Draft Genome Sequences of
            <i>Acinetobacter</i>
            and
            <i>Bacillus</i>
            Strains Isolated from Spacecraft-Associated Surfaces

Seuylemezian, Arman; Vaishampayan, Parag; Cooper, Kerry K.; Venkateswaran, Kasthuri

doi:10.1128/genomea.01554-17

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Analyses of the ISS microbiome have already been performed, including microbial analyses of ISS debris and dust 13–16 , the study of the astronauts’ microbiome 17 , the characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates from the ISS 18,19 , and the (molecular) microbial analysis of swab and wipe samples taken inside the ISS 20 . A study investigating the growth behavior of nonpathogenic (terrestrial) bacteria aboard the ISS found no changes in most bacteria, given that they have enough nutrients 21 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space Station conditions are selective but do not alter microbial characteristics relevant to human health

Mora

Wink

et al. 2019

Nat Commun

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The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique habitat for humans and microorganisms. Here, we report the results of the ISS experiment EXTREMOPHILES, including the analysis of microbial communities from several areas aboard at three time points. We assess microbial diversity, distribution, functional capacity and resistance profile using a combination of cultivation-independent analyses (amplicon and shot-gun sequencing) and cultivation-dependent analyses (physiological and genetic characterization of microbial isolates, antibiotic resistance tests, co-incubation experiments). We show that the ISS microbial communities are highly similar to those present in ground-based confined indoor environments and are subject to fluctuations, although a core microbiome persists over time and locations. The genomic and physiological features selected by ISS conditions do not appear to be directly relevant to human health, although adaptations towards biofilm formation and surface interactions were observed. Our results do not raise direct reason for concern with respect to crew health, but indicate a potential threat towards material integrity in moist areas.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space Station conditions are selective but do not alter microbial characteristics relevant to human health

Mora

Wink

et al. 2019

Nat Commun

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“…Recent publications focused on the microbial analysis of ISS debris and dust (12–15), the study of the astronauts’ microbiome (16), the characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates from the ISS (17,18) and the (molecular) microbial analysis of swab and wipe samples taken inside the ISS (19). A study investigating the growth behavior of non-pathogenic (terrestrial) bacteria aboard the ISS found no changes in most bacteria, given that they have enough nutrients (11).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The International Space Station selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not induce genomic and physiological changes relevant for human health

Mora

Wink

et al. 2019

Preprint

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The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique, completely confined habitat for the human crew and co-inhabiting microorganisms. Here, we report on the results of the ISS experiment “EXTREMOPHILES”. We aimed to exploit the microbial information obtained from three surface and air sampling events aboard the International Space Station during increments 51 and 52 (2017) with respect to: i) microbial sources, diversity and distribution within the ISS, ii) functional capacity of microbiome and microbial isolates, iii) extremotolerance and antibiotics-resistance (compared to ground controls), and iv) microbial behavior towards ISS-relevant materials such as biofilm formation, or potential for degradation. We used wipe samples and analyzed them by amplicon and metagenomics sequencing, cultivation, comparative physiological studies, antibiotic resistance tests, genome analysis of isolates and co-incubation experiments with ISS-relevant materials. The major findings were: i) the ISS microbiome profile is highly similar to ground-based confined indoor environments, ii) the ISS microbiome is subject to fluctuations and indicative for the (functional) location, although a core microbiome was present over time and independent from location, iii) the ISS selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not necessarily induce genomic and physiological changes which might be relevant for human health, iv) cleanrooms and cargo seems to be a minor source of microbial contamination aboard, and v) microorganisms can attach to and grow on ISS-relevant materials. Biofilm formation might be a threat for spacecraft materials with the potential to induce instrument malfunctioning with consequences for mission success. We conclude that our data do not raise direct reason for concern with respect to crew health, but indicate a potential threat towards biofilm formation and material integrity in moist areas.

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“…Building upon established research[29, 38], our analysis of proteomic alterations points to a significant enrichment across various protein classes. A particularly noteworthy observation is the global glycine enrichment, a phenomenon that aligns with findings from earlier studies on Acinetobacter sp., a desiccation-tolerant organism[16, 30, 40]. Historically, these organisms have not only displayed enhanced hydrophilicity but have also shown a fortified resistance to ionizing radiation, a stress factor intrinsically tied to redox reactions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptation to space conditions of novel bacterial species isolated from the International Space Station revealed by functional gene annotations and comparative genome analysis

Szydlowski,

Bulbul,

Simpson

et al. 2023

Preprint

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BackgroundThe extreme environment of the International Space Station (ISS) puts selective pressure on microorganisms unintentionally introduced during its 20+ years of service as a low-orbit science platform and human habitat. Such pressure leads to the development of new features not found in the Earth-bound relatives, which enable them to adapt to unfavorable conditions.ResultsIn this study, we generated the functional annotation of the genomes of five newly identified species of Gram-positive bacteria, four of which are non-spore-forming and one spore-forming, all isolated from the ISS. Using a deep-learning based tool - deepFRI - we were able to functionally annotate close to 100% of protein-coding genes in all studied species, overcoming other annotation tools. Our comparative genomic analysis highlights common char-acteristics across all five species and specific genetic traits that appear unique to these ISS microorganisms. Proteome analysis mirrored these genomic patterns, revealing similar traits. The collective annotations suggest adaptations to life in space, including the management of hypoosmotic stress related to microgravity via mechanosensitive channel proteins, increased DNA repair activity to counteract heightened radiation exposure, and the presence of mobile genetic elements enhancing metabolism. In addition, our findings suggest the evolution of certain genetic traits indicative of potential pathogenic capabilities, such as small molecule and peptide synthesis and ATP-dependent transporters. These traits, exclusive to the ISS microorganisms, further substantiate previous reports explaining why microbes exposed to space conditions demonstrate enhanced antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the microorganisms isolated from ISS we studied have adapted to life in space. Evidence such as mechanosensitive channel proteins, increased DNA repair activity, as well as metallopeptidases and novel S-layer oxidoreductases suggest a convergent adaptation among these diverse microorganisms, potentially complementing one another within the context of the microbiome. The common genes that facilitate adaptation to the ISS environment may enable bioproduction of essential biomolecules need during future space missions, or serve as potential drug targets, if these microorganisms pose health risks.

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Draft Genome Sequences of Acinetobacter and Bacillus Strains Isolated from Spacecraft-Associated Surfaces

Cited by 7 publications

References 14 publications

Space Station conditions are selective but do not alter microbial characteristics relevant to human health

Space Station conditions are selective but do not alter microbial characteristics relevant to human health

The International Space Station selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not induce genomic and physiological changes relevant for human health

Adaptation to space conditions of novel bacterial species isolated from the International Space Station revealed by functional gene annotations and comparative genome analysis

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