1
|
Loeffelholz J, Meese E, Giovannini I, Ullibarri K, Momeni S, Merfeld N, Wessel J, Guidetti R, Rebecchi L, Boothby TC. An evaluation of thermal tolerance in six tardigrade species in an active and dry state. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060485. [PMID: 39229830 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are known for their ability to survive extreme conditions. Reports indicate that tardigrade thermal tolerance is enhanced in the desiccated state; however, these reports have almost always used a single tardigrade species and drying/heating methods vary between studies. Using six different species of tardigrades we confirm that desiccation enhances thermal tolerance in tardigrades. Furthermore, we show that differences in thermal tolerance exist between tardigrade species both when hydrated and desiccated. While Viridiscus viridianus survives the highest temperatures in the hydrated state of any species tested here, under hydrated conditions, the thermal tolerance of V. viridianus is restricted to an acute transient stress. Furthermore, unlike other stresses, such as desiccation, where mild initial exposure preconditions some species to survive subsequent harsher treatment, for V. viridianus exposure to mild thermal stress in the hydrated state does not confer protection to harsher heating. Our results suggest that while tardigrades have the capacity to tolerate mild thermal stress while hydrated, survival of high temperatures in a desiccated state is a by-product of tardigrades' ability to survive desiccation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Loeffelholz
- University of Wyoming, Department of Molecular Biology, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Emma Meese
- University of Wyoming, Department of Molecular Biology, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Ilaria Giovannini
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Life Sciences, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Karsyn Ullibarri
- University of Wyoming, Department of Molecular Biology, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Sogol Momeni
- University of Alabama, Department of Biological Sciences, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Nicholas Merfeld
- University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Roberto Guidetti
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Life Sciences, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Life Sciences, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Thomas C Boothby
- University of Wyoming, Department of Molecular Biology, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sadowska-Bartosz I, Bartosz G. Antioxidant Defense in the Toughest Animals on the Earth: Its Contribution to the Extreme Resistance of Tardigrades. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8393. [PMID: 39125965 PMCID: PMC11313143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are unique among animals in their resistance to dehydration, mainly due to anhydrobiosis and tun formation. They are also very resistant to high-energy radiation, low and high temperatures, low and high pressure, and various chemical agents, Interestingly, they are resistant to ionizing radiation both in the hydrated and dehydrated states to a similar extent. They are able to survive in the cosmic space. Apparently, many mechanisms contribute to the resistance of tardigrades to harmful factors, including the presence of trehalose (though not common to all tardigrades), heat shock proteins, late embryogenesis-abundant proteins, tardigrade-unique proteins, DNA repair proteins, proteins directly protecting DNA (Dsup and TDR1), and efficient antioxidant system. Antioxidant enzymes and small-molecular-weight antioxidants are an important element in the tardigrade resistance. The levels and activities of many antioxidant proteins is elevated by anhydrobiosis and UV radiation; one explanation for their induction during dehydration is provided by the theory of "preparation for oxidative stress", which occurs during rehydration. Genes coding for some antioxidant proteins are expanded in tardigrades; some genes (especially those coding for catalases) were hypothesized to be of bacterial origin, acquired by horizontal gene transfer. An interesting antioxidant protein found in tardigrades is the new Mn-dependent peroxidase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Sadowska-Bartosz
- Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 4 Zelwerowicza Street, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yoshida Y, Hirayama A, Arakawa K. Transcriptome analysis of the tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris exposed to the DNA-damaging agent bleomycin. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2024; 100:414-428. [PMID: 38839369 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.pjab.100.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic animals that are renowned for their capabilities of tolerating near-complete desiccation by entering an ametabolic state called anhydrobiosis. However, many species also show high tolerance against radiation in the active state as well, suggesting cross-tolerance via the anhydrobiosis mechanism. Previous studies utilized indirect DNA damaging agents to identify core components of the cross-tolerance machinery in species with high anhydrobiosis capacities. However, it was difficult to distinguish whether transcriptomic changes were specific to DNA damage or mutual with anhydrobiosis. To this end, we performed transcriptome analysis on bleomycin-exposed Hypsibius exemplaris. We observed induction of several tardigrade-specific gene families, including a previously identified novel anti-oxidative stress family, which may be a core component of the cross-tolerance mechanism. We also identified enrichment of the tryptophan metabolism pathway, for which metabolomic analysis suggested engagement of this pathway in stress tolerance. These results provide several candidates for the core component of cross-tolerance, as well as possible anhydrobiosis machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yoshida
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Hirayama
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kondo K, Tanaka A, Kunieda T. Single-step generation of homozygous knockout/knock-in individuals in an extremotolerant parthenogenetic tardigrade using DIPA-CRISPR. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011298. [PMID: 38870088 PMCID: PMC11175437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are small aquatic invertebrates known for their remarkable tolerance to diverse extreme stresses. To elucidate the in vivo mechanisms underlying this extraordinary resilience, methods for genetically manipulating tardigrades have long been desired. Despite our prior success in somatic cell gene editing by microinjecting Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into the body cavity of tardigrades, the generation of gene-edited individuals remained elusive. In this study, employing an extremotolerant parthenogenetic tardigrade species, Ramazzottius varieornatus, we established conditions that led to the generation of gene-edited tardigrade individuals. Drawing inspiration from the direct parental CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR) technique employed in several insects, we simply injected a concentrated Cas9 RNP solution into the body cavity of parental females shortly before their initial oviposition. This approach yielded gene-edited G0 progeny. Notably, only a single allele was predominantly detected at the target locus for each G0 individual, indicative of homozygous mutations. By co-injecting single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) with Cas9 RNPs, we achieved the generation of homozygously knocked-in G0 progeny, and these edited alleles were inherited by G1/G2 progeny. This is the first example of heritable gene editing in the entire phylum of Tardigrada. This establishment of a straightforward method for generating homozygous knockout/knock-in individuals not only facilitates in vivo analyses of the molecular mechanisms underpinning extreme tolerance, but also opens up avenues for exploring various topics, including Evo-Devo, in tardigrades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koyuki Kondo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kunieda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wilanowska PA, Rzymski P, Kaczmarek Ł. Long-Term Survivability of Tardigrade Paramacrobiotus experimentalis (Eutardigrada) at Increased Magnesium Perchlorate Levels: Implications for Astrobiological Research. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:335. [PMID: 38541660 PMCID: PMC10971682 DOI: 10.3390/life14030335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Perchlorate salts, including magnesium perchlorate, are highly toxic compounds that occur on Mars at levels far surpassing those on Earth and pose a significant challenge to the survival of life on this planet. Tardigrades are commonly known for their extraordinary resistance to extreme environmental conditions and are considered model organisms for space and astrobiological research. However, their long-term tolerance to perchlorate salts has not been the subject of any previous studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess whether the tardigrade species Paramacrobiotus experimentalis can survive and grow in an environment contaminated with high levels of magnesium perchlorates (0.25-1.0%, 1.5-6.0 mM ClO4- ions). The survival rate of tardigrades decreased with an increase in the concentration of the perchlorate solutions and varied from 83.3% (0.10% concentration) to 20.8% (0.25% concentration) over the course of 56 days of exposure. Tardigrades exposed to 0.15-0.25% magnesium perchlorate revealed significantly decreased body length. Our study indicates that tardigrades can survive and grow in relatively high concentrations of magnesium perchlorates, largely exceeding perchlorate levels observed naturally on Earth, indicating their potential use in Martian experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Anna Wilanowska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kang D, Yang MJ, Kim H, Park C. Protective roles of highly conserved motif 1 in tardigrade cytosolic-abundant heat soluble protein in extreme environments. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4913. [PMID: 38358259 PMCID: PMC10868442 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Tardigrades are remarkable microscopic animals that survive harsh conditions such as desiccation and extreme temperatures. Tardigrade-specific intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs) play an essential role in the survival of tardigrades in extreme environments. Cytosolic-abundant heat soluble (CAHS) protein, a key TDP, is known to increase desiccation tolerance and to protect the activity of several enzymes under dehydrated conditions. However, the function and properties of each CAHS domain have not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we aimed to elucidate the protective role of highly conserved motif 1 of CAHS in extreme environmental conditions. To examine CAHS domains, three protein constructs, CAHS Full (1-229), CAHS ∆Core (1-120_184-229), and CAHS Core (121-183), were engineered. The highly conserved CAHS motif 1 (124-142) in the CAHS Core formed an amphiphilic α helix, reducing the aggregate formation and protecting lactate dehydrogenase activity during dehydration-rehydration and freeze-thaw treatments, indicating that CAHS motif 1 in the CAHS Core was essential for maintaining protein solubility and stability. Aggregation assays and confocal microscopy revealed that the intrinsically disordered N- and C-terminal domains were more prone to aggregation under our experimental conditions. By explicating the functions of each domain in CAHS, our study proposes the possibility of using engineered proteins or peptides derived from CAHS as a potential candidate for biological applications in extreme environmental stress responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donguk Kang
