Effects of Microgravity on Virulence Phenotypes in Space Relevant Microbes

This research aims to assess the changes in virulence-related phenotypes in yeast and bacteria collected from SAF (Spacecraft Assembly Facilities). This research is important as it elucidates the effects of microgravity on both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, which is still poorly understood. Three species of yeast and one species of bacteria were tested under a microgravity simulation by using a 3D clinostat. Changes in virulence were assessed via assays (XTT(2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro–Sulfophenyl)-2H-tetraolium-5-carboxanilide) and MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) measuring metabolic activity, biofilm formation, and Antimycotic/Antibiotic resistance.

We found that microgravity increases biofilm formation attributes in C. onofrii (P=0.009), B. pumilus (P<0.0001), and N. tulchinskyi (P=0.008), increased Amphotericin B resistance in C. onofrii (P<0.0001), and increased metabolic activity in B. pumilus (0.0064) as compared to the ground controls.