Tardigrades, microscopic animals popularly known as “water bears,” have rightfully earned a reputation as the toughest organisms in the world. They are unfazed by the harshest conditions nature has to offer, living in temperatures ranging from absolute zero (about minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit) to over 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Believe it or not, tardigrades can achieve even more impressive survival results; the tiny creatures are able to withstand radiation 1,000 times more intense than mammals.
What allows them to do this, according to a new study published in the journal Journal of Molecular Biologyis a special protein called “Dsup” that protects DNA from radiation-induced damage and may one day help researchers fight cancer.
Tardigrades: Nature's Best Survivors
For many years, scientists did not know how tardigrades could live when exposed to extreme radiation. They initially theorized that it had something to do with anhydrobiosis, an ability that allows microanimals to live in a state resembling limbo after they lose almost all of their intracellular water.
When anhydrobiosis occurs, tardigrades go into a “tuna” state, during which they dry out and curl into a seemingly lifeless ball, slowing their metabolism almost to a stop. Some species of tardigrades (of which there are more than 1,300) can rehydrate and come back to life after years of essentially shutting down in their state.
It may seem that this superpower is the reason why tardigrades are protected from radiation, but research has shown that some species can still tolerate radiation even in a hydrated state.
Read more: Tardigrade tattoos could pave the way for microscopic medical devices
Radiation-resistant protein
The true answer to tardigrade radiation resistance appears to be the Dsup (damage suppressor) protein. Although this protein is unique to tardigrades, several studies have altered the genomes of other animals to see if the protein retains the same benefits.
One study in which mice were given genetic instructions to produce Dsup found that they suffered less DNA damage than untreated mice when exposed to high doses of radiation. Another study expressed the Dsup gene in nematodes. Caenorabditis elegantallowing it to withstand exposure to x-rays and have an extended service life.
Based on the results of these studies, researchers began to realize the exciting potential of Dsup. However, they did not fully understand how tardigrades prevent DNA damage. Some considered it more of a shield to block radiation, while others believed it mainly helped cells repair DNA before damage could accumulate.
A new study has advanced the understanding of Dsup in tardigrades. In the study, the scientists examined the biochemical and structural properties of Dsup that provide DNA protection. In doing so, they realized that after the protein binds to single- or double-stranded DNA, it partially unwinds the DNA. This change in shape makes the DNA less susceptible to radiation damage.
Protein is also not the only defense that tardigrades have. Some species use additional techniques to survive extreme radiation, such as one discovered in 2020 that can turn lethal levels of ultraviolet light into harmless blue light thanks to fluorescent pigments under the skin.
Preventing DNA Damage from Cancer
As researchers continue to work with Dsup, new possibilities for human health may begin to emerge. This protein may one day help prevent cells from becoming cancerous, since DNA damage is an important feature of most Cancer. Dsup may even be beneficial astronautswho are exposed to ionizing radiation during prolonged stay in space.
Although Dsup sounds promising, there are still obstacles that may prevent its use in humans. For example, one 2023 study found that the protein promotes neurotoxicity in cortical neurons, meaning it may not be practical to use in treatments that affect the brain.
Dsup's properties still have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, but more research is needed to understand its true potential.
Read more: Tardigrades may still live on the moon after the lunar lander crashed
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