- Department of ChemistryGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Min June Yang
- Department of ChemistryGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Hwan Kim
- GIST Advanced Institute of Instrumental Analysis (GAIA), Bio Imaging LaboratoryGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Chin‐Ju Park
- Department of ChemistryGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moris VC, Bruneau L, Berthe J, Heuskin AC, Penninckx S, Ritter S, Weber U, Durante M, Danchin EGJ, Hespeels B, Doninck KV. Ionizing radiation responses appear incidental to desiccation responses in the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. BMC Biol 2024; 22:11. [PMID: 38273318 PMCID: PMC10809525 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01807-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The remarkable resistance to ionizing radiation found in anhydrobiotic organisms, such as some bacteria, tardigrades, and bdelloid rotifers has been hypothesized to be incidental to their desiccation resistance. Both stresses produce reactive oxygen species and cause damage to DNA and other macromolecules. However, this hypothesis has only been investigated in a few species. RESULTS In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic response of the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga to desiccation and to low- (X-rays) and high- (Fe) LET radiation to highlight the molecular and genetic mechanisms triggered by both stresses. We identified numerous genes encoding antioxidants, but also chaperones, that are constitutively highly expressed, which may contribute to the protection of proteins against oxidative stress during desiccation and ionizing radiation. We also detected a transcriptomic response common to desiccation and ionizing radiation with the over-expression of genes mainly involved in DNA repair and protein modifications but also genes with unknown functions that were bdelloid-specific. A distinct transcriptomic response specific to rehydration was also found, with the over-expression of genes mainly encoding Late Embryogenesis Abundant proteins, specific heat shock proteins, and glucose repressive proteins. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the extreme resistance of bdelloid rotifers to radiation might indeed be a consequence of their capacity to resist complete desiccation. This study paves the way to functional genetic experiments on A. vaga targeting promising candidate proteins playing central roles in radiation and desiccation resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Moris
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), Department of Biology - URBE, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Evolution (MBE), Department of Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lucie Bruneau
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), Department of Biology - URBE, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jérémy Berthe
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), Department of Biology - URBE, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Anne-Catherine Heuskin
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Laboratory of Analysis By Nuclear Reactions (LARN), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Penninckx
- Medical Physics Department, Institut Jules Bordet - Université Libre de Bruxelles, 90 Rue Meylemeersch, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvia Ritter
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Uli Weber
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Marco Durante
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Etienne G J Danchin
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 06903, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Boris Hespeels
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), Department of Biology - URBE, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Karine Van Doninck
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), Department of Biology - URBE, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Evolution (MBE), Department of Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nicolas E, Simion P, Guérineau M, Terwagne M, Colinet M, Virgo J, Lingurski M, Boutsen A, Dieu M, Hallet B, Van Doninck K. Horizontal acquisition of a DNA ligase improves DNA damage tolerance in eukaryotes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7638. [PMID: 37993452 PMCID: PMC10665377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bdelloid rotifers are part of the restricted circle of multicellular animals that can withstand a wide range of genotoxic stresses at any stage of their life cycle. In this study, bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga is used as a model to decipher the molecular basis of their extreme tolerance. Proteomic analysis shows that a specific DNA ligase, different from those usually involved in DNA repair in eukaryotes, is strongly over-represented upon ionizing radiation. A phylogenetic analysis reveals its orthology to prokaryotic DNA ligase E, and its horizontal acquisition by bdelloid rotifers and plausibly other eukaryotes. The fungus Mortierella verticillata, having a single copy of this DNA Ligase E homolog, also exhibits an increased radiation tolerance with an over-expression of this DNA ligase E following X-ray exposure. We also provide evidence that A. vaga ligase E is a major contributor of DNA breaks ligation activity, which is a common step of all important DNA repair pathways. Consistently, its heterologous expression in human cell lines significantly improves their radio-tolerance. Overall, this study highlights the potential of horizontal gene transfers in eukaryotes, and their contribution to the adaptation to extreme conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilien Nicolas
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Brussels, 1050, Belgium.
| | - Paul Simion
- Université de Namur, Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology, Namur, 5000, Belgium
- Université de Rennes, Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution (ECOBIO UMR 6553), CNRS, Rennes, France
| | - Marc Guérineau
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Terwagne
- Université de Namur, Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Mathilde Colinet
- Université de Namur, Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Julie Virgo
- Université de Namur, Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Maxime Lingurski
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Anaïs Boutsen
- Université de Namur, Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Marc Dieu
- Université de Namur, MaSUN-mass spectrometry facility, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Bernard Hallet
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium.
| | - Karine Van Doninck
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Brussels, 1050, Belgium.
- Université de Namur, Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology, Namur, 5000, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zarubin M, Azorskaya T, Kuldoshina O, Alekseev S, Mitrofanov S, Kravchenko E. The tardigrade Dsup protein enhances radioresistance in Drosophila melanogaster and acts as an unspecific repressor of transcription. iScience 2023; 26:106998. [PMID: 37534176 PMCID: PMC10391675 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tardigrade-unique damage suppressor protein (Dsup) can protect DNA from ionizing radiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we generated Dsup-expressing lines of Drosophila melanogaster and demonstrated that Dsup increased the survival rate after γ-ray irradiation and hydrogen peroxide treatment in flies too, but reduced the level of their locomotor activity. The transcriptome analyses of Dsup-expressing lines revealed a significant number of DEGs, >99% of which were down-regulated. Moreover, Dsup could bind RNA. These findings suggest that Dsup can act not only as a DNA protector but also as a non-specific transcriptional repressor and RNA-binding protein, that may lead to disturbance of a number of biological processes in D. melanogaster. The obtained data demonstrate features of the Dsup protein action in non-tardigrade organisms and can be used to understand the impact of other unspecific DNA/RNA-binding proteins on ROS and radiation resistance, gene expression, and epigenetic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zarubin
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Talyana Azorskaya
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Olga Kuldoshina
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Sergey Alekseev
- Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Semen Mitrofanov
- Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Elena Kravchenko
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Escarcega RD, Patil AA, Meyer MD, Moruno-Manchon JF, Silvagnoli AD, McCullough LD, Tsvetkov AS. The Tardigrade damage suppressor protein Dsup promotes DNA damage in neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103826. [PMID: 36858083 PMCID: PMC10247392 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates, which are capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions, including high levels of radiation. A Tardigrade protein, Dsup (Damage Suppressor), protects the Tardigrade's DNA during harsh environmental stress and X-rays. When expressed in cancer cells, Dsup protects DNA from single- and double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by radiation, increases survival of irradiated cells, and protects DNA from reactive oxygen species. These unusual properties of Dsup suggested that understanding how the protein functions may help in the design of small molecules that could protect humans during radiotherapy or space travel. Here, we investigated if Dsup is protective in cortical neurons cultured from rat embryos. We discovered that, in cortical neurons, the codon-optimized Dsup localizes to the nucleus and, surprisingly, promotes neurotoxicity, leading to neurodegeneration. Unexpectedly, we found that Dsup expression results in the formation of DNA DSBs in cultured neurons. With electron microscopy, we discovered that Dsup promotes chromatin condensation. Unlike Dsup's protective properties in cancerous cells, in neurons, Dsup promotes neurotoxicity, induces DNA damage, and rearranges chromatin. Neurons are sensitive to Dsup, and Dsup is a doubtful surrogate for DNA protection in neuronal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Diaz Escarcega
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Abhijeet A Patil
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Matthew D Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Jose F Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Alexander D Silvagnoli
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Andrey S Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kasianchuk N, Rzymski P, Kaczmarek Ł. The biomedical potential of tardigrade proteins: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114063. [PMID: 36495665 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are ubiquitous microinvertebrates exhibiting extreme tolerance to various environmental stressors like low and high temperatures, lack of water, or high radiation. Although exact pathways behind the tardigrade extremotolerance are yet to be elucidated, some molecules involved have been identified. Their evidenced properties may lead to novel opportunities in biomedical and pharmacological development. This review aims to present the general characteristics of tardigrade intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs: Dsup, CAHS, SAHS, MAHS) and late embryogenesis-abundant proteins (LEA) and provide an updated overview of their features and relevance for potential use in biomedicine and pharmacology. The Dsup reveals a promising action in attenuating oxidative stress, DNA damage, and pyrimidine dimerization, as well as increasing radiotolerance in transfected human cells. Whether Dsup can perform these functions when delivered externally is yet to be understood by in vivo preclinical testing. In turn, CAHS and SAHS demonstrate properties that could benefit the preservation of pharmaceuticals (e.g., vaccines) and biomaterials (e.g., cells). Selected CAHS proteins can also serve as inspiration for designing novel anti-apoptotic agents. The LEA proteins also reveal promising properties to preserve desiccated biomaterials and can act as anti-osmotic agents. In summary, tardigrade molecules reveal several potential biomedical applications advocating further research and development. The challenge of extracting larger amounts of these molecules can be solved with genetic engineering and synthetic biology tools. With new species identified each year and ongoing studies on their extremotolerance, progress in the medical use of tardigrade proteins is expected shortly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadiia Kasianchuk
