Aim 1: characterize the effect of spaceflight analogue culture on microbial pathogenesis related stress responses and in vitro host-pathogen interactions. Analysis will include microbial stress…

Arizona State University (ASU), through its Office of Research and Sponsored Projects Administration, received a $1.12M research grant from a civilian federal agency to conduct a two-aim investigation into how spaceflight analogue culture conditions affect microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. Aim 1 focuses on characterizing microbial stress responses and pathogen colonization in three-dimensional tissue co-culture models containing immune cells exposed to spaceflight analogue conditions. Aim 2 extends findings from Aim 1 by assessing virulence potential using a mouse infection model, with organism selection strategically informed by Aim 1 results and existing spaceflight research data to reduce and refine animal use. The award carries no set-aside designation and is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025, with performance conducted at ASU's Tempe, Arizona campus.

This research initiative addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding how microbial organisms respond to reduced-gravity conditions and altered environmental factors, with implications for human health and safety during space exploration missions. The integrated approach combining in vitro tissue models with animal studies reflects current best practices in biomedical research for bridging laboratory findings to organismal responses. ASU's extensive track record as a leading research institution and NASA partner positions it well to execute this sophisticated research combining microbiology, immunology, and space life sciences expertise.

Aim 1: characterize the effect of spaceflight analogue culture on microbial pathogenesis related stress responses and in vitro host-pathogen interactions. Analysis will include microbial stress responses as well as colonization and viability following pathogen challenge of three-dimensional (3-d) tissue CO-culture models containing immune cells. Aim 2: characterize the effect of spaceflight analogue culture on the virulence potential of pathogenic microorganisms. Changes in virulence will be assessed using a mouse model of infection. To reduce and refine the use of animals for virulence studies, the selection of microorganisms for aim 2 will be based on a combination of microbial responses from aim 1 and previously reported spaceflight and spaceflight analogue experimental data of similar microorganisms.