dofog.com March 31, 2024
Table of Contents
Introduction
Researchers at the University of Wyoming have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize aging research and cell storage. Proteins from tardigrades, known for their ability to survive extreme conditions, have been found to slow down molecular processes in human cells.
This finding opens up promising applications in various fields, including aging research and cell storage technologies. The study, led by Senior Research Scientist Silvia Sanchez-Martinez and Assistant Professor Thomas Boothby, sheds light on how tardigrades enter and exit suspended animation when faced with environmental stress.
Research Findings and Future Directions
Measuring less than half a millimeter long, tardigrades have the remarkable ability to survive being completely dried out, frozen, heated, irradiated, and even exposed to the vacuum of outer space. They achieve this through a process called biostasis, where proteins form gels inside cells, slowing down life processes.
When these proteins are introduced into human cells, they exhibit similar properties, making human cells more resistant to stress. Importantly, the process is reversible, with human cells returning to normal metabolism once the stress is relieved.
The research, published in the journal Protein Science, involved collaboration with institutions around the world, including the University of Bristol, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Bologna.
The findings pave the way for technologies aimed at inducing biostasis in cells and organisms to slow aging and enhance storage and stability. Previous research by the team has also demonstrated the use of tardigrade proteins to stabilize pharmaceuticals without the need for refrigeration.
FAQs
What are tardigrades?
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are microscopic creatures that can survive extreme conditions such as drying out, freezing, and exposure to radiation.
How do tardigrade proteins slow down molecular processes in human cells?
Tardigrade proteins form gels inside cells, mimicking the process of biostasis that allows tardigrades to survive extreme conditions. When introduced into human cells, these proteins slow down metabolism and increase resistance to stress.
What are the potential applications of this research?
The discovery of tardigrade proteins’ ability to slow down molecular processes in human cells opens up new possibilities in aging research, cell storage, and the development of life-saving treatments that do not require refrigeration.