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland; Faculty of Pharmacy, Bogomolets Nationals Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kumagai H, Kondo K, Kunieda T. Application of CRISPR/Cas9 system and the preferred no-indel end-joining repair in tardigrades. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 623:196-201. [PMID: 35926276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tardigrades are small aquatic animals known for the tolerant ability against various extreme stresses. Recent studies identified several tardigrade-unique proteins as protective factors of biomolecules from extreme stresses. Due to the limitation of the technique available in tardigrades, the function of these protective molecules has largely been studied utilizing the systems of in vitro and the heterologous expression in other organisms. Although RNAi is feasible in tardigrades, their effects are variable and not always sufficient. To analyze the functions of the tardigrade protective proteins, in vivo genetic manipulations have been desired. In this study, we used a tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris as a model whose genome is available, and developed the delivery method of Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) to adult tardigrade cells. Cas9 RNPs containing two kinds of crRNAs were injected to the body cavity of adult tardigrades and subjected to the subsequent electroporation to facilitate the incorporation of RNPs to the cells. Using this delivery method, we detected the deletion of the intervening region between two crRNAs from the genome. Intriguingly, all examined joining sites exhibited no incorporation of insertions/deletions (indels), suggesting that no-indel end-joining is dominant repair system in this tardigrade. We also detected similar removal of the intervening region even in the tardigrades injected with Cas9 RNPs without electroporation and in this case the no-indel end-joining is detected in still dominant but not all examined joining sites. This study provides the development of the delivery method of Cas9 RNPs to tardigrade cells and our data also suggested that simultaneous application of more than two crRNAs/gRNAs are recommended to disrupt the target gene by CRISPR/Cas9 system to avoid scarless repair in the tardigrade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Kumagai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Koyuki Kondo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kunieda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ono M, Takeuchi N, Zawierucha K. Description of a new species of Tardigrada Hypsibius nivalis sp. nov. and new phylogenetic line in Hypsibiidae from snow ecosystem in Japan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14995. [PMID: 36056052 PMCID: PMC9440035 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Snow ecosystems are an important component of polar and mountainous regions, influencing water regime, biogeochemical cycles and supporting snow specific taxa. Although snow is considered to be one of the most unique, and at the same time a disappearing habitat, knowledge of its taxonomic diversity is still limited. It is true especially for micrometazoans appearing in snow algae blooming areas. In this study, we used morphological and molecular approaches to identify two tardigrade species found in green snow patches of Mt. Gassan in Japan. By morphology, light (PCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and morphometry we described Hypsibius nivalis sp. nov. which differs from other similar species by granular, polygonal sculpture on the dorsal cuticle and by the presence of cuticular bars next to the internal claws. Additionally, phylogenetic multilocus (COI, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA) analysis of the second taxon, Hypsibius sp. identified by morphology as convergens-pallidus group, showed its affinity to the Hypsibiidae family and it is placed as a sister clade to all species in the Hypsibiinae subfamily. Our study shows that microinvertebrates associated with snow are poorly known and the assumption that snow might be inhabited by snow-requiring tardigrade taxa cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, our study contributes to the understanding subfamily Hypsibiinae showing that on its own the morphology of specimens belonging to convergens-pallidus group is insufficient in establishing a true systematic position of specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masato Ono
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nozomu Takeuchi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Krzysztof Zawierucha
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yoshida Y, Tanaka S. Deciphering the Biological Enigma-Genomic Evolution Underlying Anhydrobiosis in the Phylum Tardigrada and the Chironomid Polypedilum vanderplanki. INSECTS 2022; 13:557. [PMID: 35735894 PMCID: PMC9224920 DOI: 10.3390/insects13060557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Anhydrobiosis, an ametabolic dehydrated state triggered by water loss, is observed in several invertebrate lineages. Anhydrobiotes revive when rehydrated, and seem not to suffer the ultimately lethal cell damage that results from severe loss of water in other organisms. Here, we review the biochemical and genomic evidence that has revealed the protectant molecules, repair systems, and maintenance pathways associated with anhydrobiosis. We then introduce two lineages in which anhydrobiosis has evolved independently: Tardigrada, where anhydrobiosis characterizes many species within the phylum, and the genus Polypedilum, where anhydrobiosis occurs in only two species. Finally, we discuss the complexity of the evolution of anhydrobiosis within invertebrates based on current knowledge, and propose perspectives to enhance the understanding of anhydrobiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yoshida
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Sae Tanaka
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 341-1 Mizukami, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Tardigrades are ubiquitous meiofauna that are especially renowned for their exceptional extremotolerance to various adverse environments, including pressure, temperature, and even ionizing radiation. This is achieved through a reversible halt of metabolism triggered by desiccation, a phenomenon called anhydrobiosis. Recent establishment of genome resources for two tardigrades, Hypsibius exemplaris and Ramazzottius varieornatus, accelerated research to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind anhydrobiosis, leading to the discovery of many tardigrade-unique proteins. This review focuses on the history, methods, discoveries, and current state and challenges regarding tardigrade genomics, with an emphasis on molecular anhydrobiology. Remaining questions and future perspectives regarding prospective approaches to fully elucidate the molecular machinery of this complex phenomenon are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Daishouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan; .,Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.,Graduate School of Media and Governance, Systems Biology Program, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.,Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institute of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Guil N, Guidetti R, Cesari M, Marchioro T, Rebecchi L, Machordom A. Molecular Phylogenetics, Speciation, and Long Distance Dispersal in Tardigrade Evolution: A case study of the genusMilnesium. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2022; 169:107401. [PMID: 35031462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms (sensu lato, i.e., including micrometazoans) are thought to have cosmopolitan geographic distributions due to their theoretically unlimited dispersal capabilities, a consequence of their tiny size, population dynamics, and resistant forms. However, several molecular studies of microorganisms have identified biogeographic patterns indicating cryptic speciation and/or weak species definitions. Using a multi-locus approach with the genus Milnesium (Tardigrada), we aimed to determine the genetic structure of populations worldwide and the effects of long distance dispersal (LDD) on genetic connectivity and relationships across the six continents. Our results on this micrometazoan's genetic structure and LDD at global and micro-local scales indicate contrasting patterns not easily explained by a unique or simple phenomenon. Overall, we report three key findings: (i) confirmation of long distance dispersal for tardigrades, (ii) populations with globally-shared or endemic micro-local haplotypes, and (iii) a supported genetic structure instead of the homogeneous genetic distribution hypothesized for microorganisms with LDD capabilities. Moreover, incongruences between our morphological and molecular results suggest that species delimitation within the genus Milnesium could be problematic due to homoplasy. Duality found for Milnesium populations at the global scale, namely, a molecular phylogenetic structure mixed with widely distributed haplotypes (but without any apparent biogeographic structure), is similar to patterns observed for some unicellular, prokaryotic and eukaryotic, microorganisms. Factors influencing these patterns are discussed within an evolutionary framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Guil
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC). José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - R Guidetti
- Department of Life Sciences. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - M Cesari
- Department of Life Sciences. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - T Marchioro
- Department of Life Sciences. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - L Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - A Machordom
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC). José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lantin S, Mendell S, Akkad G, Cohen AN, Apicella X, McCoy E, Beltran-Pardo E, Waltemathe M, Srinivasan P, Joshi PM, Rothman JH, Lubin P. Interstellar space biology via Project Starlight. ACTA ASTRONAUTICA 2022; 190:261-272. [PMID: 36710946 PMCID: PMC9881496 DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Our ability to explore the cosmos by direct contact has been limited to a small number of lunar and interplanetary missions. However, the NASA Starlight program points a path forward to send small, relativistic spacecraft far outside our solar system via standoff directed-energy propulsion. These miniaturized spacecraft are capable of robotic exploration but can also transport seeds and organisms, marking a profound change in our ability to both characterize and expand the reach of known life. Here we explore the biological and technological challenges of interstellar space biology, focusing on radiation-tolerant microorganisms capable of cryptobiosis. Additionally, we discuss planetary protection concerns and other ethical considerations of sending life to the stars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lantin
