EFFECT OF SPACEFLIGHT ON MICROBIAL GENE EXPRESSION AND VIRULENCE (MICROBE)
Research Area: Microbiology
Expedition(s): 13
Principal Investigator(s): ● Cheryl A. Nickerson, PhD, Arizona State University, Tempe,
Arizona
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Microbe experiment investigates the effects of
the spaceflight environment on virulence (ability to
infect) of 3 model microbial pathogens: Salmonella
typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
Candida albicans, that have been identified as
potential threats to crew health based upon
previous spaceflight missions.
EARTH BENEFITS
By understanding the unique spectrum of microbial
genetic and virulence changes induced by
spaceflight, this experiment can yield valuable
knowledge leading to advances in vaccine
development and other therapeutics for
treatment, prevention and control of infectious
diseases on Earth as well as in space.
SPACE BENEFITS
Results from this single flight experiment can
provide important information on the threat of
pathogens in the space environment, which assists
with the development of diagnostic tools to
monitor the atmosphere, water, and surfaces for
the presence of these microbes. Understanding the
molecular responses of these organisms to
spaceflight is a necessary step that significantly
contributes to the development of systems that
meet requirements for supplying and storing
potable water that is free of microbial
contaminants. Furthermore, identification of the
changes caused by spaceflight to genes and
proteins provides novel targets for pharmacological intervention to prevent and control
infectious disease, which ultimately facilitates safe and productive long-term exploration of the
moon and Mars.
Colorized scanning micrograph (SEM) of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Janice Haney Carr,
CDC image.Color enhanced scanning electron micrograph
showing Salmonella typhimurium (red) invading
cultured human cells. Rocky Mountain Laboratories,
NIAAD, NIH image.