002] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This article describes experiments performed to study the survival, growth, specific adaptations and bioremediation potential of certain extreme cyanobacteria strains within a simulation of the atmospheric composition, temperature and pressure expected in a future Martian greenhouse. Initial species have been obtained from Mars-analogue sites in Georgia. The results clearly demonstrate that specific biochemical adaptations allow these autotrophs to metabolize within AMG (Artificial Martian Ground) and accumulate biogenic carbon and nitrogen. These findings may thus contribute to the development of future Martian agriculture, as well as other aspects of the life-support systems at habitable Mars stations. The study shows that carbonate precipitation and nitrogen fixation, performed by cyanobacterial communities thriving within the simulated Martian greenhouse conditions, are cross-linked biological processes. At the same time, the presence of the perchlorates (at low concentrations) in the Martian ground may serve as the initial source of oxygen and, indirectly, hydrogen via photo-Fenton reactions. Various carbonates, ammonium and nitrate salts were obtained as the result of these experiments. These affect the pH, salinity and solubility of the AMG and its components, and so the AMG's scanty biogenic properties improved, which is essential for the sustainable growth of the agricultural crops. Therefore, the use of microorganisms for the biological remediation and continuous in situ fertilization of Artificial Martian Ground is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Tarasashvili
- BTU - Business and Technology University, 82 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Kh Elbakidze
- BTU - Business and Technology University, 82 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - N D Doborjginidze
- GSRA - Georgian Space Research Agency, 4 Vasil Petriashvili Street, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - N D Gharibashvili
- GSRA - Georgian Space Research Agency, 4 Vasil Petriashvili Street, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia; SpaceFarms Ltd, 14 Kostava Street, 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia
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15
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Finkel PL, Carrizo D, Parro V, Sánchez-García L. An Overview of Lipid Biomarkers in Terrestrial Extreme Environments with Relevance for Mars Exploration. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:563-604. [PMID: 36880883 PMCID: PMC10150655 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lipid molecules are organic compounds, insoluble in water, and based on carbon-carbon chains that form an integral part of biological cell membranes. As such, lipids are ubiquitous in life on Earth, which is why they are considered useful biomarkers for life detection in terrestrial environments. These molecules display effective membrane-forming properties even under geochemically hostile conditions that challenge most of microbial life, which grants lipids a universal biomarker character suitable for life detection beyond Earth, where a putative biological membrane would also be required. What discriminates lipids from nucleic acids or proteins is their capacity to retain diagnostic information about their biological source in their recalcitrant hydrocarbon skeletons for thousands of millions of years, which is indispensable in the field of astrobiology given the time span that the geological ages of planetary bodies encompass. This work gathers studies that have employed lipid biomarker approaches for paleoenvironmental surveys and life detection purposes in terrestrial environments with extreme conditions: hydrothermal, hyperarid, hypersaline, and highly acidic, among others; all of which are analogous to current or past conditions on Mars. Although some of the compounds discussed in this review may be abiotically synthesized, we focus on those with a biological origin, namely lipid biomarkers. Therefore, along with appropriate complementary techniques such as bulk and compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis, this work recapitulates and reevaluates the potential of lipid biomarkers as an additional, powerful tool to interrogate whether there is life on Mars, or if there ever was.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo L Finkel
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physics and Mathematics and Department of Automatics, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Victor Parro
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Azua-Bustos A, Fairén AG, González-Silva C, Prieto-Ballesteros O, Carrizo D, Sánchez-García L, Parro V, Fernández-Martínez MÁ, Escudero C, Muñoz-Iglesias V, Fernández-Sampedro M, Molina A, Villadangos MG, Moreno-Paz M, Wierzchos J, Ascaso C, Fornaro T, Brucato JR, Poggiali G, Manrique JA, Veneranda M, López-Reyes G, Sanz-Arranz A, Rull F, Ollila AM, Wiens RC, Reyes-Newell A, Clegg SM, Millan M, Johnson SS, McIntosh O, Szopa C, Freissinet C, Sekine Y, Fukushi K, Morida K, Inoue K, Sakuma H, Rampe E. Dark microbiome and extremely low organics in Atacama fossil delta unveil Mars life detection limits. Nat Commun 2023; 14:808. [PMID: 36810853 PMCID: PMC9944251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36172-1] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying unequivocal signs of life on Mars is one of the most important objectives for sending missions to the red planet. Here we report Red Stone, a 163-100 My alluvial fan-fan delta that formed under arid conditions in the Atacama Desert, rich in hematite and mudstones containing clays such as vermiculite and smectites, and therefore geologically analogous to Mars. We show that Red Stone samples display an important number of microorganisms with an unusual high rate of phylogenetic indeterminacy, what we refer to as "dark microbiome", and a mix of biosignatures from extant and ancient microorganisms that can be barely detected with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. Our analyses by testbed instruments that are on or will be sent to Mars unveil that although the mineralogy of Red Stone matches that detected by ground-based instruments on the red planet, similarly low levels of organics will be hard, if not impossible to detect in Martian rocks depending on the instrument and technique used. Our results stress the importance in returning samples to Earth for conclusively addressing whether life ever existed on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Azua-Bustos
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alberto G Fairén
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, 14853, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Carrizo
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Victor Parro
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Molina
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Jacek Wierzchos
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ascaso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Fornaro
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Jose Antonio Manrique
- Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (IRAP), Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Ann M Ollila
- Purdue University, Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Roger C Wiens
- Purdue University, Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, West Lafayette, USA
| | | | - Samuel M Clegg
- Purdue University, Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Maëva Millan
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.,NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Solar System Exploration Division, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA.,LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 11 Bd d'Alembert, 78280, Guyancourt, France
| | - Sarah Stewart Johnson
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.,Science, Technology, and International Affairs Program, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Ophélie McIntosh
- INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Florence, Italy.,Science, Technology, and International Affairs Program, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Cyril Szopa
- Science, Technology, and International Affairs Program, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Caroline Freissinet
- Science, Technology, and International Affairs Program, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Yasuhito Sekine
- Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Keisuke Fukushi
- Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Koki Morida
- Division of Natural System, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kosuke Inoue
- Division of Natural System, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sakuma
- National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Elizabeth Rampe
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Dabravolski SA, Isayenkov SV. Metabolites Facilitating Adaptation of Desert Cyanobacteria to Extremely Arid Environments. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3225. [PMID: 36501264 PMCID: PMC9736550 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Desert is one of the harshest environments on the planet, characterized by exposure to daily fluctuations of extreme conditions (such as high temperature, low nitrogen, low water, high salt, etc.). However, some cyanobacteria are able to live and flourish in such conditions, form communities, and facilitate survival of other organisms. Therefore, to ensure survival, desert cyanobacteria must develop sophisticated and comprehensive adaptation strategies to enhance their tolerance to multiple simultaneous stresses. In this review, we discuss the metabolic pathways used by desert cyanobacteria to adapt to extreme arid conditions. In particular, we focus on the extracellular polysaccharides and compatible solutes biosynthesis pathways and their evolution and special features. We also discuss the role of desert cyanobacteria in the improvement of soil properties and their ecological and environmental impact on soil communities. Finally, we summarize recent achievements in the application of desert cyanobacteria to prevent soil erosion and desertification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siarhei A. Dabravolski
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude Academic College of Engineering, Snunit 51, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
| | - Stanislav V. Isayenkov
- Department of Plant Food Products and Biofortification, Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osipovskogo Str. 2a, 04123 Kyiv, Ukraine
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18
