Space Station Conditions Are Selective but Do Not Alter Microbial Characteristics Relevant to Human Health

Overview

Journal Nat Commun

Specialty Biology

Date 2019 Sep 7

PMID 31488812

Citations 43

Authors

Maximilian Mora

Lisa Wink

Ines Kogler

Alexander Mahnert

Petra Rettberg

Petra Schwendner

Rene Demets

Charles Cockell

Tatiana Alekhova

Andreas Klingl

Robert Krause

Anna Zolotariof

Alina Alexandrova

Christine Moissl-Eichinger

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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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