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Nagwani AK, Melosik I, Kaczmarek Ł, Kmita H. Recovery from anhydrobiosis in the tardigrade Paramacrobiotus experimentalis: Better to be young than old and in a group than alone. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26807. [PMID: 38434295 PMCID: PMC10907786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Desiccation-tolerant organisms can survive dehydration in a state of anhydrobiosis. Tardigrades can recover from anhydrobiosis at any life stage and are considered among the toughest animals on Earth. However, the factors that influence recovery from anhydrobiosis are not well understood. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sex, age, the presence of other individuals and the combination of the number and duration of anhydrobiosis episodes on the recovery of Paramacrobiotus experimentalis. The activity of 1200 individuals for up to 48 h after rehydration was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Age was the main factor influencing return to activity, followed by the combination of number and duration of anhydrobiosis episodes, influence of the presence of other individuals, and sex. More individuals returned to activity after repeated short than repeated long anhydrobiosis episodes and older individuals were less likely to recover than younger individuals. In addition, when compared to single animals, the presence of other individuals resulted in higher number of active animals after dehydration and rehydration. The effect of sex was significant, but there was no general tendency for one sex to recover from anhydrobiosis better than the other one. The results contribute to a better understanding of the anhydrobiosis ability of Paramacrobiotus experimentalis and provide background for full explanation of molecular, cellular and environmental mechanisms of anhydrobiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Nagwani
- Department of Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
| | - Iwona Melosik
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
| | - Hanna Kmita
- Department of Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
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Nagwani AK, Budka A, Łacka A, Kaczmarek Ł, Kmita H. The effect of hypomagnetic field on survival and mitochondrial functionality of active Paramacrobiotus experimentalis females and males of different age. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1253483. [PMID: 37745239 PMCID: PMC10514487 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1253483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Even for tardigrades, often called the toughest animals on Earth, a hypomagnetic field (HMF) is an extreme environment. However, studies on the effect of HMF on tardigrades and other invertebrates are scarce. Mitochondria play an important role in an organism's response to extreme conditions. The effect of HMF on the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (Δψ), a well-known marker of mitochondria functionality, shows that mitochondria are very sensitive to HMF. To measure the HMF effect on Paramacrobiotus experimentalis, we calculated the tardigrade survival rate and Δψ level after HMF treatments of different durations. We also estimated the relationship between the age and sex of the tardigrade and the HMF effect. We observed age- and sex-related differences in Δψ and found that Δψ changes after HMF treatment were dependent on its duration as well as the animal's age and sex. Furthermore, active P. experimentalis individuals displayed a high survival rate after HMF treatment. The data may contribute to the understanding of tardigrade aging and their resistance to extreme conditions including HMF, which in turn may be useful for future space explorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Nagwani
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Budka
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łacka
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Hanna Kmita
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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Helliwell JR. What is the structural chemistry of the living organism at its temperature and pressure? Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2020; 76:87-93. [PMID: 32038039 PMCID: PMC7008516 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The three probes of the structure of matter (X-rays, neutrons and electrons) in biology have complementary properties and strengths. The balance between these three probes within their strengths and weaknesses is perceived to change, even dramatically so at times. For the study of combined states of order and disorder, NMR crystallography is also applicable. Of course, to understand biological systems the required perspectives are surely physiologically relevant temperatures and relevant chemical conditions, as well as a minimal perturbation owing to the needs of the probe itself. These remain very tough challenges because, for example, cryoEM by its very nature will never be performed at room temperature, crystallization often requires nonphysiological chemical conditions, and X-rays and electrons cause beam damage. However, integrated structural biology techniques and functional assays provide a package towards physiological relevance of any given study. Reporting of protein crystal structures, and their associated database entries, could usefully indicate how close to the biological situation they are, as discussed in detail in this feature article.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Helliwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, England
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Abstract
Even though tardigrades have been known since 1772, their phylogenetic position is still controversial. Tardigrades are regarded as either the sister group of arthropods, onychophorans, or onychophorans plus arthropods. Furthermore, the knowledge about their gametogenesis, especially oogenesis, is still poor and needs further analysis. The process of oogenesis has been studied solely for several eutardigradan species. Moreover, the spatial organization of the female germ-line clusters has been described for three species only. Meroistic ovaries characterize all analyzed species. In species of the Parachela, one cell per germ-cell cluster differentiates into the oocyte, while the remaining cells become the trophocytes. In Apochela several cells in the cluster differentiate into oocytes. Vitellogenesis is of a mixed type. The eggs are covered with the egg capsule that is composed of two shells: the thin vitelline envelope that adheres to the oolemma and the thick three-layered chorion. Chorion is formed as a first followed by vitelline envelope. Several features related to the oogenesis and structure of the ovary confirm the hypothesis that tardigrades are the sister group rather for arthropods than for onychophorans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Poprawa
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Kamil Janelt
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract
It is observed that hypervelocity space dust, which is continuously bombarding Earth, creates immense momentum flows in the atmosphere. Some of this fast space dust inevitably will interact with the atmospheric system, transferring energy and moving particles around, with various possible consequences. This paper examines, with supporting estimates, the possibility that by way of collisions the Earth-grazing component of space dust can facilitate planetary escape of atmospheric particles, whether they are atoms and molecules that form the atmosphere or larger-sized particles. An interesting outcome of this collision scenario is that a variety of particles that contain telltale signs of Earth's organic story, including microbial life and life-essential molecules, may be "afloat" in Earth's atmosphere. The present study assesses the capability of this space dust collision mechanism to propel some of these biological constituents into space. Key Words: Hypervelocity space dust-Collision-Planetary escape-Atmospheric constituents-Microbial life. Astrobiology 17, 1274-1282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Berera
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
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Vasanthan T, Alejaldre L, Hider J, Patel S, Husain N, Umapathisivam B, Stone J. G-Equivalent Acceleration Tolerance in the Eutardigrade Species Hypsibius dujardini. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:55-60. [PMID: 28051326 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic organisms renowned for their ability to survive extreme environmental conditions. Tardigrade extreme-tolerance research has centered on the ability to withstand desiccation, low and high temperatures, and high hydrostatic pressure and radiation levels. Tardigrade tolerance to hypergravity, however, has yet to be described. We used the eutardigrade species Hypsibius dujardini to investigate short-term tolerance to g-equivalent accelerations (i.e., mimicking g-forces). Data obtained from specimens centrifuged between 3421g and 16,060g for 1 min inclusively reveal tolerance in an acceleration-dependent relation, with lower survivorship and egg production at higher accelerations. This is the first study to demonstrate tardigrade potential for tolerance to hypergravity and describe expected effects on tardigrade survival and reproduction. These findings will prove to be useful in lithopanspermia research (i.e., viable spread in meteoritic rocks). Key Words: Astrobiology-Extreme tolerance-Hypergravity-Tardigrade. Astrobiology 17, 55-60.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarushika Vasanthan
- 1 Department of Biology, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
- 2 Origins Institute, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lorea Alejaldre
- 1 Department of Biology, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jessica Hider
- 1 Department of Biology, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
| | - Shreya Patel
- 1 Department of Biology, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nabiha Husain
- 1 Department of Biology, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Jonathon Stone
- 1 Department of Biology, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
- 2 Origins Institute, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
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Fernandez C, Vasanthan T, Kissoon N, Karam G, Duquette N, Seymour C, Stone JR. Radiation tolerance and bystander effects in the eutardigrade speciesHypsibius dujardini(Parachaela: Hypsibiidae). Zool J Linn Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Fernandez
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - T. Vasanthan
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
- Origins Institute; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4M1 Canada
| | - N. Kissoon
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - G. Karam
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - N. Duquette
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - C. Seymour
- Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - J. R. Stone
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4K1 Canada
- Origins Institute; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4M1 Canada
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Menezes AA, Montague MG, Cumbers J, Hogan JA, Arkin AP. Grand challenges in space synthetic biology. J R Soc Interface 2016; 12:20150803. [PMID: 26631337 PMCID: PMC4707852 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Space synthetic biology is a branch of biotechnology dedicated to engineering biological systems for space exploration, industry and science. There is significant public and private interest in designing robust and reliable organisms that can assist on long-duration astronaut missions. Recent work has also demonstrated that such synthetic biology is a feasible payload minimization and life support approach as well. This article identifies the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field of space synthetic biology, while highlighting relevant progress. It also outlines anticipated broader benefits from this field, because space engineering advances will drive technological innovation on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amor A Menezes
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, 2151 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-5230, USA
| | - Michael G Montague
- Applications of Vital Knowledge, 113 Chestnut Hill Way, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - John Cumbers
- NASA Ames Space Portal, NASA Ames Research Center, MS 555-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - John A Hogan
- Bioengineering Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, MS 239-15, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Adam P Arkin
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, 2151 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-5230, USA E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS955-512 L, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Kletetschka G, Hruba J. Dissolved Gases and Ice Fracturing During the Freezing of a Multicellular Organism: Lessons from Tardigrades. Biores Open Access 2015; 4:209-17. [PMID: 26309797 PMCID: PMC4497649 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2015.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Three issues are critical for successful cryopreservation of multicellular material: gases dissolved in liquid, thermal conductivity of the tissue, and localization of microstructures. Here we show that heat distribution is controlled by the gas amount dissolved in liquids and that when changing the liquid into solid, the dissolved gases either form bubbles due to the absence of space in the lattice of solids and/or are migrated toward the concentrated salt and sugar solution at the cost of amount of heat required to be removed to complete a solid-state transition. These factors affect the heat distribution in the organs to be cryopreserved. We show that the gas concentration issue controls fracturing of ice when freezing. There are volumetric changes not only when changing the liquid into solid (volume increases) but also reduction of the volume when reaching lower temperatures (volume decreases). We discuss these issues parallel with observations of the cryosurvivability of multicellular organisms, tardigrades, and discuss their analogy for cryopreservation of large organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunther Kletetschka
- Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague, Czech Republic . ; Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences , v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic . ; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley, California
| | - Jolana Hruba
- Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague, Czech Republic
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