These microscopic animals continue to surprise scientists with their ability to survive in extremely difficult conditions. The latest study shows how tardigrades are able to survive strong ionizing radiation. “They're doing something we didn't expect,” said the biologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Tardigrades are microscopic, eight-legged invertebrates common throughout the world that live mainly in aquatic environments. They are famous for their resistance to harsh conditions. In the case of survival, it can survive at temperatures close to absolute zero to more than 150 degrees Celsius, can withstand pressure of up to 6000 atmospheres, and is resistant to water shortages for more than 100 years, and can survive in the space.
Tardigrades are also known to be highly resistant to ionizing radiation. 60 years ago, it was discovered that in this respect they are 100 times superior not only to humans, but also to all animals. At least some species of these invertebrates were thought to be resistant to the effects of ionizing radiation thanks to a specific damage-inhibiting protein – Dsup, but not all of them have it, so researchers suspect that tardigrades may owe their survival to something else.
The amazing ability of tardigrades
Scientists decided to take a look at the species Hypsibius exemplaris that they had exposed to radiation. The study showed that tardigrades are no less sensitive than humans to DNA damage caused by gamma radiation, but are able to quickly repair large-scale damage. They increase the production of DNA repair genes to the point that most damaged DNA can be repaired within 24 hours after radiation exposure.
– What we saw surprised us – said the professor. Bob Goldstein, a biologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “The tardigrades are doing something we didn't expect,” he added.
When the researchers introduced some DNA repair genes from the tardigrade into E. coli bacteria and exposed the bacteria to ionizing radiation, they found that the genetically modified bacteria had a DNA repair ability similar to that seen in the tardigrade. Meanwhile, the same doses of radiation killed bacteria from the unmodified control group.
Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates that live in aquatic environmentsStock struggle
“That seems to be their secret.”
Dr Clark Hachtel, who worked on the team, said: 'Tadders have an amazing response to radiation, and this appears to be the secret to their superior survival abilities.' “What we learn about how tardigrades cope with radiation stress may lead to new ideas about how to protect animals and other microorganisms from harmful radiation,” she added.
The results of the study were published in the journal “Current Biology.”
PAP, ScienceAlert, tvnmeteo.pl
Main image source: Stock struggle
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