Chinese scientists have discovered the mechanisms that enable tardigrades to withstand extreme radiation, which may provide valuable knowledge for enhancing human resilience in similar situations.
A study published in Science on Friday revealed how these tiny, tough invertebrates—often referred to as water bears—manage to endure a variety of harsh environments, including severe radiation, extreme temperatures (both high and low), desiccation, intense pressure, and even the vacuum of outer space.
In 2018, researchers gathered tardigrades from Henan Province in central China, leading to the identification of a new species named Hypsibius henanensis.
The researchers examined the genome of this newly discovered species and pinpointed three critical mechanisms that contribute to its ability to resist radiation: "horizontal gene transfer" from various organisms including plants, fungi, and bacteria; a specialized "radiation-induced protein" that assists in DNA repair; and "general stress-related proteins" that further aid in DNA restoration.
The findings, the scientists noted, could pave the way for future studies aimed at bolstering the resilience of human cells. "We’ve discovered that the molecules providing radiation protection for tardigrades can significantly enhance the radiation resistance of human cells when introduced into them," stated Zhang Lingqiang, a researcher at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences.
"This indicates significant potential for practical applications and can establish a theoretical framework for developing safeguards against extremely high levels of radiation," Zhang emphasized.