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Naz N, Liu D, Harandi BF, Kounaves SP. Microbial Growth in Martian Soil Simulants Under Terrestrial Conditions: Guiding the Search for Life on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:1210-1221. [PMID: 36000998 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The search for life elsewhere in the Universe goes together with the search for liquid water. Life as we know it requires water; however, it is possible for microbial life to exist under hyperarid conditions with a minimal amount of water. We report on the ability of two typical terrestrial bacteria (Escherichia coli B and Eucapsis sp) and two extremophiles (Gloeocapsa-20201027-1 sp and Planococcus halocryophilus) to grow and survive in three martian soil (regolith) simulants (Mohave Mars Simulant-1 [MMS-1] F, Mars Global Simulant-1 [MGS-1], and JSC Mars-1A [JSC]). Survival and growth were assessed over a 21-day period under terrestrial conditions and with water:soil (vol:wt) ratios that varied from 0.25:1 to 5:1. We found that Eucapsis and Gloeocapsa sp grew best in the simulants MMS and JSC, respectively, while P. halocryophilus growth rates were better in the JSC simulant. As expected, E. coli did not show significant growth. Our results indicate that these martian simulants and thus martian regolith, with minimal or no added nutrients or water, can support the growth of extremophiles such as P. halocryphilus and Gloeocapsa. Similar extremophiles on early Mars may have survived to the present in near-surface ecological niches analogous to those where these organisms exist on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neveda Naz
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bijan F Harandi
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel P Kounaves
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
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19
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Glaser DM, Hartnett HE, Finn DR, Perez-Montaño S, Cadillo-Quiroz H, Desch S. Water Vapor Adsorption Provides Daily, Sustainable Water to Soils of the Hyperarid Atacama Desert. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:1222-1238. [PMID: 36084088 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Water is necessary for all life on Earth. Water is so critical that organisms have developed strategies to survive in hyperarid environments. These regions with extremely low water availability are also unique analogs in which to study the physico-chemical conditions of extraterrestrial environments such as Mars. We have identified a daily, sustainable cycle of water vapor adsorption (WVA) and desorption that measurably affects soil water content (SWC) in the hyperarid region of the Atacama Desert in southern Perú. We pair field-based soil temperature and relative humidity soil profiles with laboratory simulations to provide evidence for a daily WVA cycle. Using our WVA model, we estimate that one adsorptive period-one night-increases SWC by 0.2-0.3 mg/g of soil (∼30 μm rainfall). We can plausibly rule out other water inputs during our field campaign that could account for this water input, and we provide evidence that this WVA cycle is driven by solar heating and maintained by atmospheric water vapor. The WVA may also serve to retain water from infrequent rain events in these soils. If the water provided by WVA in these soils is bioavailable, it could have significant implications for the microorganisms that are endemic to hyperarid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald M Glaser
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Hilairy E Hartnett
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Damien R Finn
- Thünen Institut für Biodiversität, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institut, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Saul Perez-Montaño
- Arrhenius Research Institute, Arequipa, Perú
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Catolica San Pablo, Arequipa, Perú
| | - Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Steven Desch
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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20
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Oehlert AM, Suosaari EP, Kong T, Piggot AM, Maizel D, Lascu I, Demergasso C, Chong Díaz G, Reid RP. Physical, chemical, and microbial feedbacks controlling brine geochemistry and lake morphology in polyextreme salar environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155378. [PMID: 35489513 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the harsh environmental conditions in the world's oldest and driest desert, some salt flat or 'salar' environments in the Atacama Desert host standing bodies of water known as saline lakes. Evaporite minerals deposited within saline lakes result from the equilibrium of environmental, sedimentological, and biogeochemical processes that occur in the salar; consequently, these minerals are sensitive records of human activities and ecological, evolutionary, and geological changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate feedbacks between physical, chemical, and microbial processes that culminate in distinct trends in brine chemistry, saline lake morphology, and associated evaporite sediments. Using samples from the Puquios of the Salar de Llamara, Atacama Desert, northern Chile, an analysis of spatial gradients and vertical stratification of lake elemental chemistry and mineral saturation indices were integrated with a comprehensive analysis of lake morphology, including depth, slope gradient, substrate type, and mineralogy. Lake waters ranged from saline to hypersaline, and exhibited normal, well mixed and inverse stratification patterns, and results suggest a correlation with lake morphology in the Salar de Llamara. Saline to hypersaline lakes (>150 mS/cm) with stratified brines tended to have crystalline substrate and deep (>35 cm) and steep-sided lake morphologies, while unstratified lakes with lower electrical conductivity (<90 mS/cm and microbial substrates had gentle slopes and characteristically shallow depths (<30 cm). Differences in minor element chemistry (Mn and Sr) between saline lakes were observed on scales of meters to kilometers, and result in different accessory mineral assemblages. Quantification of the physical, chemical, and microbial feedbacks that produce the observed heterogeneity in these ecosystems provides key insight into the geochemical composition and lake morphology of saline lakes in extreme environments around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Oehlert
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
| | - Erica P Suosaari
- Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Tianshu Kong
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Alan M Piggot
- Bahamas Marine EcoCentre, Miami, FL 33156, USA; AP Research Inc, Miami, FL 33157, USA
| | - Daniela Maizel
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Ioan Lascu
- Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Cecilia Demergasso
- Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Guillermo Chong Díaz
- Departamento de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - R Pamela Reid
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Bahamas Marine EcoCentre, Miami, FL 33156, USA
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21
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Royle SH, Salter TL, Watson JS, Sephton MA. Mineral Matrix Effects on Pyrolysis Products of Kerogens Infer Difficulties in Determining Biological Provenance of Macromolecular Organic Matter at Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:520-540. [PMID: 35171040 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ancient martian organic matter is likely to take the form of kerogen-like recalcitrant macromolecular organic matter (MOM), existing in close association with reactive mineral surfaces, especially iron oxides. Detecting and identifying a biological origin for martian MOM will therefore be of utmost importance for life-detection efforts at Mars. We show that Type I and Type IV kerogens provide effective analogues for putative martian MOM of biological and abiological (meteoric) provenances, respectively. We analyze the pyrolytic breakdown products when these kerogens are mixed with mineral matrices highly relevant for the search for life on Mars. We demonstrate that, using traditional thermal techniques as generally used by the Sample Analysis at Mars and Mars Organic Molecule Analyser instruments, even the breakdown products of highly recalcitrant MOM are transformed during analysis in the presence of reactive mineral surfaces, particularly iron. Analytical transformation reduces the diagnostic ability of this technique, as detected transformation products of both biological and abiological MOM may be identical (low molecular weight gas phases and benzene) and indistinguishable. The severity of transformational effects increased through calcite < kaolinite < hematite < nontronite < magnetite < goethite. Due to their representation of various habitable aqueous environments and the preservation potential of organic matter by iron, it is not advisable to completely avoid iron-rich strata. We conclude that hematite-rich localities, with evidence of extensive aqueous alteration of originally reducing phases, such as the Vera Rubin Ridge, may be relatively promising targets for identifying martian biologically sourced MOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Royle
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tara L Salter
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan S Watson
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Sephton
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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22
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Duca ZA, Speller NC, Cato ME, Morbioli GG, Stockton AM. A miniaturized, low-cost lens tube based laser-induced fluorescence detection system for automated microfluidic analysis of primary amines. Talanta 2022; 241:123227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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23
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Focused ultrasound extraction versus microwave-assisted extraction for extraterrestrial objects analysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3643-3651. [PMID: 35267058 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04004-8] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Search for organic bioindicators in the solar system is a fundamental challenge for the space research community. If tremendous improvements have been achieved in detection, little or no research has been dedicated to extraction of the targets from the studied mineral matrices. Apart from thermodesorption, no extraction step was ever performed in situ within the context of biomarker detection experiments. This work presents an extraction protocol compatible with in situ space constraints. Two extraction methods, i.e., microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and focused ultrasonic extraction (FUSE), were optimized with the aim of extracting molecules having an astrobiological interest (amino acids, nucleobases, polyaromatic carboxylic acids) and that are included in mineral matrices representative of the Martian soil. Higher efficiency was obtained with the FUSE method (20 kHz, amplitude 80%, pulse and relaxation 1 s each, for 10 min) with yields ranging from 30 to 95%. It was then applied on an Atacama Desert soil sample and Aguas Zarcas meteorite fragment. Both water-soluble and organic-soluble compounds present at trace levels were extracted using this short extraction time, and small amounts of sample and solvent compliant with in situ requirements (50 mg, 500 μL). This unique FUSE/derivatization-GC-MS approach gave similar yields to usual 24 h hot water extraction and increased the recovery of the target molecules compared to the derivatization-GC-MS method already used for in situ space experiments by a factor from 2 to 8. The data highlighted the suitability of a focused ultrasonic method for the extraction of trace organic compounds from extraterrestrial samples.
