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Response of human gut microbiota under simulated microgravity
Yijuan Han1, Dongyan Shao1, Cuicui Han1
1Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, China.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|July 7, 2022
Summary
Microgravity significantly alters human gut microbiota richness and diversity. Simulated weightlessness reduced beneficial bacteria and affected microbial metabolism, suggesting potential gut disturbances in space environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Space Biology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining health.
- Understanding the impact of extreme environments, like microgravity, on the gut microbiome is essential for astronaut health and potential therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of simulated microgravity on the composition, diversity, and metabolic functions of human gut microbiota in vitro.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa and metabolic pathways affected by microgravity.
Main Methods:
- Simulated microgravity using the diamagnetic material magnetic levitation method.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for analyzing bacterial community structure.
- KEGG pathway analysis to assess metabolic function.
- Spearman's correlation analysis to evaluate species interactions.
Main Results:
- Microgravity significantly altered gut microbiota richness and diversity.
- Reduced abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria (e.g., Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium) and increased abundance of other bacteria (e.g., Alistipes).
- Microgravity impacted microbial metabolism, including pathways for pyrimidine, fatty acid, and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and carbon fixation.
Conclusions:
- Simulated microgravity induces significant disturbances in human gut microbiota composition and function.
- These findings highlight potential risks to gut health during spaceflight.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications and develop countermeasures.