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, FL, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Sophie Mendell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
- College of Creative Studies, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Ghassan Akkad
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Alexander N. Cohen
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Xander Apicella
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Emma McCoy
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Prasanna Srinivasan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
- Center for BioEngineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Pradeep M. Joshi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Joel H. Rothman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Philip Lubin
- Department of Physics, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Clay DE, Fox DT. DNA Damage Responses during the Cell Cycle: Insights from Model Organisms and Beyond. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1882. [PMID: 34946831 PMCID: PMC8701014 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome damage is a threat to all organisms. To respond to such damage, DNA damage responses (DDRs) lead to cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and cell death. Many DDR components are highly conserved, whereas others have adapted to specific organismal needs. Immense progress in this field has been driven by model genetic organism research. This review has two main purposes. First, we provide a survey of model organism-based efforts to study DDRs. Second, we highlight how model organism study has contributed to understanding how specific DDRs are influenced by cell cycle stage. We also look forward, with a discussion of how future study can be expanded beyond typical model genetic organisms to further illuminate how the genome is protected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delisa E. Clay
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Donald T. Fox
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fortunato A, Fleming A, Aktipis A, Maley CC. Upregulation of DNA repair genes and cell extrusion underpin the remarkable radiation resistance of Trichoplax adhaerens. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001471. [PMID: 34788294 PMCID: PMC8635375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichoplax adhaerens is the simplest multicellular animal with tissue differentiation and somatic cell turnover. Like all other multicellular organisms, it should be vulnerable to cancer, yet there have been no reports of cancer in T. adhaerens or any other placozoan. We investigated the cancer resistance of T. adhaerens, discovering that they are able to tolerate high levels of radiation damage (218.6 Gy). To investigate how T. adhaerens survive levels of radiation that are lethal to other animals, we examined gene expression after the X-ray exposure, finding overexpression of genes involved in DNA repair and apoptosis including the MDM2 gene. We also discovered that T. adhaerens extrudes clusters of inviable cells after X-ray exposure. T. adhaerens is a valuable model organism for studying the molecular, genetic, and tissue-level mechanisms underlying cancer suppression. The placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens is able to tolerate high levels of radiation and is resilient to DNA damage; this study reveals that exposure to X-rays triggers the extrusion of cell clusters which subsequently die, and that radiation exposure induces the overexpression of genes involved in DNA repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Fortunato
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America.,Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Arizona, United States of America.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Alexis Fleming
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America.,Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America.,Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Carlo C Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America.,Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Arizona, United States of America.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ramsay BP, Marley NJ, Bilton DT, Rundle SD, Ramsay PM. The structure of tardigrade communities at fine spatial scales in an Andean Polylepis forest. NEOTROPICAL BIODIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23766808.2021.1943216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Balbina P.L. Ramsay
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Puebla, México
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Nigel J. Marley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - David T. Bilton
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Simon D. Rundle
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Paul M. Ramsay
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Puebla, México
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Miyazawa K, Itoh SG, Watanabe H, Uchihashi T, Yanaka S, Yagi-Utsumi M, Kato K, Arakawa K, Okumura H. Tardigrade Secretory-Abundant Heat-Soluble Protein Has a Flexible β-Barrel Structure in Solution and Keeps This Structure in Dehydration. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:9145-9154. [PMID: 34375104 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c04850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Secretory-abundant heat-soluble (SAHS) proteins are unique heat-soluble proteins of Tardigrada and are believed to play an essential role in anhydrobiosis, a latent state of life induced by desiccation. To investigate the dynamic properties, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a SAHS protein, RvSAHS1, were performed in solution and under dehydrating conditions. For comparison purposes, MD simulations of a human liver-type fatty-acid binding protein (LFABP) were performed in solution. Furthermore, high-speed atomic force microscopy observations were conducted to ascertain the results of the MD simulations. Three properties of RvSAHS1 were found as follows. (1) The entrance region of RvSAHS1 is more flexible and can be more extensive in solutions compared with that of a human LFABP because there is no salt bridge between the βD and βE strands. (2) The intrinsically disordered domain in the N-terminal region significantly fluctuates and can form an amphiphilic α-helix. (3) The size of the entrance region gets smaller along with dehydration, keeping the β-barrel structure. Overall, the obtained results provide atomic-level dynamics of SAHS proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhisa Miyazawa
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Satoru G Itoh
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroki Watanabe
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Takayuki Uchihashi
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan.,Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Saeko Yanaka
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,Department of Functional Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi 465-8603, Japan
| | - Maho Yagi-Utsumi
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,Department of Functional Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi 465-8603, Japan
| | - Koichi Kato
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,Department of Functional Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi 465-8603, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0017, Japan.,Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan.,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hisashi Okumura
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pedersen BH, Malte H, Finster K, Ramløv H. Respiration Measurements of Individual Tardigrades of the Species Richtersius cf coronifer as a Function of Temperature and Salinity and Termination of Anhydrobiosis. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:853-865. [PMID: 33926198 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that tardigrades in a resting state (tun state) are very resistant to exceptional stress levels in comparison with the resistance observed in multicellular organisms in general. The types of stress include desiccation and radiation, which are also relevant in astrobiological research, and therefore, tardigrades are used as multicellular model organisms. For example, tardigrades have been investigated in the TARSE, TARDIS, RoTaRad, and TARDIKISS projects; their survival has been evaluated according to stressful conditions that prevail in low earth orbit, including the effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity. Despite this interest, the study of tardigrade biology has been severely hampered by the sparsity of appropriate quantitative techniques that inform at the single-organism level. In this study, we present results on mass-specific respiration rates as a function of termination of anhydrobiosis and variations in temperature and salinity, including Mars-analog perchlorate solutions, by using microsensor technology to measure respiration. Based on our results for Richtersius cf coronifer, we estimated the activation energy (50.8 kJ/mole O2) for its metabolism as well as Q10 for selected temperature intervals. Q10 was constant-∼1.5-between 2°C and 33°C, except for the interval 11-16°C, where Q10 was 5.5. The steady-state mass-specific respiration rate of individuals of Richtersius cf coronifer increased with increasing salinity below the lethal limit, likely representing the energy requirements of its osmoregulatory response. We report the first quantitative data of a tardigrade's metabolic dynamics during the termination of anhydrobiosis, revealing significant variation between individuals. However, we observed a general trend, that is, a high initial metabolic rate after exposure to water. Our approach would allow us to carry out quantitative physiological studies of tardigrades on board of the International Space Station, and thus significantly extend the possibility of studying the response of multicellular organisms in space. Summary statement This article reports on first measurements of mass-specific respiration rates of individual tardigrades of the species Richtersius cf coronifer during termination of anhydrobiosis as well as measurements of the impact of temperature and salinity on oxygen uptake rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke H Pedersen
- Novo Nordisk Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biology: Microbiology Section, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hans Malte
- Department of Biology: Zoophysiology Section, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kai Finster
- Department of Biology: Microbiology Section, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hans Ramløv
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Experimental evolution of extremophile resistance to ionizing radiation. Trends Genet 2021; 37:830-845. [PMID: 34088512 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of known species possess a remarkable characteristic - extreme resistance to the effects of ionizing radiation (IR). This review examines our current understanding of how organisms can adapt to and survive exposure to IR, one of the most toxic stressors known. The study of natural extremophiles such as Deinococcus radiodurans has revealed much. However, the evolution of Deinococcus was not driven by IR. Another approach, pioneered by Evelyn Witkin in 1946, is to utilize experimental evolution. Contributions to the IR-resistance phenotype affect multiple aspects of cell physiology, including DNA repair, removal of reactive oxygen species, the structure and packaging of DNA and the cell itself, and repair of iron-sulfur centers. Based on progress to date, we overview the diversity of mechanisms that can contribute to biological IR resistance arising as a result of either natural or experimental evolution.
