Overview
- Researchers ran matched T7–E. coli infections on the International Space Station and on Earth, with microgravity causing a delayed start before successful infection.
- Whole-genome sequencing revealed distinct evolutionary paths: space-exposed phages gained mutations improving receptor binding and infectivity, while E. coli evolved defenses and traits favoring survival in microgravity.
- Deep mutational scanning of the T7 receptor-binding protein mapped space-associated changes that, in Earth experiments, increased activity against E. coli strains that commonly cause urinary tract infections and are typically resistant to T7.
- The authors say insights from space-evolved variants enabled engineering of phages with far superior activity against drug-resistant pathogens in laboratory tests.
- Published in PLOS Biology on Jan. 13, the study underscores implications for astronaut health on long missions as microbes continue to evolve and points to space-informed strategies for advancing phage therapies.