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24
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Gómez-Silva B, Batista-García RA. The Atacama Desert: A Biodiversity Hotspot and Not Just a Mineral-Rich Region. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:812842. [PMID: 35222336 PMCID: PMC8865075 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.812842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benito Gómez-Silva
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department, Health Sciences Faculty and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CeBiB), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Ramón Alberto Batista-García
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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25
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Laboratory experiment of ATP measurement using Mars soil simulant: as a method for extraterrestrial life detection. ANAL SCI 2022; 38:725-730. [PMID: 35286642 PMCID: PMC9013681 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-022-00081-y] [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: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
We present a laboratory experiment of ATP measurement using Mars soil simulant and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with a point of view for future application to searching extraterrestrial life. We used Mars Global Simulant MGS-1 (Exolith Lab) as soil simulant, added E. coli suspension to it, then the soil simulant with E. coli was dried. Various configurations of samples with different E. coli density, 1.75 × 102, 1.75 × 103, 1.75 × 104, 1.75 × 105, and 1.75 × 106 cells (g soil)−1, were prepared together with controls. ATP extraction reagent and luminescence reagent were added to the sample, and bioluminescence measurement was performed. The result suggests significant detection of ATP for samples with E. coli density used in this work. Similar experiments but without the soil simulant were carried out, and results with and without the soil simulant are compared. Based on the ATP measurement studied in this work, we discussed extraterrestrial life search, planetary protection, relation with the panspermia hypothesis, and also other applications.
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26
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Fuentes B, Choque A, Gómez F, Alarcón J, Castro-Nallar E, Arenas F, Contreras D, Mörchen R, Amelung W, Knief C, Moradi G, Klumpp E, Saavedra CP, Prietzel J, Klysubun W, Remonsellez F, Bol R. Influence of Physical-Chemical Soil Parameters on Microbiota Composition and Diversity in a Deep Hyperarid Core of the Atacama Desert. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:794743. [PMID: 35197940 PMCID: PMC8859261 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.794743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The extreme environmental conditions and lack of water on the soil surface in hyperarid deserts hamper microbial life, allowing only highly specialized microbial communities to the establish colonies and survive. Until now, the microbial communities that inhabit or have inhabited soils of hyperarid environments at greater depths have been poorly studied. We analyzed for the first time the variation in microbial communities down to a depth of 3.4 m in one of the driest places of the world, the hyperarid Yungay region in the Atacama Desert, and we related it to changes in soil physico-chemical characteristics. We found that the moisture content changed from 2 to 11% with depth and enabled the differentiation of three depth intervals: (i) surface zone A (0–60 cm), (ii) intermediate zone B (60–220 cm), and (iii) deep zone C (220–340 cm). Each zone showed further specific physicochemical and mineralogical features. Likewise, some bacterial phyla were unique in each zone, i.e., members of the taxa Deinococcota, Halobacterota, and Latescibacterota in zone A; Crenarchaeota, Fusobacteriota, and Deltaproteobacterium Sva0485 in zone B; and Fervidibacteria and Campilobacterota in zone C, which indicates taxon-specific preferences in deep soil habitats. Differences in the microbiota between the zones were rather abrupt, which is concomitant with abrupt changes in the physical-chemical parameters. Overall, moisture content, total carbon (TC), pH, and electric conductivity (EC) were most predictive of microbial richness and diversity, while total sulfur (TS) and total phosphorous (TP) contents were additionally predictive of community composition. We also found statistically significant associations between taxa and soil properties, most of which involved moisture and TC contents. Our findings show that under-explored habitats for microbial survival and existence may prevail at greater soil depths near water or within water-bearing layers, a valuable substantiation also for the ongoing search for biosignatures on other planets, such as Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Fuentes
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alessandra Choque
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Geología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Francisco Gómez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jaime Alarcón
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Castro-Nallar
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Franko Arenas
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Geología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Daniel Contreras
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Geología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Ramona Mörchen
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Soil Science and Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wulf Amelung
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Soil Science and Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claudia Knief
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Molecular Biology of the Rhizosphere, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ghazal Moradi
- Institute of Bio and Geosciences, Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Erwin Klumpp
- Institute of Bio and Geosciences, Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Claudia P. Saavedra
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jörg Prietzel
- Wissenschaftszentum Weihenstephan, Technical University München, Freising, Germany
| | - Wantana Klysubun
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Francisco Remonsellez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Tecnológica del Agua en el Desierto-CEITSAZA, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- *Correspondence: Francisco Remonsellez,
| | - Roland Bol
- Institute of Bio and Geosciences, Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- School of Natural Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
- Roland Bol,
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27
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Mehda S, Muñoz-Martín MÁ, Oustani M, Hamdi-Aïssa B, Perona E, Mateo P. Lithic cyanobacterial communities in the polyextreme Sahara Desert: implications for the search for the limits of life. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:451-474. [PMID: 34837297 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The hyperarid Sahara Desert presents extreme and persistent dry conditions with a limited number of hours during which the moisture availability, temperature and light allow phototrophic growth. Some cyanobacteria can live in these hostile conditions by seeking refuge under (hypolithic) or inside (endolithic) rocks, by colonizing porous spaces (cryptoendoliths) or fissures in stones (chasmoendoliths). Chroococcidiopsis spp. have been reported as the dominant or even the only phototrophs in these hot desert lithic communities. However, the results of this study reveal the high diversity of and variability in cyanobacteria among the sampled habitats in the Sahara Desert. The chasmoendolithic samples presented high coccoid cyanobacteria abundances, although the dominant cyanobacteria were distinct among different locations. A high predominance of a newly described cyanobacterium, Pseudoacaryochloris sahariense, was found in hard, compact, and more opaque stones with cryptoendolithic colonization. On the other hand, the hypolithic samples were dominated by filamentous, non-heterocystous cyanobacteria. Thermophysiological bioassays confirmed desiccation and extreme temperature tolerance as drivers in the cyanobacterial community composition of these lithic niches. The results of the present study provide key factors for understanding life strategies under polyextreme environmental conditions. The isolated strains, especially the newly described cyanobacterium P. sahariense, might represent suitable microorganisms in astrobiology studies aimed at investigating the limits of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smail Mehda
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.,Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Desert Areas, University of Ouargla, Ouargla, 30000, Algeria.,Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Department of Agronomy, University of El Oued, El Oued, 39000, Algeria
| | - M Ángeles Muñoz-Martín
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Mabrouka Oustani
- Laboratory of Saharan Bio-Resources: Preservation and Development, University of Ouargla, Ouargla, 30000, Algeria
| | - Baelhadj Hamdi-Aïssa
- Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Desert Areas, University of Ouargla, Ouargla, 30000, Algeria
| | - Elvira Perona
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Pilar Mateo
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
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28
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Hwang Y, Schulze-Makuch D, Arens FL, Saenz JS, Adam PS, Sager C, Bornemann TLV, Zhao W, Zhang Y, Airo A, Schloter M, Probst AJ. Leave no stone unturned: individually adapted xerotolerant Thaumarchaeota sheltered below the boulders of the Atacama Desert hyperarid core. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:234. [PMID: 34836555 PMCID: PMC8627038 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01177-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert is an extremely harsh environment thought to be colonized by only a few heterotrophic bacterial species. Current concepts for understanding this extreme ecosystem are mainly based on the diversity of these few species, yet a substantial area of the Atacama Desert hyperarid topsoil is covered by expansive boulder accumulations, whose underlying microbiomes have not been investigated so far. With the hypothesis that these sheltered soils harbor uniquely adapted microbiomes, we compared metagenomes and geochemistry between soils below and beside boulders across three distantly located boulder accumulations in the Atacama Desert hyperarid core. RESULTS Genome-resolved metagenomics of eleven samples revealed substantially different microbial communities in soils below and beside boulders, despite the presence of shared species. Archaea were found in significantly higher relative abundance below the boulders across all samples within distances of up to 205 km. These key taxa belong to a novel genus of ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaeota, Candidatus Nitrosodeserticola. We resolved eight mid-to-high quality genomes of this genus and used comparative genomics to analyze its pangenome and site-specific adaptations. Ca. Nitrosodeserticola genomes contain genes for ammonia oxidation, the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate carbon fixation pathway, and acetate utilization indicating a chemolithoautotrophic and mixotrophic lifestyle. They also possess the capacity for tolerating extreme environmental conditions as highlighted by the presence of genes against oxidative stress and DNA damage. Site-specific adaptations of the genomes included the presence of additional genes for heavy metal transporters, multiple types of ATP synthases, and divergent genes for aquaporins. CONCLUSION We provide the first genomic characterization of hyperarid soil microbiomes below the boulders in the Atacama Desert, and report abundant and highly adapted Thaumarchaeaota with ammonia oxidation and carbon fixation potential. Ca. Nitrosodeserticola genomes provide the first metabolic and physiological insight into a thaumarchaeal lineage found in globally distributed terrestrial habitats characterized by various environmental stresses. We consequently expand not only the known genetic repertoire of Thaumarchaeota but also the diversity and microbiome functioning in hyperarid ecosystems. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunha Hwang
- Astrobiology Group, Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dirk Schulze-Makuch
- Astrobiology Group, Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
- Section Geomicrobiology, German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), 14473, Potsdam, Germany.