Collapse
|
24
|
Roszkowska M, Wojciechowska D, Kmita H, Cerbin S, Dziuba MK, Fiałkowska E, Sobkowiak R, Szydło W, Kaczmarek Ł. Tips and tricks how to culture water bears: simple protocols for culturing eutardigrades (Tardigrada) under laboratory conditions. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1881631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Roszkowska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - D. Wojciechowska
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - H. Kmita
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - S. Cerbin
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - M. K. Dziuba
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - E. Fiałkowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - R. Sobkowiak
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - W. Szydło
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- Population Ecology Lab, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ł. Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Snow algae blooms are beneficial for microinvertebrates assemblages (Tardigrada and Rotifera) on seasonal snow patches in Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5973. [PMID: 33727649 PMCID: PMC7971028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Although studies on snow algae and macroinvertebrates have been frequently conducted on snow patches, only few surveys have been focused on microinvertebrates which reach high biomass and play various trophic roles in other cold habitats. The aims of this study were (1) to search for microinvertebrates in seasonal surface snow patches located on the slope of Mt. Gassan, in northern Japan, and (2) to identify factors determining their distribution associated with snow algal blooms of various colorations (orange, green, and golden-brown) collected from the same sampling site over two seasons (2018, 2019). Microscopic observation revealed presence of two major groups of microinvertebrates: Tardigrada and Rotifera. They were concentrated in green snow colored by blooms of Chloromonas sp. in comparison to orange or golden-brown snow and only a few were found in white snow. Mean body length of tardigrades increased throughout the melt season, their intestine content was green and they laid eggs on colored snow. These results suggest that tardigrades preferentially grew and reproduced on green snow patches. Population densities of tardigrades, rotifers and concentration of chlorophyll a were significantly correlated. Our study indicates that green snow patches in temperate mountainous forests constitute important and unique low-temperature ecosystems for microinvertebrates. Snow covered by algae is an unrecognized novel habitats for tardigrades and rotifers.
Collapse
|
26
|
Kobayashi K, Kim J, Fukuda Y, Kozawa T, Inoue T. Fields, biochemistry fast autooxidation of a Bis-Histidyl-ligated globin from the anhydrobiotic tardigrade, ramazzottius varieornatus, by molecular oxygen. J Biochem 2021; 169:663-673. [PMID: 33479760 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades, a phylum of meiofaunal organisms, exhibit extraordinary tolerance to various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures (-272 to 151 °C) and exposure to ionizing radiation. Proteins from anhydrobiotic tardigrades with homology to known proteins from other organisms are new potential targets for structural genomics. Recently, we reported spectroscopic and structural characterization of a hexacoordinated hemoglobin (Kumaglobin [Kgb]) found in an anhydrobiotic tardigrade. In the absence of its exogenous ligand, Kgb displays hexacoordination with distal and proximal histidines. In this work, we analyzed binding of the molecular oxygen ligand following reduction of heme in Kgb using a pulse radiolysis technique. Radiolytically generated hydrated electrons (eaq-) reduced the heme iron of Kgb within 20 µs. Subsequently, ferrous heme reacted with O2 to form a ferrous-dioxygen intermediate with a second-order rate constant of 3.0 × 106 M-1 s-1. The intermediate was rapidly (within 0.1 s) autooxidized to the ferric form. Redox potential measurements revealed an E'0 of -400 mV (vs. SHE) in the ferric/ferrous couple. Our results suggest that Kgb may serve as a physiological generator of O2·- via redox signaling and/or electron transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Kobayashi
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - JeeEun Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yohta Fukuda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kozawa
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fukuda Y, Inoue T. Structural insights into a C2 domain protein specifically found in tardigrades. Protein Sci 2020; 30:513-518. [PMID: 33226149 PMCID: PMC7784755 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Some tardigrades can survive extremely desiccated conditions through transition into a state called anhydrobiosis. Anhydrobiotic tardigrades have proteins unique to them and they are thought to be keys to the understanding of unusual desiccation resistance. In fact, previous transcriptome data show that several tardigrade‐specific proteins are significantly upregulated under desiccated conditions. However, their physiological roles and chemical properties have been ambiguous because they show low or no similarity of amino acid sequences to proteins found in other organisms. Here, we report a crystal structure of one of such proteins. This protein shows a β‐sandwich structure composed of 8 β‐strands, three Ca2+‐binding sites, and hydrophobic residues on Ca2+‐binding (CBD) loops, which resemble characteristics of C2 domain proteins. We therefore conveniently describe this protein as tardigrade C2 domain protein (TC2P). Because the C2 domain functions as a Ca2+‐mediated membrane docking module, which is related to signal transduction or membrane trafficking, TC2Ps may play a role in Ca2+‐triggered phenomenon under desiccated situations. Our finding provides not only structural insights into a newly discovered desiccation‐related protein family but also insights into the evolution and diversity of C2 domain proteins. PDB Code(s): 7DF2;
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohta Fukuda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mínguez-Toral M, Cuevas-Zuviría B, Garrido-Arandia M, Pacios LF. A computational structural study on the DNA-protecting role of the tardigrade-unique Dsup protein. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13424. [PMID: 32770133 PMCID: PMC7414916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The remarkable ability of tardigrades to withstand a wide range of physical and chemical extremes has attracted a considerable interest in these small invertebrates, with a particular focus on the protective roles of proteins expressed during such conditions. The discovery that a tardigrade-unique protein named Dsup (damage suppressor) protects DNA from damage produced by radiation and radicals, has raised expectations concerning its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. We present in this paper what might be dubbed a “computational experiment” on the Dsup-DNA system. By means of molecular modelling, calculations of electrostatic potentials and electric fields, and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we obtained a dynamic picture of the Dsup-DNA interaction. Our results suggest that the protein is intrinsically disordered, which enables Dsup to adjust its structure to fit DNA shape. Strong electrostatic attractions and high protein flexibility drive the formation of a molecular aggregate in which Dsup shields DNA. While the precise mechanism of DNA protection conferred by Dsup remains to be elucidated, our study provides some molecular clues of their association that could be of interest for further investigation in this line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mínguez-Toral
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo-UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Cuevas-Zuviría
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo-UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Garrido-Arandia
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo-UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis F Pacios
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo-UPM, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain. .,Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas (ETSIAAB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hespeels B, Penninckx S, Cornet V, Bruneau L, Bopp C, Baumlé V, Redivo B, Heuskin AC, Moeller R, Fujimori A, Lucas S, Van Doninck K. Iron Ladies - How Desiccated Asexual Rotifer Adineta vaga Deal With X-Rays and Heavy Ions? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1792. [PMID: 32849408 PMCID: PMC7412981 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Space exposure experiments from the last 15 years have unexpectedly shown that several terrestrial organisms, including some multi-cellular species, are able to survive in open space without protection. The robustness of bdelloid rotifers suggests that these tiny creatures can possibly be added to the still restricted list of animals that can deal with the exposure to harsh condition of space. Bdelloids are one of the smallest animals on Earth. Living all over the world, mostly in semi-terrestrial environments, they appear to be extremely stress tolerant. Their desiccation tolerance at any stage of their life cycle is known to confer tolerance to a variety of stresses including high doses of radiation and freezing. In addition, they constitute a major scandal in evolutionary biology due to the putative absence of sexual reproduction for at least 60 million years. Adineta vaga, with its unique characteristics and a draft genome available, was selected by ESA (European Space Agency) as a model system to study extreme resistance of organisms exposed to space environment. In this manuscript, we documented the resistance of desiccated A. vaga individuals exposed to increasing doses of X-ray, protons and Fe ions. Consequences of exposure to different sources of radiation were investigated in regard to the cellular type including somatic (survival assay) and germinal cells (fertility assay). Then, the capacity of A. vaga individuals to repair DNA DSB induced by different source of radiation was investigated. Bdelloid rotifers represent a promising model in order to investigate damage induced by high or low LET radiation. The possibility of exposure both on hydrated or desiccated specimens may help to decipher contribution of direct and indirect radiation damage on biological processes. Results achieved through this study consolidate our knowledge about the radioresistance of A. vaga and improve our capacity to compare extreme resistance against radiation among living organisms including metazoan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hespeels
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.,Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Penninckx
- Laboratory of Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Valérie Cornet
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Lucie Bruneau
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Cécile Bopp
- Laboratory of Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Véronique Baumlé
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.,Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Redivo
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Anne-Catherine Heuskin
- Laboratory of Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany.,Department of Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Chiba, Japan
| | - Stephane Lucas
- Laboratory of Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Karine Van Doninck
- Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology (LEGE), NAmur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.,Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), Institute of Life, Earth & Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fukuda Y, Kim J, Inoue T. Structure of cytochrome b 5 unique to tardigrades. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1829-1835. [PMID: 32483879 PMCID: PMC7380671 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome b5 is an essential electron transfer protein, which is ubiquitously found in living systems and involved in wide variety of biological processes. Tardigrades (also known as water bears), some of which are famous for desiccation resistance, have many proteins unique to them. Here, we report spectroscopic and structural characterization of a cytochrome b5 like protein from one of the desiccation‐tolerant tardigrades, Ramazzottius varieornatus strain YOKOZUNA‐1 (RvCytb5). A 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure revealed that RvCytb5 is a new cytochrome b5 protein specific to tardigrades. PDB Code(s): 7BWH;
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohta Fukuda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - JeeEun Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Furukawa S, Nagamatsu A, Nenoi M, Fujimori A, Kakinuma S, Katsube T, Wang B, Tsuruoka C, Shirai T, Nakamura AJ, Sakaue-Sawano A, Miyawaki A, Harada H, Kobayashi M, Kobayashi J, Kunieda T, Funayama T, Suzuki M, Miyamoto T, Hidema J, Yoshida Y, Takahashi A. Space Radiation Biology for "Living in Space". BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4703286. [PMID: 32337251 PMCID: PMC7168699 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4703286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Space travel has advanced significantly over the last six decades with astronauts spending up to 6 months at the International Space Station. Nonetheless, the living environment while in outer space is extremely challenging to astronauts. In particular, exposure to space radiation represents a serious potential long-term threat to the health of astronauts because the amount of radiation exposure accumulates during their time in space. Therefore, health risks associated with exposure to space radiation are an important topic in space travel, and characterizing space radiation in detail is essential for improving the safety of space missions. In the first part of this review, we provide an overview of the space radiation environment and briefly present current and future endeavors that monitor different space radiation environments. We then present research evaluating adverse biological effects caused by exposure to various space radiation environments and how these can be reduced. We especially consider the deleterious effects on cellular DNA and how cells activate DNA repair mechanisms. The latest technologies being developed, e.g., a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator, to measure real-time cell cycle progression and DNA damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation are presented. Progress in examining the combined effects of microgravity and radiation to animals and plants are summarized, and our current understanding of the relationship between psychological stress and radiation is presented. Finally, we provide details about protective agents and the study of organisms that are highly resistant to radiation and how their biological mechanisms may aid developing novel technologies that alleviate biological damage caused by radiation. Future research that furthers our understanding of the effects of space radiation on human health will facilitate risk-mitigating strategies to enable long-term space and planetary exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Furukawa
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Aiko Nagamatsu
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Nenoi
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Akira Fujimori
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shizuko Kakinuma
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Takanori Katsube
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Bing Wang
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Chizuru Tsuruoka
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shirai
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Asako J. Nakamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Asako Sakaue-Sawano
- Lab for Cell Function and Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Lab for Cell Function and Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harada
- Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Kobayashi
- Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Junya Kobayashi
- Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kunieda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoo Funayama
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, QST, 1233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1292, Japan
| | - Michiyo Suzuki
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, QST, 1233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1292, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamoto
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Kasumi 1-2-3, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Jun Hidema
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of the Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chavez C, Cruz-Becerra G, Fei J, Kassavetis GA, Kadonaga JT. The tardigrade damage suppressor protein binds to nucleosomes and protects DNA from hydroxyl radicals. eLife 2019; 8:47682. [PMID: 31571581 PMCID: PMC6773438 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are animals that can survive extreme conditions. The tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus contains a unique nuclear protein termed Dsup, for damage suppressor, which can increase the resistance of human cells to DNA damage under conditions, such as ionizing radiation or hydrogen peroxide treatment, that generate hydroxyl radicals. Here we find that R. varieornatus Dsup is a nucleosome-binding protein that protects chromatin from hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, a Dsup ortholog from the tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris similarly binds to nucleosomes and protects DNA from hydroxyl radicals. Strikingly, a conserved region in Dsup proteins exhibits sequence similarity to the nucleosome-binding domain of vertebrate HMGN proteins and is functionally important for nucleosome binding and hydroxyl radical protection. These findings suggest that Dsup promotes the survival of tardigrades under diverse conditions by a direct mechanism that involves binding to nucleosomes and protecting chromosomal DNA from hydroxyl radicals. Tardigrades, also known as water bears and moss piglets, are small animals found in many different environments on land and sea. These animals have the remarkable ability to survive extremes including very low temperatures, high levels of radiation and exposure to chemicals that are harmful to other forms of life. Tardigrades have even been found to survive the harsh conditions of outer space. X-rays are a type of radiation naturally produced by lightning strikes and are also found in cosmic rays from outer space. High doses of X-rays can cause genetic mutations that may lead to serious illness or death. This is because when X-rays come into contact with water they split the water molecules to make particles known as hydroxyl radicals, which in turn damage the DNA inside cells. The genomes of animals and plants are made of DNA, which is packaged into a structure called chromatin. Previous studies identified a protein named Dsup in a tardigrade called Ramazzottius varieornatus that can protect human cells from damage by X-rays. However, it was not known whether Dsup binds directly to chromatin or plays a more indirect role in protecting DNA. Chavez, Cruz-Becerra, Fei, Kassavetis et al. used biochemical approaches to study Dsup. Their experiments revealed that Dsup from R. varieornatus binds to chromatin to protect the DNA from damage by hydroxyl radicals, and that the Dsup protein in another tardigrade species also works in a similar way. Further analysis showed that a region of Dsup that is needed to bind to chromatin is very similar to a region that had been previously found only in chromatin-binding proteins from humans and other vertebrates (animals with backbones). This connection between Dsup and vertebrate chromatin-binding proteins remains a mystery. The new findings about tardigrade Dsup may help researchers develop animal cells that live longer under normal or extreme environmental conditions. In this manner, Dsup could be used to expand the range of applications of cells in biotechnology. It could also increase the effectiveness of current methods, such as the production of some pharmaceuticals, that depend upon the use of cultured cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Chavez
- Section of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Grisel Cruz-Becerra
- Section of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Jia Fei
- Section of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - George A Kassavetis
- Section of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - James T Kadonaga
- Section of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jönsson KI. Radiation Tolerance in Tardigrades: Current Knowledge and Potential Applications in Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1333. [PMID: 31505739 PMCID: PMC6770827 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades represent a phylum of very small aquatic animals in which many species have evolved adaptations to survive under extreme environmental conditions, such as desiccation and freezing. Studies on several species have documented that tardigrades also belong to the most radiation-tolerant animals on Earth. This paper gives an overview of our current knowledge on radiation tolerance of tardigrades, with respect to dose-responses, developmental stages, and different radiation sources. The molecular mechanisms behind radiation tolerance in tardigrades are still largely unknown, but omics studies suggest that both mechanisms related to the avoidance of DNA damage and mechanisms of DNA repair are involved. The potential of tardigrades to provide knowledge of importance for medical sciences has long been recognized, but it is not until recently that more apparent evidence of such potential has appeared. Recent studies show that stress-related tardigrade genes may be transfected to human cells and provide increased tolerance to osmotic stress and ionizing radiation. With the recent sequencing of the tardigrade genome, more studies applying tardigrade omics to relevant aspects of human medicine are expected. In particular, the cancer research field has potential to learn from studies on tardigrades about molecular mechanisms evolved to maintain genome integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Ingemar Jönsson
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sugiura K, Minato H, Suzuki AC, Arakawa K, Kunieda T, Matsumoto M. Comparison of Sexual Reproductive Behaviors in Two Species of Macrobiotidae (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada). Zoolog Sci 2019; 36:120-127. [DOI: 10.2108/zs180103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Sugiura
- School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroki Minato
- School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Atsushi C. Suzuki
