TAG: GS-3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
THE CONTEXT:
A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms that help a newly discovered species of tardigrades (Hypsibius henanensis) withstand high levels of radiation. The species comprises thousands of genes, which become more active when exposed to radiation. They protect the microscopic animals’ DNA from damage and repair breaks, according to the scientists.
EXPLANATION:
More about the News:
Discovery of Species:
- A new tardigrade species, Hypsibius henanensis, was identified from moss samples collected in Funiu Mountain, Henan, China.
- This species contains 14,701 genes, with 30% unique to tardigrades.
- The findings were published in the journal Science, detailing the genetic mechanisms that enable the tardigrade to resist high levels of radiation.
Mechanisms of Radiation Resistance
- DNA Repair Mechanisms:
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- 2,801 genes were found to be involved in DNA repair processes.
- TRID1 Protein: This protein facilitates the rapid repair of double-strand DNA breaks caused by radiation.
- Gene Activation During Radiation Exposure:
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- A specific gene activated during radiation exposure produces two proteins that aid in mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
- Production of Antioxidant Pigments:
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- The tardigrade synthesizes betalains, antioxidant pigments that mitigate damage by neutralizing harmful reactive chemicals generated by radiation.
Experimental Findings
Human Cell Experiment: One of the betalains produced by Hypsibius henanensis significantly improved the survival rate of human cells after exposure to radiation.
Implications for Humans
- Space Exploration: The genetic insights from this research could inform methods to protect astronauts from harmful radiation during space missions.
- Nuclear Pollution Cleanup: Understanding the tardigrade’s resistance mechanisms may aid in developing strategies for cleaning up nuclear waste and mitigating radiation exposure.
- Cancer Treatment Improvement: The findings may enhance radiation therapy for cancer patients by improving the stress tolerance of human cells, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
About Tardigrades:
- These are known as water bears or moss piglets,tardigrades have long fascinated scientists as they can withstand extreme conditions.
- They are free-living tiny invertebrates belonging to the phylum Tardigrada.
- Around 1,300 species of tardigrades are found worldwide.
- Habitat:
- They are considered aquaticbecause they require a thin layer of water around their bodies to prevent dehydration, they’ve also been observed in all kinds of environments, from the deep sea to sand dunes.
- Freshwater mosses and lichens are their preferred habitat, hence their nickname, moss piglet.
- Researchers found three factorsthat help this species survive radiation.
- It has the ability to quickly repair double-strand breaks in DNA due to radiation exposure, by using a protein called TRID1.
- The second factor involved a gene that was switched on during exposure to radiation, resulting in the generation of two proteins that are known to be important for mitochondrial synthesis of ATP—in tardigrades, it appears they also help with DNA repair.
- It has the ability to minimize damage from radiation by producing a large number of proteins that serve as effective antioxidants—they clear out free radicals before they can cause problems in the creature’s cells.
- Significance:The findings could one day be harnessed to help protect astronauts from radiation during space missions, clean up nuclear pollution or improve cancer treatment, according to a report in Nature.
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