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 12587, Stechlin, Germany.
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Felix L Arens
- Astrobiology Group, Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johan S Saenz
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85758, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Panagiotis S Adam
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Christof Sager
- Astrobiology Group, Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till L V Bornemann
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Weishu Zhao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Alessandro Airo
- Astrobiology Group, Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85758, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Alexander J Probst
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.
- Centre of Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 , Essen, Germany.
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Mining, Urban Growth, and Agrarian Changes in the Atacama Desert: The Case of the Calama Oasis in Northern Chile. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10111262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Since the mid-twentieth century, Latin American rural territories have undergone significant transformations. One of the leading causes is the expansion of large-scale operations that exploit natural resources for world market exportation with low processing. In this paper, we study the changes in agricultural activities, livestock, and land use in the Calama oasis (the Atacama Desert, northern Chile) in relation to the growth of large-scale copper mining and other chained processes (urbanization and increased demand for water resources); based on a mixed methodology combining descriptive statistics, archival and bibliographic review, ethnography, and spatial analysis. We present the results through a historical reconstruction of the analyzed dimensions and their relationships, accounting for contradictory dynamics in time and space. We identify how mining and urban growth promote some agricultural and livestock activities under certain economic and political conditions, while in other contexts, these activities have been severely weakened, seeing increasing urbanization of rural land, rural-urban pluriactivity, and a growing deagrarianization.
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Royle SH, Watson JS, Sephton MA. Transformation of Cyanobacterial Biomolecules by Iron Oxides During Flash Pyrolysis: Implications for Mars Life-Detection Missions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1363-1386. [PMID: 34402652 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Answering the question of whether life ever existed on Mars is a key goal of both NASA's and ESA's imminent Mars rover missions. The obfuscatory effects of oxidizing salts, such as perchlorates and sulfates, on organic matter during thermal decomposition analysis techniques are well established. Less well studied are the transformative effects of iron oxides and (oxy)hydroxides, which are present in great abundances in the martian regolith. We examined the products of flash pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (a technique analogous to the thermal techniques employed by past, current, and future landed Mars missions) which form when the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis are heated in the presence of a variety of Mars-relevant iron-bearing minerals. We found that iron oxides/(oxy)hydroxides have transformative effects on the pyrolytic products of cyanobacterial biomolecules. Both the abundance and variety of molecular species detected were decreased as iron substrates transformed biomolecules, by both oxidative and reductive processes, into lower fidelity alkanes, aromatic and aryl-bonded hydrocarbons. Despite the loss of fidelity, a suite that contains mid-length alkanes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons and/or aryl-bonded molecules in iron-rich samples subjected to pyrolysis may allude to the transformation of cyanobacterially derived mid-long chain length fatty acids (particularly unsaturated fatty acids) originally present in the sample. Hematite was found to be the iron oxide with the lowest transformation potential, and because this iron oxide has a high affinity for codeposition of organic matter and preservation over geological timescales, sampling at Mars should target sediments/strata that have undergone a diagenetic history encouraging the dehydration, dihydroxylation, and oxidation of more reactive iron-bearing phases to hematite by looking for (mineralogical) evidence of the activity of oxidizing, acidic/neutral, and either hot or long-lived fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Royle
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan S Watson
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Sephton
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Cockell CS. Are microorganisms everywhere they can be? Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:6355-6363. [PMID: 34693610 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Baas-Becking is famously attributed with the conjecture that 'everything is everywhere, but the environment selects'. Although this aphorism is largely challenged by microbial biogeographical data, even weak versions of the claim leave unanswered the question about whether all environments that could theoretically support life contain life. In the last decade, the discovery of thermally sterilized habitable environments disconnected from inhabited regions, and habitats within organisms such as the sterile, but habitable human fetal gut, suggest the existence of a diversity of macroscopic habitable environments apparently devoid of actively metabolizing or reproducing life. Less clear is the status of such environments at the micron scale, for example, between colonies of organisms within rock interstices or on and within other substrates. I discuss recent evidence for these types of environments. These environments have practical uses in: (i) being negative controls for understanding the role of microbial processes in geochemical cycles and geological processes, (ii) yielding insights into the extent to which the biosphere extends into all spaces it theoretically can, (iii) suggesting caution in interpreting the results of life detection instrumentation, and (iv) being useful for establishing the conditions for the origin of life and its prevalence on other planetary bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, James Clerk Maxwell Building, The King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
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Shen J, Wyness AJ, Claire MW, Zerkle AL. Spatial Variability of Microbial Communities and Salt Distributions Across a Latitudinal Aridity Gradient in the Atacama Desert. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:442-458. [PMID: 33438074 PMCID: PMC8384830 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-020-01672-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 150 million years, the Chilean Atacama Desert has been transformed into one of the most inhospitable landscapes by geophysical changes, which makes it an ideal Mars analog that has been explored for decades. However, a heavy rainfall that occurred in the Atacama in 2017 provides a unique opportunity to study the response of resident extremophiles to rapid environmental change associated with excessive water and salt shock. Here we combine mineral/salt composition measurements, amendment cell culture experiments, and next-generation sequencing analyses to study the variations in salts and microbial communities along a latitudinal aridity gradient of the Atacama Desert. In addition, we examine the reshuffling of Atacama microbiomes after the rainfall event. Analysis of microbial community composition revealed that soils within the southern arid desert were consistently dominated by Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. Intriguingly, the hyperarid microbial consortia exhibited a similar pattern to the more southern desert. Salts at the shallow subsurface were dissolved and leached down to a deeper layer, challenging indigenous microorganisms with the increasing osmotic stress. Microbial viability was found to change with aridity and rainfall events. This study sheds light on the structure of xerotolerant, halotolerant, and radioresistant microbiomes from the hyperarid northern desert to the less arid southern transition region, as well as their response to changes in water availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Shen
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Exoplanet Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK.
| | - Adam J Wyness
- Sediment Ecology Research Group, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
- Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa
| | - Mark W Claire
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Exoplanet Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Aubrey L Zerkle
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Exoplanet Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
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Hui MLY, Tan LTH, Letchumanan V, He YW, Fang CM, Chan KG, Law JWF, Lee LH. The Extremophilic Actinobacteria: From Microbes to Medicine. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:682. [PMID: 34201133 PMCID: PMC8230038 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinobacteria constitute prolific sources of novel and vital bioactive metabolites for pharmaceutical utilization. In recent years, research has focused on exploring actinobacteria that thrive in extreme conditions to unearth their beneficial bioactive compounds for natural product drug discovery. Natural products have a significant role in resolving public health issues such as antibiotic resistance and cancer. The breakthrough of new technologies has overcome the difficulties in sampling and culturing extremophiles, leading to the outpouring of more studies on actinobacteria from extreme environments. This review focuses on the diversity and bioactive potentials/medically relevant biomolecules of extremophilic actinobacteria found from various unique and extreme niches. Actinobacteria possess an excellent capability to produce various enzymes and secondary metabolites to combat harsh conditions. In particular, a few strains have displayed substantial antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), shedding light on the development of MRSA-sensitive antibiotics. Several strains exhibited other prominent bioactivities such as antifungal, anti-HIV, anticancer, and anti-inflammation. By providing an overview of the recently found extremophilic actinobacteria and their important metabolites, we hope to enhance the understanding of their potential for the medical world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Lok-Yung Hui
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia
| | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Ya-Wen He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China;
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor 43500, Malaysia;
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 50600, Malaysia
| | - Jodi Woan-Fei Law
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
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Abstract
Viruses play an essential role in shaping microbial community structures and serve as reservoirs for genetic diversity in many ecosystems. In hyperarid desert environments, where life itself becomes scarce and loses diversity, the interactions between viruses and host populations have remained elusive. Here, we resolved host-virus interactions in the soil metagenomes of the Atacama Desert hyperarid core, one of the harshest terrestrial environments on Earth. We show evidence of diverse viruses infecting a wide range of hosts found in sites up to 205 km apart. Viral genomes carried putative extremotolerance features (i.e., spore formation proteins) and auxiliary metabolic genes, indicating that viruses could mediate the spread of microbial resilience against environmental stress across the desert. We propose a mutualistic model of host-virus interactions in the hyperarid core where viruses seek protection in microbial cells as lysogens or pseudolysogens, while viral extremotolerance genes aid survival of their hosts. Our results suggest that the host-virus interactions in the Atacama Desert soils are dynamic and complex, shaping uniquely adapted microbiomes in this highly selective and hostile environment.IMPORTANCE Deserts are one of the largest and rapidly expanding terrestrial ecosystems characterized by low biodiversity and biomass. The hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert, previously thought to be devoid of life, is one of the harshest environments, supporting only scant biomass of highly adapted microbes. While there is growing evidence that viruses play essential roles in shaping the diversity and structure of nearly every ecosystem, very little is known about the role of viruses in desert soils, especially where viral contact with viable hosts is significantly reduced. Our results demonstrate that diverse viruses are widely dispersed across the desert, potentially spreading key stress resilience and metabolic genes to ensure host survival. The desertification accelerated by climate change expands both the ecosystem cover and the ecological significance of the desert virome. This study sheds light on the complex virus-host interplay that shapes the unique microbiome in desert soils.
