Article
Microbiology
Anna C. Simpson, V. V. Ramprasad Eedara, Nitin K. Singh, Namita Damle, Ceth W. Parker, Fathi Karouia, Christopher E. Mason, Kasthuri Venkateswaran
Summary: In April 2018, a strain called Cohnella hashimotonis was isolated from the wall of the Waste Hygiene Compartment on the International Space Station (ISS). This bacterium belongs to the family Paenibacillaceae and exhibits gram-positive, rod-shaped characteristics, as well as motility and the ability to metabolize various carbon compounds.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Adriana Blachowicz, Jillian Romsdahl, Abby J. Chiang, Sawyer Masonjones, Markus Kalkum, Jason E. Stajich, Tamas Torok, Clay C. C. Wang, Kasthuri Venkateswaran
Summary: This study reports the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic alterations in Aspergillus niger strain JSC-093350089 grown in a controlled experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Results show that microgravity and enhanced irradiation triggered non-synonymous point mutations in specific regions of the genome, altered protein abundance, and changed the metabolite composition.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Murat Kuzlu, Kyle Abalos, Onur Elma, Otilia Popescu, Manisa Pipattanasomporn
Summary: The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest manmade structure orbiting Earth, providing a scientific laboratory environment and a comfortable working place for astronauts. A study on the modeling and simulation of the ISS's electrical power system was conducted to evaluate load management algorithms for enhancing its energy sustainability. The simulation results showed that the proposed load management algorithm improved the performance of battery SoC by up to 13%.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Anna Werinder, Anna Aspan, Robert Soderlund, Annette Backhans, Marie Sjolund, Bengt Guss, Magdalena Jacobson
Summary: The study evaluated the identification of Streptococcus suis isolates using different sequence analysis methods, revealing the need for species confirmation beyond MALDI-TOF MS. ANI analysis was considered the most accurate classification method among the various approaches used.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhe Xu, Si Cheng, Xin Qiu, Xiaoqi Wang, Qiuwen Hu, Yanfeng Shi, Yang Liu, Jinxi Lin, Jichao Tian, Yongfei Peng, Yong Jiang, Yadong Yang, Jianwei Ye, Yilong Wang, Xia Meng, Zixiao Li, Hao Li, Yongjun Wang
Summary: This study constructed an optimized pipeline and identified applicable fingerprint panels to address the sample tagging problem in whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data. By using autosome-wide A/T polymorphic single nucleotide variants (SNVs), a fingerprint panel was designed and genotypes were called from the WGBS data. The capability to tag WGBS data was validated and the lower boundary for the number of fingerprint genetic variants needed for correct sample tagging was determined.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alicia L. Veliz, Lana Mamoun, Lorelei Hughes, Richard Vega, Bailey Holmes, Andrea Monteon, Jillian Bray, Michael J. Pecaut, Mary Kearns-Jonker
Summary: This study focuses on the transcriptomic changes in the hearts of female C57BL/6J mice flown on the International Space Station (ISS) for 30 days. RNA sequencing revealed that 1147 transcripts were significantly regulated after spaceflight, and the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and GPCR signaling pathways were predicted to be activated. Transcripts related to cytoskeleton breakdown and organization were upregulated, but no significant change in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components or oxidative stress pathway-associated transcripts occurred. Our findings suggest an absence of cellular senescence and an adaptive response to long-term spaceflight in the cardiovascular transcriptome.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Ni, Xudong Liu, Zemenu Mengistie Simeneh, Mengsu Yang, Runsheng Li
Summary: This study evaluates the application of the recently released R10.4 flow cell from Oxford Nanopore Technologies in human cancer genomics and epigenomic research. The results show that R10.4 performs better than R9.4.1 in terms of read accuracy, variant detection, methylation calling, and genome recovery rate. In addition, the study proposes a promising method for high-yield single-cell whole-genome amplification sequencing and provides a possible solution for filtering false positive sites using R10.4 data.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Issam Mudawar, Sunjae Kim, Jeongmin Lee
Summary: This study, supported by NASA, investigates the flow boiling of n-perfluorohexane (nPFH, C6F14) under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS). The Fluid Physics and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Flow Boiling with Low Inlet Subcooling are explored using the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE). Experimental data from the FBCE's Flow Boiling Module (FBM) is collected and a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is constructed to predict the measured results. The study concludes that the CFD model is an effective tool for designing and assessing flow boiling subsystems in space vehicles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tian-Shu Zhang, Ya-Ning Zhang, De-Chen Lu, Ya Gong, Zong-Jun Du
Summary: A novel species named Carboxylicivirga marinus sp. nov. was isolated from a sediment sample in Weihai, China, exhibiting specific growth conditions and chemical composition.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Guilan Zhou, Yixin Gu, Hairui Wang, Xiaoli Chen, Xin Zhang, Zhujun Shao, Xiaomei Yan, Jianzhong Zhang, Maojun Zhang
Summary: This study reevaluated the taxonomy of Arcobacter and established a high-accuracy phylogenomic approach. By comparing multiple genes and genomic indices, a marker gene gene711 was identified with good discrimination ability for effective species classification. This research provides a novel method for rapid species identification and is of great importance for understanding the behavior and characteristics of Arcobacter.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lin Zhu, Weiwei Ping, Siyue Zhang, Ya Chen, Ying Zhang, Jianli Zhang
Summary: A novel pink-pigmented bacterium, Microvirga antarctica sp. nov. (strain 3D7(T)), was isolated from Antarctic soil, displaying rod-shaped, Gram-stain negative cells. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated its classification position, while genomic analysis revealed genes encoding phosphatases and lipases.
