2025–present · Bioinformatician

Kalamiella piersonii — LPS adaptations in spaceflight

Comparative analysis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) genes from Earth and International Space Station isolates of Kalamiella piersonii.

Diagram of a Gram-negative bacterium’s LPS coat with the International Space Station.

Problem

Microbial persistence in the closed environment of the International Space Station may involve adaptation of outer-membrane components such as LPS, but the genomic basis was unclear.

Approach

Built a pipeline for LPS gene detection, annotation, and pathway mapping, then compared Earth and ISS isolates to identify differences in lipid A and LPS modification pathways.

Result

Identified differences in lipid A/LPS modification pathways, suggesting LPS adaptations linked to persistence in microgravity and ISS environments.

Comparative microbial genomics in the ISS environment.