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Schulze-Makuch D, Lipus D, Arens FL, Baqué M, Bornemann TLV, de Vera JP, Flury M, Frösler J, Heinz J, Hwang Y, Kounaves SP, Mangelsdorf K, Meckenstock RU, Pannekens M, Probst AJ, Sáenz JS, Schirmack J, Schloter M, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Schneider B, Uhl J, Vestergaard G, Valenzuela B, Zamorano P, Wagner D. Microbial Hotspots in Lithic Microhabitats Inferred from DNA Fractionation and Metagenomics in the Atacama Desert. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051038. [PMID: 34065975 PMCID: PMC8151210 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of microbial activity hotspots in temperate regions of Earth is driven by soil heterogeneities, especially the temporal and spatial availability of nutrients. Here we investigate whether microbial activity hotspots also exist in lithic microhabitats in one of the most arid regions of the world, the Atacama Desert in Chile. While previous studies evaluated the total DNA fraction to elucidate the microbial communities, we here for the first time use a DNA separation approach on lithic microhabitats, together with metagenomics and other analysis methods (i.e., ATP, PLFA, and metabolite analysis) to specifically gain insights on the living and potentially active microbial community. Our results show that hypolith colonized rocks are microbial hotspots in the desert environment. In contrast, our data do not support such a conclusion for gypsum crust and salt rock environments, because only limited microbial activity could be observed. The hypolith community is dominated by phototrophs, mostly Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexi, at both study sites. The gypsum crusts are dominated by methylotrophs and heterotrophic phototrophs, mostly Chloroflexi, and the salt rocks (halite nodules) by phototrophic and halotolerant endoliths, mostly Cyanobacteria and Archaea. The major environmental constraints in the organic-poor arid and hyperarid Atacama Desert are water availability and UV irradiation, allowing phototrophs and other extremophiles to play a key role in desert ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schulze-Makuch
- Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (F.L.A.); (J.H.); (Y.H.); (J.S.)
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (D.L.); (B.S.)
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Department of Experimental Limnology, 16775 Stechlin, Germany
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
- Correspondence: (D.S.-M.); (D.W.); Tel.: +49-(30)-314-23736 (D.S.-M.); +49-(331)-288-28800 (D.W.)
| | - Daniel Lipus
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (D.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Felix L. Arens
- Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (F.L.A.); (J.H.); (Y.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Mickael Baqué
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, 12489 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Till L. V. Bornemann
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; (T.L.V.B.); (J.F.); (R.U.M.); (M.P.); (A.J.P.)
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), 51147 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA
| | - Jan Frösler
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; (T.L.V.B.); (J.F.); (R.U.M.); (M.P.); (A.J.P.)
| | - Jacob Heinz
- Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (F.L.A.); (J.H.); (Y.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Yunha Hwang
- Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (F.L.A.); (J.H.); (Y.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Samuel P. Kounaves
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02155, USA;
- Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Kai Mangelsdorf
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Organic Geochemistry, 14473 Potsdam, Germany;
| | - Rainer U. Meckenstock
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; (T.L.V.B.); (J.F.); (R.U.M.); (M.P.); (A.J.P.)
| | - Mark Pannekens
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; (T.L.V.B.); (J.F.); (R.U.M.); (M.P.); (A.J.P.)
| | - Alexander J. Probst
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany; (T.L.V.B.); (J.F.); (R.U.M.); (M.P.); (A.J.P.)
| | - Johan S. Sáenz
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (J.S.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Janosch Schirmack
- Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (F.L.A.); (J.H.); (Y.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Michael Schloter
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (J.S.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (P.-S.K.); (J.U.)
| | - Beate Schneider
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (D.L.); (B.S.)
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Uhl
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (P.-S.K.); (J.U.)
| | - Gisle Vestergaard
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Bernardita Valenzuela
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Av. Angamos 601, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile; (B.V.); (P.Z.)
| | - Pedro Zamorano
- Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Av. Angamos 601, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile; (B.V.); (P.Z.)
| | - Dirk Wagner
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (D.L.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Correspondence: (D.S.-M.); (D.W.); Tel.: +49-(30)-314-23736 (D.S.-M.); +49-(331)-288-28800 (D.W.)
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36
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Zhang L, Zeng F, McKay CP, Navarro-González R, Sun HJ. Optimizing Chiral Selectivity in Practical Life-Detection Instruments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:505-510. [PMID: 33885325 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Preferential uptake of either levorotatory (L) or dextrorotatory (D) enantiomer of a chiral molecule is a potential planetary life-detection method. On Earth, bacteria, as a rule, metabolize D-sugars and L-amino acids. Here, we use growth experiments to identify exceptions to the rule and their potential impact on the method's reliability. Our experiments involve six strains of Bacillus and collective uptake of the sugars glucose and arabinose, and the amino acids alanine, glutamic acid, leucine, cysteine, and serine-all of which are highly soluble. We find that selective uptake is not evident unless (1) each sugar is tested individually and (2) multiple amino acids are tested together in a mixture. Combining sugars should be avoided because, as we show in Bacillus bacteria, the same organisms may catabolize one sugar, glucose, in D-form and another sugar, arabinose, in L-form. Single amino acids should be avoided because bacteria can access certain proteinogenically incompatible enantiomers using specific racemases. Specifically, bacteria contain an alanine acid racemase and can catabolize D-alanine if no other D-amino acids are present. The proposed improvements would reliably separate nonselective chemical reactions from biological reactions and, if life is indicated, inform whether the selective patterns for amino acids and sugars are the same as on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration Laboratory, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems, Cele, Xinjiang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fanjiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration Laboratory, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems, Cele, Xinjiang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher P McKay
- Space Science Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Rafael Navarro-González
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Henry J Sun
- Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Schiwitza S, Gutsche L, Freches E, Arndt H, Nitsche F. Extended divergence estimates and species descriptions of new craspedid choanoflagellates from the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile. Eur J Protistol 2021; 79:125798. [PMID: 33984646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2021.125798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to previous perspectives, hypersaline environments have been proven to harbour a variety of potentially highly adapted microorganisms, in particular unicellular eukaryotes. The isolated, hypersaline waterbodies in the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile are exposed to high UV radiation and deposition of toxic heavy metals, making them of great interest regarding studies on speciation and evolutionary processes. In the past two years, among a variety of other protist species, five new species of heterotrophic choanoflagellates were described and analysed from this area, showing an adaptation to a broad range of salinities. Morphological data alone does not allow for species delineation within craspedid species, additional molecular data is essential for modern taxonomy. In addition, molecular clock analyses pointed towards a strong selection force of the extreme environmental conditions. Within this study, we describe three additional craspedid choanoflagellate species, isolated from different aquatic environments. Phylogenetic analyses show two distinct clades of choanoflagellates from the Atacama, suggesting two independent invasions of at least two ancestral marine species, and, as indicated by our new data, a possible dispersal by Andean aquifers. The extended molecular clock analysis based on transcriptomic data of choanoflagellate strains from the Salar de Llamará, a hypersaline basin within the Central Depression of the Atacama Desert, reflects colonisation and divergence events which correspond to geological data of the paleohydrology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schiwitza
- University of Cologne, Cologne Biocenter, Institute of Zoology, General Ecology, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Lennart Gutsche
- University of Cologne, Cologne Biocenter, Institute of Zoology, General Ecology, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eric Freches
- University of Cologne, Cologne Biocenter, Institute of Zoology, General Ecology, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hartmut Arndt
- University of Cologne, Cologne Biocenter, Institute of Zoology, General Ecology, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Nitsche
- University of Cologne, Cologne Biocenter, Institute of Zoology, General Ecology, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, D-50674 Cologne, Germany.