ANTONIE VAN LEEUWENHOEK INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL AND MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nitin K. Singh, Jason M. Wood, Jose Patane, Livia Maria Silva Moura, Jonathan Lombardino, Joao Carlos Setubal, Kasthuri Venkateswaran
Summary: In this study, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were generated to analyze the microbial diversity and functional properties of the International Space Station (ISS) environment. The results showed that ISS samples contained 18 bacterial species and 4 fungal genomes. The study revealed evolution of microbes in space, enrichment of genes related to cell membranes, and higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in certain bacteria. Comparative analysis indicated that Pantoea/Kalamiella strains are more susceptible to microgravity changes. These findings contribute to understanding microbial evolution under microgravity and radiation pressure.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yu -Chien Chien, Dennis P. Stocker, Uday G. Hegde, Derek Dunn-Rankin
Summary: This work describes the preparatory and initial measurements of diffusion flames under the influence of an electric field aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The study presents the first mapping of the effects of an ion-driven wind on flame behavior in microgravity, without the confounding influences of buoyancy. The challenges of remote measurement and manipulation of flames on the ISS are discussed.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wei-shuang Zheng, Sheng-qiang Zhai, Meng-jun Zhang, Yi Huang
Summary: In this study, a poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoate producing bacterium DP3N28-2(T) was isolated from the sediment of Daya Bay, Guangdong, PR China. Based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic analyses, it was identified as a novel species of the genus Mameliella, for which the name Mameliella sediminis sp. nov. is proposed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brigitte Glanzmann, Tracey Jooste, Samira Ghoor, Richard Gordon, Rizwana Mia, Jun Mao, Hao Li, Patrick Charls, Craig Douman, Maritha J. Kotze, Armand V. Peeters, Glaudina Loots, Monika Esser, Caroline T. Tiemessen, Robert J. Wilkinson, Johan Louw, Glenda Gray, Robin M. Warren, Marlo Moeller, Craig Kinnear
Summary: The emergence of next generation sequencing has had a significant impact on genomic research, enabling South African researchers to access high quality data comparable to international standards at the South African Medical Research Council's Genomics Centre. This has enhanced the capacity of African researchers to sequence whole genomes and analyze data locally.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Siddhi M. Vora, Sravani Ankati, Chhaya Patole, Appa Rao Podile, G. Archana
Summary: Legume-cereal intercropping systems enhance plant-rhizobia interactions by adjusting the composition of root exudates (RE). The metabolites of RE differ in Cajanus cajan-Zea mays intercropped plants, affecting the biofilm formation and growth rate of rhizobia. Proteomics analysis highlights potential molecular candidates involved in the fitness of rhizobium in the intercropping system.
Article
Soil Science
Sadaf Kalam, Anirban Basu, Appa Rao Podile
Summary: The study of rhizospheric microbial diversity and their role in plant growth promotion is of great importance in understanding the ecological functions of microorganisms in soil. The application of new sequencing technologies has allowed us to discover previously undetected bacterial groups, expanding our knowledge of microbial diversity. Despite the ubiquity of certain bacterial phyla in soil, the limited availability of culturable members has hindered our understanding of their physiological characteristics. Therefore, studying the distribution, ecological functions, and growth-promoting potential of these bacterial phyla is of significant importance.
Article
Microbiology
Swati Bijlani, Ceth Parker, Nitin K. Singh, Maria A. Sierra, Jonathan Foox, Clay C. C. Wang, Christopher E. Mason, Kasthuri Venkateswaran
Summary: Multiple strains of a novel yeast belonging to genus Naganishia were isolated from the International Space Station, exhibiting distinct morphological differences when grown under a combination of simulated microgravity and 5% CO2 conditions. Genomic analyses revealed a set of genes associated with Titan-like cell plasticity, indicating adaptation to microgravity and radiation.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Wei-Wen Sun, Chi-Ying Li, Yi-Ming Chiang, Tzu-Shyang Lin, Shauna Warren, Fang-Rong Chang, Clay C. C. Wang
Summary: Filamentous fungal secondary metabolites are important for their bioactive properties. Activation of silent gene clusters is an effective way to discover novel fungal secondary metabolites.
