MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE AND VIRULENCE (MDRV)
Research Area: Microbiology
Expedition(s): 16
Principal Investigator(s): ● Barry Pyle, PhD, Montana State University, Bozeman,
Montana
● Cheryl A. Nickerson, PhD, Arizona State University, Tempe,
Arizona
● David W. Niesel, PhD, University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, Texas
● Michael McGinnis, PhD, University of Texas Medical Branch,
Galveston, Texas
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Microbial Drug Resistance and
Virulence (MDRV) evaluates
microbial drug resistance and the
mechanisms of virulence (infection
potential) in microbial cultures.
EARTH BENEFITS
By understanding the unique
spectrum of microbial genetic and
virulence changes induced by
spaceflight, this experiment could
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 these experiments could provide important information on the threat of
pathogens in the space environment. This could assist with development of diagnostic tools to
monitor the atmosphere, water and surfaces for the presence of these microbes as well as
developing countermeasures to manage infections. Understanding the molecular responses of
these organisms to spaceflight is a necessary step that significantly contributes improved
systems for keeping crewmembers safe. Furthermore, identification of the changes caused by
spaceflight to gene expression and proteins could provide 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.
RESULTS
The Microbe experiment aboard STS-115 was the first spaceflight experiment to show
increased virulence of the pathogen, Salmonella enterica, serovar Typhimurium (S.
Dominic Gorie, STS-123 commander, watches Group Activation
Pack float, containing Microbial Drug Resistance Virulence. Photo
was taken during STS-123/Expedition 16 joint operations.