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Orevi T, Kashtan N. Life in a Droplet: Microbial Ecology in Microscopic Surface Wetness. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:655459. [PMID: 33927707 PMCID: PMC8076497 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.655459] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While many natural and artificial surfaces may appear dry, they are in fact covered by thin liquid films and microdroplets invisible to the naked eye known as microscopic surface wetness (MSW). Central to the formation and the retention of MSW are the deliquescent properties of hygroscopic salts that prevent complete drying of wet surfaces or that drive the absorption of water until dissolution when the relative humidity is above a salt-specific level. As salts are ubiquitous, MSW occurs in many microbial habitats, such as soil, rocks, plant leaf, and root surfaces, the built environment, and human and animal skin. While key properties of MSW, including very high salinity and segregation into droplets, greatly affect microbial life therein, it has been scarcely studied, and systematic studies are only in their beginnings. Based on recent findings, we propose that the harsh micro-environment that MSW imposes, which is very different from bulk liquid, affects key aspects of bacterial ecology including survival traits, antibiotic response, competition, motility, communication, and exchange of genetic material. Further research is required to uncover the fundamental principles that govern microbial life and ecology in MSW. Such research will require multidisciplinary science cutting across biology, physics, and chemistry, while incorporating approaches from microbiology, genomics, microscopy, and computational modeling. The results of such research will be critical to understand microbial ecology in vast terrestrial habitats, affecting global biogeochemical cycles, as well as plant, animal, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Orevi
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Kashtan
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
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Rojas Vivas JA, Navarro-González R, de la Rosa J, Molina P, Sedov S, McKay CP. Radiolytic Degradation of Soil Carbon from the Mojave Desert by 60Co Gamma Rays: Implications for the Survival of Martian Organic Compounds Due to Cosmic Radiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:381-393. [PMID: 33351679 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The martian surface has been continuously exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. Since organic compounds are degraded by ionizing radiation, knowledge of their decay constants is fundamental to predicting their stability on the martian surface. In this study, we report the radiolysis constant for the destruction of soil organic compounds at a starting concentration of ∼2011 μg C/gsoil from the Mojave Desert. The soils were exposed to gamma irradiation with absorbed doses of up to 19 MGy at room temperature, representing ∼250 million years of exposure to galactic cosmic rays. The destruction of total soil organic carbon and the formation of gases were investigated by a sequential on-line analytical array coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Soil inorganic and organic carbon were degraded exponentially with a radiolysis constant 0.3 MGy-1(30%) producing mostly carbon dioxide (93.2%), carbon monoxide (6.2%), and methane (0.6%). Using the dose rate measured by the Radiation Assessment Detector on board the Curiosity rover, we make predictions on the survival of organic compounds in the cold martian subsurface. It is estimated that soil organic compounds with initial concentrations as those found today at the Mojave Desert would have been destroyed to levels <1 ppb at 0.1 m in depth in ∼2000 Myr. Pristine organic compounds are expected to be present at a depth of ∼1.5 m. These results are relevant for the search of organic compounds in past, present, and future missions to Mars. In particular, we predict that the upcoming ExoMars will encounter pristine organic compounds at this depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alfredo Rojas Vivas
- Posgrado en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito de la investigación S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rafael Navarro-González
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José de la Rosa
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Paola Molina
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sergey Sedov
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y del Suelo, Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito de la investigación S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Bishop JL, Yeşilbaş M, Hinman NW, Burton ZFM, Englert PAJ, Toner JD, McEwen AS, Gulick VC, Gibson EK, Koeberl C. Martian subsurface cryosalt expansion and collapse as trigger for landslides. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabe4459. [PMID: 33536216 PMCID: PMC7857681 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
On Mars, seasonal martian flow features known as recurring slope lineae (RSL) are prevalent on sun-facing slopes and are associated with salts. On Earth, subsurface interactions of gypsum with chlorides and oxychlorine salts wreak havoc: instigating sinkholes, cave collapse, debris flows, and upheave. Here, we illustrate (i) the disruptive potential of sulfate-chloride reactions in laboratory soil crust experiments, (ii) the formation of thin films of mixed ice-liquid water "slush" at -40° to -20°C on salty Mars analog grains, (iii) how mixtures of sulfates and chlorine salts affect their solubilities in low-temperature environments, and (iv) how these salt brines could be contributing to RSL formation on Mars. Our results demonstrate that interactions of sulfates and chlorine salts in fine-grained soils on Mars could absorb water, expand, deliquesce, cause subsidence, form crusts, disrupt surfaces, and ultimately produce landslides after dust loading on these unstable surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Bishop
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
- Space Science and Astrobiology, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - M Yeşilbaş
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - N W Hinman
- Department of Geosciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Z F M Burton
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - P A J Englert
- Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - J D Toner
- Department of Earth & Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - A S McEwen
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - V C Gulick
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
- Space Science and Astrobiology, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - E K Gibson
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - C Koeberl
- Department of Lithospheric Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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41
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Azua-Bustos A, Fairén AG, Silva CG, Carrizo D, Fernández-Martínez MÁ, Arenas-Fajardo C, Fernández-Sampedro M, Gil-Lozano C, Sánchez-García L, Ascaso C, Wierzchos J, Rampe EB. Inhabited subsurface wet smectites in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert as an analog for the search for life on Mars. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19183. [PMID: 33154541 PMCID: PMC7645800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The modern Martian surface is unlikely to be habitable due to its extreme aridity among other environmental factors. This is the reason why the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert has been studied as an analog for the habitability of Mars for more than 50 years. Here we report a layer enriched in smectites located just 30 cm below the surface of the hyperarid core of the Atacama. We discovered the clay-rich layer to be wet (a phenomenon never observed before in this region), keeping a high and constant relative humidity of 78% (aw 0.780), and completely isolated from the changing and extremely dry subaerial conditions characteristic of the Atacama. The smectite-rich layer is inhabited by at least 30 halophilic species of metabolically active bacteria and archaea, unveiling a previously unreported habitat for microbial life under the surface of the driest place on Earth. The discovery of a diverse microbial community in smectite-rich subsurface layers in the hyperarid core of the Atacama, and the collection of biosignatures we have identified within the clays, suggest that similar shallow clay deposits on Mars may contain biosignatures easily reachable by current rovers and landers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Azua-Bustos
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alberto G Fairén
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | | | - Daniel Carrizo
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Carolina Gil-Lozano
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), 28850, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Planetology and Geodynamics, Université de Nantes, 44322, Nantes, France
| | | | - Carmen Ascaso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacek Wierzchos
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elizabeth B Rampe
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Shen J, Smith AC, Claire MW, Zerkle AL. Unraveling biogeochemical phosphorus dynamics in hyperarid Mars-analogue soils using stable oxygen isotopes in phosphate. GEOBIOLOGY 2020; 18:760-779. [PMID: 32822094 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
With annual precipitation less than 20 mm and extreme UV intensity, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile has long been utilized as an analogue for recent Mars. In these hyperarid environments, water and biomass are extremely limited, and thus, it becomes difficult to generate a full picture of biogeochemical phosphate-water dynamics. To address this problem, we sampled soils from five Atacama study sites and conducted three main analyses-stable oxygen isotopes in phosphate, enzyme pathway predictions, and cell culture experiments. We found that high sedimentation rates decrease the relative size of the organic phosphorus pool, which appears to hinder extremophiles. Phosphoenzyme and pathway prediction analyses imply that inorganic pyrophosphatase is the most likely catalytic agent to cycle P in these environments, and this process will rapidly overtake other P utilization strategies. In these soils, the biogenic δ18 O signatures of the soil phosphate (δ18 OPO4 ) can slowly overprint lithogenic δ18 OPO4 values over a timescale of tens to hundreds of millions of years when annual precipitation is more than 10 mm. The δ18 OPO4 of calcium-bound phosphate minerals seems to preserve the δ18 O signature of the water used for biogeochemical P cycling, pointing toward sporadic rainfall and gypsum hydration water as key moisture sources. Where precipitation is less than 2 mm, biological cycling is restricted and bedrock δ18 OPO4 values are preserved. This study demonstrates the utility of δ18 OPO4 values as indicative of biogeochemical cycling and hydrodynamics in an extremely dry Mars-analogue environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Shen
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Exoplanet Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Andrew C Smith
- NERC Isotope Geosciences Facilities, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark W Claire
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Exoplanet Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Aubrey L Zerkle