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 4-1-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 223-8521, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 14-1, Baba-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata 997-0035, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kunieda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Midori Matsumoto
- School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Piszkiewicz S, Gunn KH, Warmuth O, Propst A, Mehta A, Nguyen KH, Kuhlman E, Guseman AJ, Stadmiller SS, Boothby TC, Neher SB, Pielak GJ. Protecting activity of desiccated enzymes. Protein Sci 2019; 28:941-951. [PMID: 30868674 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based biological drugs and many industrial enzymes are unstable, making them prohibitively expensive. Some can be stabilized by formulation with excipients, but most still require low temperature storage. In search of new, more robust excipients, we turned to the tardigrade, a microscopic animal that synthesizes cytosolic abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins to protect its cellular components during desiccation. We find that CAHS proteins protect the test enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipoprotein lipase against desiccation-, freezing-, and lyophilization-induced deactivation. Our data also show that a variety of globular and disordered protein controls, with no known link to desiccation tolerance, protect our test enzymes. Protection of lactate dehydrogenase correlates, albeit imperfectly, with the charge density of the protein additive, suggesting an approach to tune protection by modifying charge. Our results support the potential use of CAHS proteins as stabilizing excipients in formulations and suggest that other proteins may have similar potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Piszkiewicz
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Kathryn H Gunn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Owen Warmuth
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Ashlee Propst
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Aakash Mehta
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Kenny H Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Elizabeth Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Alex J Guseman
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Samantha S Stadmiller
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Thomas C Boothby
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Saskia B Neher
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Gary J Pielak
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599.,Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mothersill C, Seymour C. Targets, pools, shoulders, and communication – a reflection on the evolution of low-dose radiobiology. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:851-860. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1589016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin Seymour
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Exploring dry storage as an alternative biobanking strategy inspired by Nature. Theriogenology 2019; 126:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
38
|
Carbonylation accumulation of the Hypsibius exemplaris anhydrobiote reveals age-associated marks. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208617. [PMID: 30586374 PMCID: PMC6306161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Together with nematodes and rotifers, tardigrade belong to micrometazoans that can cope with environmental extremes such as UV and solar radiations, dehydration, supercooling or overheating. Tardigrade can resist the harshest conditions by turning to cryptobiosis, an anhydrobiotic state that results from almost complete dehydration and is characterized by an ametabolic status. Although reports have challenged the molecular basis of the mechanisms underlying genomic injury resistance, little is yet known regarding the possible involvement of other tardigrade macromolecules in injury during a stress experience. In this report, we show that the tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris can accumulate molecular damages by means of in situ detection of carbonyls. Furthermore, we demonstrate that living tardigrade can accumulate carbonylation. Finally, we reveal that anhydrobiotic tardigrade can be constitutively affected by carbonylation that marks aging in other metazoans.
Collapse
|
39
|
Jagadeesh MK, Roszkowska M, Kaczmarek Ł. Tardigrade indexing approach on exoplanets. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 19:13-16. [PMID: 30482276 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Finding life on other worlds is a fascinating area of astrobiology and planetary sciences. Presently, over 3800 exoplanets, representing a very wide range of physical and chemical environments, are known. Scientists are not only looking for traces of life outside Earth, but they are also trying to find out which of Earth's known organisms (ex: tardigrades (water bears)) would be able to survive on other planets. In our study, we have established a metric tool for distinguishing the potential survivability of active and cryptobiotic tardigrades on rocky-water and water-gas planets in our solar system and exoplanets, taking into consideration the geometrical means of six physical parameters such as radius, density, escape velocity, revolution period, surface temperature, and surface pressure of the considered planets. More than 3800 exoplanets are available as the main sample from Planetary Habitable Laboratory - Exoplanet Catalog (PHL-EC), from which we have chosen 57 exoplanets in our study including Earth and Mars, with water composition as reference. The Active Tardigrade Index (ATI) and Cryptobiotic Tardigrade Index (CTI) are two metric indices with minimum value 0 (= tardigrades cannot survive) and maximum 1 (= tardigrades will survive in their respective state). Values between 0 and 1 indicate a percentage chance of the active or cryptobiotic tardigrades surviving on a given exoplanet. Among known planets some of the exoplanets are tabulated as ATI and CTI indices for sample representation like: Kepler-100d, Kepler-48d, Kepler-289b, TRAPPIST-1 f and Kepler-106e. The results with Mars as the threshold indicates that Mars could be the only rock-water composition planet that could be more suitable for tardigrades than other considered exoplanets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena Roszkowska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań 61-614, Poland; Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań 61-614, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań 61-614, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sørensen-Hygum TL, Stuart RM, Jørgensen A, Møbjerg N. Modelling extreme desiccation tolerance in a marine tardigrade. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11495. [PMID: 30065347 PMCID: PMC6068186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It has recently been argued that the enigmatic tardigrades (water bears) will endure until the sun dies, surviving any astrophysical calamities in Earth's oceans. Yet, our knowledge of stress tolerance among marine tardigrade species is very limited and most investigations revolve around species living in moist habitats on land. Here, we investigate desiccation tolerance in the cosmopolitan marine tidal tardigrade, Echiniscoides sigismundi, providing the first thorough analysis on recovery upon desiccation from seawater. We test the influence on survival of desiccation surface, time spent desiccated (up to 1 year) and initial water volume. We propose analysis methods for survival estimates, which can be used as a future platform for evaluating and analysing recovery rates in organisms subjected to extreme stress. Our data reveal that marine tidal tardigrades tolerate extremely rapid and extended periods of desiccation from seawater supporting the argument that these animals are among the toughest organisms on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Sørensen-Hygum
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robyn M Stuart
- Data Science Laboratory, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aslak Jørgensen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadja Møbjerg
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yoshida Y, Konno S, Nishino R, Murai Y, Tomita M, Arakawa K. Ultralow Input Genome Sequencing Library Preparation from a Single Tardigrade Specimen. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30059025 DOI: 10.3791/57615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic animals that enter an ametabolic state called anhydrobiosis when facing desiccation and can return to their original state when water is supplied. The genomic sequencing of microscopic animals such as tardigrades risks bacterial contamination that sometimes leads to erroneous interpretations, for example, regarding the extent of horizontal gene transfer in these animals. Here, we provide an ultralow input method to sequence the genome of the tardigrade, Hypsibius dujardini, from a single specimen. By employing rigorous washing and contaminant exclusion along with an efficient extraction of the 50 ~ 200 pg genomic DNA from a single individual, we constructed a library sequenced with a DNA sequencing instrument. These libraries were highly reproducible and unbiased, and an informatics analysis of the sequenced reads with other H. dujardini genomes showed a minimal amount of contamination. This method can be applied to unculturable tardigrades that could not be sequenced using previous methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yoshida
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University; Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
| | - Sayuri Konno
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University; Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University
| | - Ryousuke Nishino
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University; Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University
| | - Yumi Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University; Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University; Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University; Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University; Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University; Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University;
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rangel DE, Finlay RD, Hallsworth JE, Dadachova E, Gadd GM. Fungal strategies for dealing with environment- and agriculture-induced stresses. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:602-612. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
43
|
Fukuda Y, Inoue T. Crystal structure of secretory abundant heat soluble protein 4 from one of the toughest "water bears" micro-animals Ramazzottius Varieornatus. Protein Sci 2018; 27:993-999. [PMID: 29493034 PMCID: PMC5916119 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Though anhydrobiotic tardigrades (micro-animals also known as water bears) possess many genes of secretory abundant heat soluble (SAHS) proteins unique to Tardigrada, their functions are unknown. A previous crystallographic study revealed that a SAHS protein (RvSAHS1) from one of the toughest tardigrades, Ramazzottius varieornatus, has a β-barrel architecture similar to fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) and two putative ligand binding sites (LBS1 and LBS2) where fatty acids can bind. However, some SAHS proteins such as RvSAHS4 have different sets of amino acid residues at LBS1 and LBS2, implying that they prefer other ligands and have different functions. Here RvSAHS4 was crystallized and analyzed under a condition similar to that for RvSAHS1. There was no electron density corresponding to a fatty acid at LBS1 of RvSAHS4, where a putative fatty acid was observed in RvSAHS1. Instead, LBS2 of RvSAHS4, which was composed of uncharged residues, captured a putative polyethylene glycol molecule. These results suggest that RvSAHS4 mainly uses LBS2 for the binding of uncharged molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohta Fukuda
