Proteomic Analysis of Bacterial Virulence in Microgravity

Lead Investigator: Elinor deLancey Pulcini, Montana State University
Co-Lead Investigators: Barry H. Pyle, Montana State University

Bacterial cells exhibit changes in their physiology when grown in conditions of microgravity.  These changes include the possible elevated expression of virulence factors by pathogenic bacteria.  It has been shown that crew members exhibit a suppression in their immune systems during space flight.  Therefore, the potential for an increase risk of disease and infection during space missions is an area of concern.  It is the goal of this project to determine the changes in virulence expression in a pathogenic bacterial species under conditions of microgravity.  Specifically, this project will examine differential protein expression patterns in Pseudomona aeruginosa using proteomic methods.  Research objectives are to delineate changes in virulence expression utilizing simulated weightlessness conditions using high aspect ratio vessel bioreactors.  An examination of differential virulence expression in microgravity will be assessed during the NASA Space Shuttle Columbia Mission STS-107 which flew in May 2002.  The information obtained will allow for a better understanding of the factors involved in crew health and safety during space flight.

Mail:	Elinor deLancey Pulcini	E-mail:	epulcini@.montana.edu
	Department of Microbiology	Phone:	(406) 994-3072
	Montana State University	FAX:	(406) 994-4926
	Bozeman, MT 59717

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