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Exoplanet Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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Aerts JW, Riedo A, Melton DJ, Martini S, Flahaut J, Meierhenrich UJ, Meinert C, Myrgorodska I, Lindner R, Ehrenfreund P. Biosignature Analysis of Mars Soil Analogs from the Atacama Desert: Challenges and Implications for Future Missions to Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:766-784. [PMID: 32167834 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The detection of biosignatures on Mars is of outstanding interest in the current field of astrobiology and drives various fields of research, ranging from new sample collection strategies to the development of more sensitive detection techniques. Detailed analysis of the organic content in Mars analog materials collected from extreme environments on Earth improves the current understanding of biosignature preservation and detection under conditions similar to those of Mars. In this article, we examined the biological fingerprint of several locations in the Atacama Desert (Chile), which include different wet and dry, and intermediate to high elevation salt flats (also named salars). Liquid chromatography and multidimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry measurement techniques were used for the detection and analysis of amino acids extracted from the salt crusts and sediments by using sophisticated extraction procedures. Illumina 16S amplicon sequencing was used for the identification of microbial communities associated with the different sample locations. Although amino acid load and organic carbon and nitrogen quantities were generally low, it was found that most of the samples harbored complex and versatile microbial communities, which were dominated by (extremely) halophilic microorganisms (most notably by species of the Archaeal family Halobacteriaceae). The dominance of salts (i.e., halites and sulfates) in the investigated samples leaves its mark on the composition of the microbial communities but does not appear to hinder the potential of life to flourish since it can clearly adapt to the higher concentrations. Although the Atacama Desert is one of the driest and harshest environments on Earth, it is shown that there are still sub-locations where life is able to maintain a foothold, and, as such, salt flats could be considered as interesting targets for future life exploration missions on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost W Aerts
- Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Astrobiology Laboratory, Sackler Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Melton
- Astrobiology Laboratory, Sackler Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Martini
- Astrobiology Laboratory, Sackler Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Flahaut
- CRPG, CNRS/University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Uwe J Meierhenrich
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Cornelia Meinert
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Robert Lindner
- Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Astrobiology Laboratory, Sackler Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Staphylococcus sciuri Strain LCHXa is a Free-Living Lithium-Tolerant Bacterium Isolated from Salar de Atacama, Chile. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050668. [PMID: 32380652 PMCID: PMC7285145 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the industrial and biomedical applications of lithium, information on the tolerance of microorganisms to high Li concentrations in natural biological systems is limited. Strain LCHXa is a novel free-living Gram-positive, non-motile bacterium strain isolated from water samples taken at Laguna Chaxa, a non-industrial water body with the highest soluble Li content (33 mM LiCl) within the Salar de Atacama basin in northern Chile. Enrichment was conducted in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with 1 M LiCl. Strain LCHXa was a Novobiocin-resistant and coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Phylogenetically, strain LCHXa belongs to the species Staphylococcussciuri. Strain LCHXa grew optimally in LB medium at pH 6–8 and 37 °C, and it was able to sustain growth at molar Li concentrations at 2 M LiCl, with a decrease in the specific growth rate of 85%. Osmoregulation in strain LCHXa partially involves glycine betaine and glycerol as compatible solutes.
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45
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Amin A, Ahmed I, Khalid N, Khan IU, Ali A, Dahlawi SM, Li WJ. Insights on comparative bacterial diversity between different arid zones of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:224. [PMID: 32373416 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to analyze bacterial diversity profile of Cholistan desert located in Pakistan. The study investigates the influence of physicochemical parameters of soil on distribution of different bacteria at all taxonomic levels and also study the distribution pattern between different desert environments, particularly rhizospheric and bulk desert sands. Species richness showed phyla Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi as the dominant OTUs in all the samples. Besides the two phyla, the rhizospheric soils with root remnants were dominated by Firmicutes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteri, while phylum Thermotogae was present in significant quantity in rhizosheaths devoid of roots. In non-rhizospheric desert soils, a considerable number of OTUs belonged to phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria. An important finding from this study is that a bulk portion of the OTUs were assigned to unclassified taxa, indicating a large repertoire of unexplored taxa in the desert ecology of Pakistan. Distribution of taxonomic groups among various regions of the desert was collaborating well with the physicochemical parameters of the sites. The findings of this study establish the fundamental relationships between desert ecosystem, specific native plant and the total bacterial flora. This is the first study of microbial community analysis of any desert in Pakistan and thus, will serve as a future platform to explore further on desert ecosystem functioning by employing the ever-changing biotechnological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshia Amin
- 1State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 People's Republic of China
- 2National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP), Bio-Resources Conservation Institute (BCI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, 45500 Pakistan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, 45500 Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Ahmed
- 2National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP), Bio-Resources Conservation Institute (BCI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, 45500 Pakistan
| | - Nauman Khalid
- 4School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | - Inam Ullah Khan
- 5Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Ali
- 2National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP), Bio-Resources Conservation Institute (BCI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, 45500 Pakistan
| | - Saad Mohammad Dahlawi
- 6Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- 1State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 People's Republic of China
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Astorga-Eló M, Zhang Q, Larama G, Stoll A, Sadowsky MJ, Jorquera MA. Composition, Predicted Functions and Co-occurrence Networks of Rhizobacterial Communities Impacting Flowering Desert Events in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:571. [PMID: 32322245 PMCID: PMC7156552 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Flowering desert (FD) events consist of the rapid flowering of a wide variety of native plants in the Atacama Desert of Chile, which is categorized as the driest desert in the world. While ephemeral plants are an integral part of the desert ecosystem, there is little knowledge on plant-microbe interactions that occur during FD events. Consequently, the overall goals of this present study were to investigate changes in the composition and potential functions of rhizobacterial community of Cistanthe longiscapa (Montiaceae) during the 2014 and 2015 FD events and determine the composition, potential functions, and co-occurrence networks of rhizobacterial community associated with the root zone of C. longiscapa during pre- (PF) and full-flowering (FF) phenological stages. Results of this study showed that the Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant taxa in rhizosphere soils during the three FD events (2014, 2015, and 2017) examined. In general, greater microbial richness and diversity were observed in rhizosphere soils during the 2015-, compared with the 2014-FD event. Similarly, predicted functional analyses indicated that a larger number of sequences were assigned to information processing (e.g., ion channel, transporters and ribosome) and metabolism (e.g., lipids, nitrogen, and sulfur) during 2015 compared with 2014. Despite the lack of significant differences in diversity among PF and FF stages, the combined analysis of rhizobacterial community data, along with data concerning rhizosphere soil properties, evidenced differences among both phenological stages and suggested that sodium is a relevant abiotic factor shaping the rhizosphere. In general, no significant differences in predicted functions (most of them assigned to chemoheterotrophy, magnesium metabolisms, and fermentation) were observed among PF and FF. Co-occurrence analysis revealed the complex rhizobacterial interactions that occur in C. longiscapa during FD, highlighting to Kouleothrixaceae family as keystone taxa. Taken together this study shows that the composition and function of rhizobacteria vary among and during FD events, where some bacterial groups and their activity may influence the growth and flowering of native plants, and therefore, the ecology and trophic webs in Atacama Desert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Astorga-Eló
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada (EMALAB), Departamento de Ciencias Química y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Giovanni Larama
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada (EMALAB), Departamento de Ciencias Química y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Alexandra Stoll
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), La Serena, Chile
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Milko A Jorquera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada (EMALAB), Departamento de Ciencias Química y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,The Network for Extreme Environment Research (NEXER), Scientific and Biotechnological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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47
