TY - JOUR
T1 - Rhinocladiella similis
T2 - A Model Eukaryotic Organism for Astrobiological Studies on Microbial Interactions with Martian Soil Analogs
AU - dos Santos, Alef
AU - Schultz, Júnia
AU - Dal’Rio, Isabella
AU - Molodon, Fluvio
AU - Almeida Trapp, Marilia
AU - Guerra Tenório, Bernardo
AU - Stajich, Jason E.
AU - de Melo Teixeira, Marcus
AU - Pilau, Eduardo Jorge
AU - Rosado, Alexandre Soares
AU - Rodrigues-Filho, Edson
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.
PY - 2025/1/27
Y1 - 2025/1/27
N2 - The exploration of our solar system for microbial extraterrestrial life is the primary goal of several space agencies. Mars has attracted substantial attention owing to its Earth-like geological history and potential niches for microbial life. This study evaluated the suitability of the polyextremophilic fungal strain Rhinocladiella similis LaBioMMi 1217 as a model eukaryote for astrobiology. Comprehensive genomic analysis, including taxonomic and functional characterization, revealed several R. similis genes conferring resistance to Martian-like stressors, such as osmotic pressure and ultraviolet radiation. When cultured in a synthetic Martian regolith (MGS-1), R. similis exhibited altered morphology and produced unique metabolites, including oxylipins, indolic acid derivatives, and siderophores, which might be potential biosignatures. Notably, oxylipins were detected using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, a technique slated for its use in the upcoming European Space Agency ExoMars mission. Our findings enhance the understanding of extremophilic fungal metabolism under Martian-like conditions, supporting the potential of black yeasts as viable eukaryotic models in astrobiological studies. Further research is necessary to validate these biosignatures and explore the broader applicability of R. similis in other extraterrestrial environments.
AB - The exploration of our solar system for microbial extraterrestrial life is the primary goal of several space agencies. Mars has attracted substantial attention owing to its Earth-like geological history and potential niches for microbial life. This study evaluated the suitability of the polyextremophilic fungal strain Rhinocladiella similis LaBioMMi 1217 as a model eukaryote for astrobiology. Comprehensive genomic analysis, including taxonomic and functional characterization, revealed several R. similis genes conferring resistance to Martian-like stressors, such as osmotic pressure and ultraviolet radiation. When cultured in a synthetic Martian regolith (MGS-1), R. similis exhibited altered morphology and produced unique metabolites, including oxylipins, indolic acid derivatives, and siderophores, which might be potential biosignatures. Notably, oxylipins were detected using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, a technique slated for its use in the upcoming European Space Agency ExoMars mission. Our findings enhance the understanding of extremophilic fungal metabolism under Martian-like conditions, supporting the potential of black yeasts as viable eukaryotic models in astrobiological studies. Further research is necessary to validate these biosignatures and explore the broader applicability of R. similis in other extraterrestrial environments.
KW - biosignatures
KW - black yeast
KW - extremophiles
KW - mass spectrometry
KW - omics
KW - space exploration
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85212789012&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1021/jacsau.4c00869
DO - 10.1021/jacsau.4c00869
M3 - Article
C2 - 39886583
AN - SCOPUS:85212789012
SN - 2691-3704
VL - 5
SP - 187
EP - 203
JO - JACS Au
JF - JACS Au
IS - 1
ER -