FUNGAL GENETICS AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bhoopal Bhuvanachandra, Dokku Sivaramakrishna, Sk Alim, Musti J. Swamy, Appa Rao Podile
Summary: Biochemical and biophysical studies have shown that ChiO from Chitiniphilus shinanonensis exhibits high thermotolerance, likely due to its stable structural conformation. The secondary structures of ChiO and its catalytic domain remain largely unaffected at higher temperatures, as revealed by CD spectroscopy. DSC studies indicate that ChiO undergoes two endothermic transitions, while Cat-CsChiO undergoes a single endothermic transition. Molecular dynamic simulations provide further evidence that Cat-CsChiO adopts a stable structural conformation above 50 degrees C. This study highlights the adaptability of enzymes/proteins to perform biological functions at elevated temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Adriana Blachowicz, Jillian Romsdahl, Abby J. Chiang, Sawyer Masonjones, Markus Kalkum, Jason E. Stajich, Tamas Torok, Clay C. C. Wang, Kasthuri Venkateswaran
Summary: This study reports the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic alterations in Aspergillus niger strain JSC-093350089 grown in a controlled experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Results show that microgravity and enhanced irradiation triggered non-synonymous point mutations in specific regions of the genome, altered protein abundance, and changed the metabolite composition.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo Yuan, Nancy P. Keller, Berl R. Oakley, Jason E. Stajich, Clay C. C. Wang
Summary: This work established an in vitro CRISPR-Cas9 system in Aspergillus wentii and used it to activate silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolites. By deleting the negative regulator mcrA, the production of 17 different secondary metabolites was observed. Further knockout experiments led to the discovery of new metabolites. This study demonstrates the utility of targeted gene editing and the importance of dual knockout for the discovery of additional secondary metabolites.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Vishakha Pandey, M. Santha Lakshmi Prasad, Appa Rao Podile
Summary: In this study, we compared the mycelial proteomes of FOR isolates with differential virulence to identify potential pathogenicity and virulence factors. The identified proteins showed homology with fungal proteins involved in various key processes, suggesting their contribution to the high virulence of the virulent FOR isolates.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chris Rabot, Yuhao Chen, Swati Bijlani, Yi-Ming Chiang, C. Elizabeth Oakley, Berl R. Oakley, Travis J. Williams, Clay C. C. Wang
Summary: This article presents a novel chemical and biological approach for the rapid conversion of polyethylenes into structurally complex and pharmacologically active compounds. By engineering strains of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans, the authors have produced fungal secondary metabolites from the digestion products of polyethylenes, expanding the range of products to which polyethylenes can be upcycled.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Clay C. C. Wang, Travis J. Williams, Chris Rabot, Yuhao Chen, Shu-Yi Lin, Ben Miller, Yi-Ming Chiang, C. Elizabeth Oakley, Berl R. Oakley
Summary: Polystyrene (PS) is a commonly used plastic that is not frequently recycled. In this study, a scalable process was developed to convert PS into benzoic acid, which can then be biosynthetically upgraded into various secondary metabolites by engineered strains of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. This approach expands the range of plastic-derived products and demonstrates the potential for utilizing PS waste in the production of valuable compounds.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Yuan, Michelle F. Grau, Ramiro Mendonca Murata, Tamas Torok, Kasthuri Venkateswaran, Jason E. Stajich, Clay C. C. Wang
Summary: Aspergillus melleus IMV 01140, isolated from regions surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, produces neoaspergillic acid, which inhibits the growth of Candida albicans. However, large-scale production, isolation, and purification pose challenges.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisa N. Stephens, Xiao-Nan Zhang, Albert T. Lam, Jiawei Li, Hua Pei, Stan G. Louie, Clay C. C. Wang, Yong Zhang
Summary: The article presents a novel ribose-functionalized NAD(+) with versatile activities that can serve as a general substrate for poly-ADP-ribose polymerases. The mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylated proteins derived from this molecule can be recognized by specific ADP-ribosylation readers, providing valuable insights into developing new probes for ADP-ribosylation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jonathan Lombardino, Swati Bijlani, Nitin K. Singh, Jason M. Wood, Richard Barker, Simon Gilroy, Clay C. C. Wang, Kasthuri Venkateswaran
Summary: The ongoing microbial tracking investigation of the International Space Station (ISS) has discovered Sphingomonas strains with biotechnological potential. These strains can promote plant growth and resist environmental stress, making them valuable for future space missions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)