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Flores N, Hoyos S, Venegas M, Galetović A, Zúñiga LM, Fábrega F, Paredes B, Salazar-Ardiles C, Vilo C, Ascaso C, Wierzchos J, Souza-Egipsy V, Araya JE, Batista-García RA, Gómez-Silva B. Haloterrigena sp. Strain SGH1, a Bacterioruberin-Rich, Perchlorate-Tolerant Halophilic Archaeon Isolated From Halite Microbial Communities, Atacama Desert, Chile. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:324. [PMID: 32194531 PMCID: PMC7066086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An extreme halophilic archaeon, strain SGH1, is a novel microorganism isolated from endolithic microbial communities colonizing halites at Salar Grande, Atacama Desert, in northern Chile. Our study provides structural, biochemical, genomic, and physiological information on this new isolate living at the edge of the physical and chemical extremes at the Atacama Desert. SGH1 is a Gram-negative, red-pigmented, non-motile unicellular coccoid organism. Under the transmission electron microscope, strain SGH1 showed an abundant electro-dense material surrounding electron-lucent globular structures resembling gas vacuoles. Strain SGH1 showed a 16S rRNA gene sequence with a close phylogenetic relationship to the extreme halophilic archaea Haloterrigena turkmenica and Haloterrigena salina and has been denominated Haloterrigena sp. strain SGH1. Strain SGH1 grew at 20-40°C (optimum 37°C), at salinities between 15 and 30% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 25%) and growth was improved by addition of 50 mM KCl and 0.5% w/v casamino acids. Growth was severely restricted at salinities below 15% NaCl and cell lysis is avoided at a minimal 10% NaCl. Maximal concentrations of magnesium chloride and sodium or magnesium perchlorates that supported SGH1 growth were 0.5 and 0.15M, respectively. Haloterrigena sp. strain SGH1 accumulates bacterioruberin (BR), a C50 xanthophyll, as the major carotenoid. Total carotenoids in strain SGH1 amounted to nearly 400 μg BR per gram of dry biomass. Nearly 80% of total carotenoids accumulated as geometric isomers of BR: all-trans-BR (50%), 5-cis-BR (15%), 9-cis-BR (10%), 13-cis-BR (4%); other carotenoids were dehydrated derivatives of BR. Carotenogenesis in SGH1 was a reversible and salt-dependent process; transferring BR-rich cells grown in 25% (w/v) NaCl to 15% (w/v) NaCl medium resulted in depigmentation, and BR content was recovered after transference and growth of unpigmented cells to high salinity medium. Methanol extracts and purified BR isomers showed an 8-9-fold higher antioxidant activity than Trolox or β-carotene. Both, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential measurements under acute 18-h assays showed that purified BR isomers were non-toxic to cultured human THP-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Flores
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Sebastián Hoyos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Mauricio Venegas
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alexandra Galetović
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Lidia M. Zúñiga
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Francisca Fábrega
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Bernardo Paredes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Camila Salazar-Ardiles
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Claudia Vilo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Carmen Ascaso
- Department Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences – Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacek Wierzchos
- Department Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences – Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Souza-Egipsy
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Institute of Material Structure – Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge E. Araya
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Department of Medical Technology and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Ramón Alberto Batista-García
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Benito Gómez-Silva
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biomedical Department and Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
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Bull AT, Goodfellow M. Dark, rare and inspirational microbial matter in the extremobiosphere: 16 000 m of bioprospecting campaigns. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2020; 165:1252-1264. [PMID: 31184575 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The rationale of our bioprospecting campaigns is that the extremobiosphere, particularly the deep sea and hyper-arid deserts, harbours undiscovered biodiversity that is likely to express novel chemistry and biocatalysts thereby providing opportunities for therapeutic drug and industrial process development. We have focused on actinobacteria because of their frequent role as keystone species in soil ecosystems and their unrivalled track record as a source of bioactive compounds. Population numbers and diversity of actinobacteria in the extremobiosphere are traditionally considered to be low, although they often comprise the dominant bacterial biota. Recent metagenomic evaluation of 'the uncultured microbial majority' has now revealed enormous taxonomic diversity among 'dark' and 'rare' actinobacteria in samples as diverse as sediments from the depths of the Mariana Trench and soils from the heights of the Central Andes. The application of innovative culture and screening options that emphasize rigorous dereplication at each stage of the analysis, and strain prioritization to identify 'gifted' organisms, have been deployed to detect and characterize bioactive hit compounds and sought-after catalysts from this hitherto untapped resource. The rewards include first-in-a-class chemical entities with novel modes of action, as well as a growing microbial seed bank that represents a potentially enormous source of biotechnological and therapeutic innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan T Bull
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Michael Goodfellow
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Ridley Building 2, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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Fuentes A, Herrera H, Charles TC, Arriagada C. Fungal and Bacterial Microbiome Associated with the Rhizosphere of Native Plants from the Atacama Desert. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020209. [PMID: 32033093 PMCID: PMC7074712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhizosphere microbiome is key in survival, development, and stress tolerance in plants. Salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures are frequent events in the Atacama Desert, considered the driest in the world. However, little information of the rhizosphere microbiome and its possible contribution to the adaptation and tolerance of plants that inhabit the desert is available. We used a high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing approach to explore the composition, diversity, and functions of fungal and bacterial communities of the rhizosphere of Baccharis scandens and Solanum chilense native plants from the Atacama Desert. Our results showed that the fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota and the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant taxa in the rhizosphere of both plants. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LefSe) of the rhizosphere communities associated with B. scandens showed the genera Penicillium and Arthrobacter were the preferential taxa, whereas the genera Oidiodendron and Nitrospirae was the preferential taxa in S. chilense. Both plant showed similar diversity, richness, and abundance according to Shannon index, observed OTUs, and evenness. Our results indicate that there are no significant differences (p = 0.1) between the fungal and bacterial communities of both plants, however through LefSe, we find taxa associated with each plant species and the PCoA shows a separation between the samples of each species. This study provides knowledge to relate the assembly of the microbiome to the adaptability to drought stress in desert plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Fuentes
- Laboratorio Biorremediación, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Francisco Salazar, Temuco 01145, Chile; (A.F.); (H.H.)
| | - Héctor Herrera
- Laboratorio Biorremediación, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Francisco Salazar, Temuco 01145, Chile; (A.F.); (H.H.)
| | - Trevor C. Charles
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1; Canada;
| | - Cesar Arriagada
- Laboratorio Biorremediación, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Francisco Salazar, Temuco 01145, Chile; (A.F.); (H.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-045-2325662; Fax: +56-045-2341467
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50
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Jung P, Baumann K, Lehnert LW, Samolov E, Achilles S, Schermer M, Wraase LM, Eckhardt KU, Bader MY, Leinweber P, Karsten U, Bendix J, Büdel B. Desert breath-How fog promotes a novel type of soil biocenosis, forming the coastal Atacama Desert's living skin. GEOBIOLOGY 2020; 18:113-124. [PMID: 31721410 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, presenting precarious conditions for biological activity. In the arid coastal belt, life is restricted to areas with fog events that cause almost daily wet-dry cycles. In such an area, we discovered a hitherto unknown and unique ground covering biocenosis dominated by lichens, fungi, and algae attached to grit-sized (~6 mm) quartz and granitoid stones. Comparable biocenosis forming a kind of a layer on top of soil and rock surfaces in general is summarized as cryptogamic ground covers (CGC) in literature. In contrast to known CGC from arid environments to which frequent cyclic wetting events are lethal, in the Atacama Desert every fog event is answered by photosynthetic activity of the soil community and thus considered as the desert's breath. Photosynthesis of the new CGC type is activated by the lowest amount of water known for such a community worldwide thus enabling the unique biocenosis to fulfill a variety of ecosystem services. In a considerable portion of the coastal Atacama Desert, it protects the soil from sporadically occurring splash erosion and contributes to the accumulation of soil carbon and nitrogen as well as soil formation through bio-weathering. The structure and function of the new CGC type are discussed, and we suggest the name grit-crust. We conclude that this type of CGC can be expected in all non-polar fog deserts of the world and may resemble the cryptogam communities that shaped ancient Earth. It may thus represent a relevant player in current and ancient biogeochemical cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Jung
- Plant Ecology and Systematics, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Karen Baumann
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Soil Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lukas W Lehnert
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elena Samolov
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Applied Ecology and Phycology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sebastian Achilles
- Faculty of Geography, Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schermer
- Plant Ecology and Systematics, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Luise M Wraase
- Faculty of Geography, Ecological Plant Geography, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckhardt
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Soil Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Maaike Y Bader
- Faculty of Geography, Ecological Plant Geography, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter Leinweber
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Soil Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ulf Karsten
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Applied Ecology and Phycology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jörg Bendix
- Faculty of Geography, Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Büdel
- Plant Ecology and Systematics, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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