Hummingbird News Desk
CHENNAI, 10 JUNE: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have conducted a groundbreaking study on the International Space Station (ISS), focusing on multidrug-resistant pathogens. This research, particularly highlighting Enterobacter bugandensis, a prevalent nosocomial pathogen, provides crucial insights for astronaut health and potential terrestrial applications.
The study, published in the prestigious journal Microbiome, delves into the genomic, functional, and metabolic enhancements of E. bugandensis, a pathogen found on various surfaces within the ISS. Astronauts, who operate under altered immune conditions with limited access to traditional medical facilities, face unique health challenges. Understanding the microbial environment aboard the ISS is vital for assessing the impact of these microorganisms on astronaut well-being.
“Our research uncovers the microbial community interactions of how certain benign microorganisms help to adapt and survive opportunistic human pathogen, E. bugandensis, in the unfavourable conditions of the International Space Station,” said Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran, Senior Research Scientist at JPL, NASA. “The knowledge gained from this study would shed light on microbial behaviour, adaptation, and evolution in extreme, isolated environments that allow in designing novel countermeasure strategies to eradicate opportunistic pathogens, thus protecting the health of astronauts.”
The research team, including Prof. Karthik Raman from the Department of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras, Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran from JPL, and research scholars Mr. Pratyay Sengupta, Mr. Shobhan Karthick MS from IIT Madras, and Mr. Nitin Kumar Singh from JPL, conducted a comprehensive study to understand the pathogenic potential of microorganisms in space environments. Funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board and the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship from the Ministry of Education to Mr. Pratyay Sengupta, this work underscores the critical need for such investigations.
Prof. Karthik Raman emphasized the significance of the study, stating, “Microbes continue to puzzle us by growing in the most challenging conditions – studies such as these serve to help us unravel the complex web of interactions underlying microbial growth and survival in such unique environments.”
The research identified detailed genomic features and potential antimicrobial resistance mechanisms within E. bugandensis strains isolated from the ISS. Utilizing advanced systems biology approaches, the team revealed a complex network of interactions between E. bugandensis and other microorganisms aboard the ISS, showcasing both parasitic and symbiotic relationships that influence microbial growth dynamics.
By mapping the prevalence and distribution of E. bugandensis over time, the study provides valuable insights into its persistence, succession, and potential colonization patterns in space. These findings hold promise for applications in controlled settings on Earth, such as hospital intensive care units and surgical theatres, where multidrug-resistant pathogens present significant challenges to patient care.
The collaborative efforts between IIT Madras and NASA’s JPL highlight the importance of international partnerships in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing the challenges of space exploration. This research represents a significant advancement in understanding microbial dynamics in confined environments, ultimately contributing to the health and safety of astronauts and improving medical practices on Earth.
Tags: #IITMadras #NASA #JPL #ISS
