Microgravity effects on secondary metabolism of plant-affecting bacteria

Bacteria play an essential role in supporting plant health by producing antifungal compounds that protect against fungal diseases. In space, these bacterial functions may be disrupted. This study examined how microgravity affects the production of such compounds in plant beneficial bacteria, Pseudomonas protegens and Burkholderia ambifaria. Under simulated microgravity, both bacteria showed reduced production of some antifungal compounds due to reduced gene expression. To address this, we used genetic strategies to boost the bacteria's ability to produce these compounds despite the stress of microgravity. Our results showed that engineered bacteria could either partially recover gene expression or even enhance production. These findings are important first steps for engineering microbes to not only enhance plant growth for space agriculture but also provide important information for engineering microbes to boost crop production on Earth as well.