Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30899: How Microgravity Changes Microbial Gene Expression: Discoveries from the ISS

Microorganisms are master adapters, capable of surviving in extreme environments—from volcanic vents to frozen tundras. But what happens when they're sent to space? The Expression of Microbial Genes in Space experiment, led by Roberto Marco from the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas in Madrid and sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA), set out to uncover how the unique conditions of microgravity alter microbial gene expression.

This experiment, conducted during Expeditions 7 and 8 on the International Space Station (ISS), involved sending specific strains of microbes into space and monitoring how their genetic activity changed. The goal was to determine whether microgravity affects the expression of genes that control key cellular processes like metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and virulence.

Understanding microbial behavior in space is essential for several reasons. First, microbes naturally accompany astronauts aboard spacecraft. Some are harmless, but others can become opportunistic pathogens if their behavior shifts. Knowing how space conditions influence gene expression can help predict and mitigate health risks for crew members.

Second, microbes could play beneficial roles in closed-loop life support systems. For example, they can help recycle waste, produce food, or synthesize materials. But their effectiveness depends on predictable gene expression—hence the importance of understanding how microgravity might alter their function.

In the ISS experiment, microbes were grown in specially designed containers that preserved samples for analysis back on Earth. Scientists then extracted RNA to study which genes were active during spaceflight. The results revealed that microgravity can indeed cause significant changes in microbial gene expression. Some genes associated with stress resistance were upregulated, while others linked to nutrient uptake and cell wall integrity showed reduced activity.

These changes can affect microbial growth rates, resistance to antibiotics, and interactions with human hosts. For instance, one surprising finding was that some microbes became more virulent in space, potentially increasing the risk of infections. Other microbes demonstrated enhanced resistance to radiation or oxidative stress, which might make them more suitable for use in bioengineering applications.

This research has dual benefits. It contributes to the safety and sustainability of human spaceflight and also enhances our understanding of microbial genetics on Earth. For example, the findings could inform the development of new antibiotics or microbial therapies by highlighting genes that control resilience and adaptability.

The Expression of Microbial Genes in Space experiment is a vivid example of how space science can illuminate fundamental biological processes. By studying life at the microscopic level in space, researchers gain new insights into the molecular machinery that drives evolution, adaptation, and survival.

As we prepare for longer missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the knowledge from this experiment will help ensure that microbial allies and adversaries alike are well understood.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.