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The Effect of Outer Space on the Expression of Virulence Pathways of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens investigates how the conditions of space affect the growth and gene expression of three enteric pathogens: Escherichia coli, Salmonella bongori, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. These bacteria are known to cause illnesses ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever, and understanding how they behave in space is critical to ensuring astronaut health. This research focuses on how space conditions alter bacterial physiology, including changes to virulence pathways and antibiotic resistance.
This investigation is conducted using a fully automated and closed 6U CubeLab developed by Space Tango, which enables consistent environmental control, sample preservation, and parallel ground comparisons.
Why Microgravity?
Bacteria are highly adaptable organisms that continually sense their environment and adjust the expression of virulence genes in response to stress. The space environment—defined by microgravity, radiation, and extreme temperature—has been shown to influence microbial growth dynamics, virulence, and antibiotic susceptibility. These shifts may increase the risk of infectious disease during space travel, especially as spaceflight also affects the human immune system and microbiome balance.
To identify the mechanisms driving these changes, this study compares bacterial growth and global gene expression in space and on Earth. Results may support improved infectious disease prevention in space and contribute to new strategies for treating resistant infections on Earth.