ISS Dust Fungal Gene Expression Under Simulated Humidity Conditions

A metatranscriptomic study of dust collected from the International Space Station (ISS) to analyze fungal gene expression changes after exposure to elevated relative humidity. The dataset was generated by NASA, with dust samples incubated at 50%, 85%, or 100% equilibrium relative humidity for one week in laboratory chambers. Results show significant upregulation of genes for secondary metabolism, growth, mycotoxins, and allergens at higher humidity levels.

Use Cases

• Modeling fungal functional response to moisture based on gene expression data from humidity exposure experiments.
• Identifying potential microbial hazards for astronaut health based on upregulated mycotoxin and allergen genes.
• Informing spacecraft environmental monitoring standards based on changes in fungal gene expression associated with material degradation.
• Studying microbial adaptation in extreme indoor environments based on metatranscriptomic data from ISS dust.

Strengths

• Data originates from a controlled laboratory experiment simulating specific relative humidity conditions (50%, 85%, 100% ERH).
• Results include statistically significant gene expression changes (p ≤ 0.001, log2FC ≥ 2).
• Specific fungal allergen genes, such as Asp f 4 and Alt a 7, are identified with high fold-change (log2FC ≥ 5).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data format is listed as BIN, which may require specific tools for access and analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

De novo metatranscriptomic study of ISS dust incubated in laboratory humidity chambers.

Time Range

The experiment involved a 1-week incubation period; specific collection date of ISS dust is not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:10:54.786031; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Dust collected from the International Space Station (ISS), with analysis conducted on Earth.