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Published on: May 25, 2021
Decreased biofilm formation in Proteus mirabilis after short-term exposure to a simulated microgravity environment
Dapeng Wang1, Po Bai2, Bin Zhang3
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Microbes threaten human health in space exploration. Studies have shown that Proteus mirabilis has been found in human space habitats. In addition, the biological characteristics of P. mirabilis in space have been studied unconditionally. The simulated microgravity environment provides a platform for understanding the changes in the biological characteristics of P. mirabilis.
Objective:
This study intends to explore the effect of simulated microgravity on P. mirabilis, the formation of P. mirabilis biofilm, and its related mechanism.
Methods:
The strange deformable rods were cultured continuously for 14 days under microgravity simulated in high-aspect rotating vessels (HARVs). The morphology, growth rate, metabolism, and biofilm formation of the strain were measured, and the phenotypic changes of P. mirabilis were evaluated. Transcriptome sequencing was used to detect differentially expressed genes under simulated microgravity and compared with phenotype.
Results:
The growth rate, metabolic ability, and biofilm forming ability of P. mirabilis were lower than those of normal gravity culture under the condition of simulated microgravity. Further analysis showed that the decrease of growth rate, metabolic ability, and biofilm forming ability may be caused by the downregulation of related genes (pstS, sodB, and fumC).
Conclusion:
The simulated microgravity condition enables us to explore the potential relationship between bacterial phenotype and molecular biology, thus opening up a suitable and constructive method for medical fields that have not been explored before. It provides a certain strategy for the treatment of P. mirabilis infectious diseases in space environment by exploring the microgravity of P. mirabilis.
Insights
Simulated microgravity reduces Proteus mirabilis growth, metabolism, and biofilm formation by downregulating key genes. This research offers insights into space-related microbial infections and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Space exploration microbiology
- Astrobiology
- Bacterial physiology
Background:
- Microbial contamination poses risks in space exploration.
- Proteus mirabilis has been detected in human space habitats.
- Simulated microgravity environments allow study of microbial adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simulated microgravity on Proteus mirabilis.
- To analyze changes in biofilm formation and underlying mechanisms.
- To understand bacterial responses to space-like conditions.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Proteus mirabilis in high-aspect rotating vessels (HARVs) for 14 days under simulated microgravity.
- Assessing morphology, growth rate, metabolism, and biofilm formation.
- Utilizing transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes.
Main Results:
- Proteus mirabilis exhibited reduced growth rate, metabolic activity, and biofilm formation under simulated microgravity compared to normal gravity.
- Downregulation of genes pstS, sodB, and fumC was associated with these decreased abilities.
- Phenotypic changes were correlated with molecular alterations.
Conclusions:
- Simulated microgravity influences Proteus mirabilis characteristics, affecting its growth and virulence factors.
- This study provides a model for exploring bacterial phenotype-genotype relationships in altered gravity.
- Findings offer potential strategies for managing Proteus mirabilis infections in space environments.
