The relevance of fungi in astrobiology research – Astromycology

Abstract

Since the very first steps of space exploration, fungi have been recorded as contaminants,
\nhitchhikers, or as part of missions’ crews and payloads. Because fungi can cause human disease and
\nare highly active decomposers, their presence in a space-linked context has been a source of major
\nconcern given their possible detrimental effects on crews and space structures. However, fungi can
\nalso be beneficial and be used for many space applications. The exact effects on fungi are not
\nalways clear as they possess high adaptability and plasticity, and their phenotypes and genotypes
\ncan undergo several changes under the extreme conditions found in space, thus leading to different
\nresults than those we would have on Earth. Understanding and analysing these aspects is the subject
\nof astromycology, a research field within astrobiology. The impending situation of a resurgent space race is expected to boost astromycology’s
\nvisibility and importance. However, researchers lack both a framework and a solid base of
\nknowledge from which to contextualise their work. This critical review addresses this gap by
\nconceptualising the field of astromycology, covering key research and current questions pertaining
\nto the field, and providing a relevant research instrument for future work.