The International Space Station selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not induce genomic and physiological changes relevant for human health

Abstract

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique, completely confined habitat for the human crew and co-inhabiting microorganisms. Here, we report on the results of the ISS experiment "EXTREMOPHILES". We aimed to exploit the microbial information obtained from three surface and air sampling events aboard the International Space Station during increments 51 and 52 (2017) with respect to: i) microbial sources, diversity and distribution within the ISS, ii) functional capacity of microbiome and microbial isolates, iii) extremotolerance and antibiotics-resistance (compared to ground controls), and iv) microbial behavior towards ISS-relevant materials such as biofilm formation, or potential for degradation. We used wipe samples and analyzed them by amplicon and metagenomics sequencing, cultivation, comparative physiological studies, antibiotic resistance tests, genome analysis of isolates and co-incubation experiments with ISS-relevant materials. The major findings were: i) the ISS microbiome profile is highly similar to ground-based confined indoor environments, ii) the ISS microbiome is subject to fluctuations and indicative for the (functional) location, although a core microbiome was present over time and independent from location, iii) the ISS selects for microorganisms adapted to the extreme environment, but does not necessarily induce genomic and physiological changes which might be relevant for human health, iv) cleanrooms and cargo seems to be a minor source of microbial contamination aboard, and v) microorganisms can attach to and grow on ISS-relevant materials. Biofilm formation might be a threat for spacecraft materials with the potential to induce instrument malfunctioning with consequences for mission success. We conclude that our data do not raise direct reason for concern with respect to crew health, but indicate a potential threat towards biofilm formation and material integrity in moist areas.