Resistance of an Antarctic cryptoendolithic black fungus to radiation gives new insights of astrobiological relevance. Issue 6 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Selbmann, Laura; Pacelli, Claudia; Zucconi, Laura; Dadachova, Ekaterina; Moeller, Ralf; de Vera, Jean-Pierre; Onofri, Silvano
• Is Part Of: Fungal biology. Volume 122:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 546
• Page End: 554
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Astrobiology -- Desiccation -- Melanin -- Planetary protection -- Radioprotection; BIOMEX biology and mars experiment -- GCR galactic cosmic radiation -- ESA European Space Agency -- LET linear energy transfer -- LIFE lichens and fungi experiment -- MEA malt extract agar -- PCR polymerase chain reaction -- PMA-qPCR propidium monoazide-quantitative polymerase chain reaction -- RAPD random amplified polymorphic DNA -- SPE solar energetic particle events -- TEM transmission electron microscopy -- XTT colorimetric assay of cellular viability with 2, 3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide; Mycology -- Periodicals; Fungi -- Periodicals; 579.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1878-6146

Abstract

Abstract: The Antarctic black meristematic fungus Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515 occurs endolithically in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, one of the best analogue for Mars environment on Earth. To date, this fungus is considered one of the best eukaryotic models for astrobiological studies and has been repeatedly selected for space experiments in the last decade. The obtained results are reviewed here, with special focus on responses to space relevant irradiation, UV radiation, and both sparsely and densely ionizing radiation, which represent the major injuries for a putative space-traveller. The remarkable resistance of this model organism to space stress, its radioresistance in particular, and mechanisms involved, significantly contributed to expanding our concept of limits for life and provided new insights on the origin and evolution of life in planetary systems, habitability, and biosignatures for life detection as well as on human protection during space missions.