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cortese F, Klokov D, Osipov A, Stefaniak J, Moskalev A, Schastnaya J, Cantor C, Aliper A, Mamoshina P, Ushakov I, Sapetsky A, Vanhaelen Q, Alchinova I, Karganov M, Kovalchuk O, Wilkins R, Shtemberg A, Moreels M, Baatout S, Izumchenko E, de Magalhães JP, Artemov AV, Costes SV, Beheshti A, Mao XW, Pecaut MJ, Kaminskiy D, Ozerov IV, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Zhavoronkov A. Vive la radiorésistance!: converging research in radiobiology and biogerontology to enhance human radioresistance for deep space exploration and colonization. Oncotarget 2018; 9:14692-14722. [PMID: 29581875 PMCID: PMC5865701 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While many efforts have been made to pave the way toward human space colonization, little consideration has been given to the methods of protecting spacefarers against harsh cosmic and local radioactive environments and the high costs associated with protection from the deleterious physiological effects of exposure to high-Linear energy transfer (high-LET) radiation. Herein, we lay the foundations of a roadmap toward enhancing human radioresistance for the purposes of deep space colonization and exploration. We outline future research directions toward the goal of enhancing human radioresistance, including upregulation of endogenous repair and radioprotective mechanisms, possible leeways into gene therapy in order to enhance radioresistance via the translation of exogenous and engineered DNA repair and radioprotective mechanisms, the substitution of organic molecules with fortified isoforms, and methods of slowing metabolic activity while preserving cognitive function. We conclude by presenting the known associations between radioresistance and longevity, and articulating the position that enhancing human radioresistance is likely to extend the healthspan of human spacefarers as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cortese
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dmitry Klokov
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreyan Osipov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Jakub Stefaniak
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiobiology and Gerontology, Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jane Schastnaya
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles Cantor
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Aliper
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, D. Rogachev Federal Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Mamoshina
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Computer Science Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Igor Ushakov
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alex Sapetsky
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Quentin Vanhaelen
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina Alchinova
- Laboratory of Physicochemical and Ecological Pathophysiology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute for Space Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Karganov
- Laboratory of Physicochemical and Ecological Pathophysiology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Canada Cancer and Aging Research Laboratories, Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ruth Wilkins
- Environmental and Radiation and Health Sciences Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrey Shtemberg
- Laboratory of Extreme Physiology, Institute of Medical and Biological Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marjan Moreels
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, (SCK·CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, (SCK·CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evgeny Izumchenko
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Cancer Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Artem V. Artemov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Afshin Beheshti
- Wyle Laboratories, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Dmitry Kaminskiy
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Deep Knowledge Life Sciences, London, UK
| | - Ivan V. Ozerov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Giovannini I, Altiero T, Guidetti R, Rebecchi L. Will the Antarctic tardigrade Acutuncus antarcticus be able to withstand environmental stresses related to global climate change? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.160622. [PMID: 29242185 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.160622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Because conditions in continental Antarctica are highly selective and extremely hostile to life, its biota is depauperate, but well adapted to live in this region. Global climate change has the potential to impact continental Antarctic organisms because of increasing temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. This research evaluates how ongoing climate changes will affect Antarctic species, and whether Antarctic organisms will be able to adapt to the new environmental conditions. Tardigrades represent one of the main terrestrial components of Antarctic meiofauna; therefore, the pan-Antarctic tardigrade Acutuncus antarcticus was used as model to predict the fate of Antarctic meiofauna threatened by climate change. Acutuncus antarcticus individuals tolerate events of desiccation, increased temperature and UV radiation. Both hydrated and desiccated animals tolerate increases in UV radiation, even though the desiccated animals are more resistant. Nevertheless, the survivorship of hydrated and desiccated animals is negatively affected by the combination of temperature and UV radiation, with the hydrated animals being more tolerant than desiccated animals. Finally, UV radiation has a negative impact on the life history traits of successive generations of A. antarcticus, causing an increase in egg reabsorption and teratological events. In the long run, A. antarcticus could be at risk of population reductions or even extinction. Nevertheless, because the changes in global climate will proceed gradually and an overlapping of temperature and UV increase could be limited in time, A. antarcticus, as well as many other Antarctic organisms, could have the potential to overcome global warming stresses, and/or the time and capability to adapt to the new environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giovannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Tiziana Altiero
- Department of Education and Humanities, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Nikitaki Z, Holá M, Donà M, Pavlopoulou A, Michalopoulos I, Angelis KJ, Georgakilas AG, Macovei A, Balestrazzi A. Integrating plant and animal biology for the search of novel DNA damage biomarkers. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2018; 775:21-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
47
|
Jönsson KI, Levine EB, Wojcik A, Haghdoost S, Harms-Ringdahl M. Environmental Adaptations: Radiation Tolerance. WATER BEARS: THE BIOLOGY OF TARDIGRADES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-95702-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
48
|
|
49
|
Cloning, recombinant production and crystallographic structure of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen from radioresistant archaeon Thermococcus gammatolerans. Biochem Biophys Rep 2017; 8:200-206. [PMID: 28955957 PMCID: PMC5613700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermococcus gammatolerans is a strictly anaerobic; hyperthermophilicarchaeon belongs to the order Thermococcales in the phylum Euryarchaeota. It was extracted from a hydrothermal vent from the Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico). Different studies show that T. gammatolerans is one of the most radioresistant organisms known amongst the archaea. This makes it a unique model to study adaptations to the environment and to study DNA repair mechanisms in an organism able to tolerate harsh conditions. A key protein in these mechanisms is the Proliferation Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). Its function is focused on their ability to slide along the DNA duplex and coordinating the activities of proteins mainly related to DNA edition and processing. Analysis of archaeal proteins have proven to be enormously fruitful because much of the information obtained from them can be extrapolated to eukaryotic systems, and PCNA is no exception. Here we report the cloning, recombinant expression and crystallographic structure of PCNA from T. gammatolerans (TgPCNA). Amino acid sequence of TgPCNA depicts several residues and motifs well conserved. Asp41 appears to stimulate archaeal family B polymerases and FEN1 in homologous PCNA. By gel filtration the molecular mass was 52 kDa, closer to the monomeric state. The TgPCNA crystal belonged to the P3 space group. A total of 47 457 reflections were integrated to a resolution of 2.8 Å.
Collapse
|
50
|
Erdmann W, Idzikowski B, Kowalski W, Szymański B, Kosicki JZ, Kaczmarek Ł. Can the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini survive in the absence of the geomagnetic field? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183380. [PMID: 28886031 PMCID: PMC5590818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Earth's geomagnetic field has undergone critical changes in the past. Studies on the influence of the magnetic field on Earth’s organisms are crucial for the understanding of evolution of life on Earth and astrobiological considerations. Numerous studies conducted both on plants and animals confirmed the significant influence of the geomagnetic field on the metabolism of living organisms. Water bears (Tardigrada), which are a mong the most resistant animals due to their cryptobiotic abilities, show significant resistance to a number of environmental stressors, but the influence of the geomagnetic field on their fitness has not been addressed before. In our studies, we used eutardigrade Hypsibius dujardini to analyse whether isolation from the geomagnetic field had an effect on mortality. We found that Hypsibius dujardini specimens demonstrated relatively high mortality during anhydrobiosis, also in control groups exposed to the normal geomagnetic field. Moreover, similar mortality was observed in anhydrobiotic specimens isolated from the geomagnetic field. However, a significant difference was noted between tardigrade survival and the moment of their isolation from the geomagnetic field. In particular, tardigrade mortality substantially increased in absence of a magnetic field during the process of entering anhydrobiosis and returning to active life. Our results suggest that these processes rely on complex metabolic processes that are critically influenced by the geomagnetic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Erdmann
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań, Poland
| | - Bogdan Idzikowski
- Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Smoluchowskiego17, Poznań, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kowalski
- Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Smoluchowskiego17, Poznań, Poland
| | - Bogdan Szymański
- Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Smoluchowskiego17, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jakub Z. Kosicki
- Department of Avian Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Umultowska 89, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|