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Lapointe MR, Laframboise T, Pirkkanen J, Tai TC, Lees SJ, Santa Maria SR, Tharmalingam S, Boreham DR, Thome C. Protracted Exposure to a Sub-background Radiation Environment Negatively Impacts the Anhydrobiotic Recovery of Desiccated Yeast Sentinels. HEALTH PHYSICS 2024; 126:397-404. [PMID: 38568172 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Experiments that examine the impacts of subnatural background radiation exposure provide a unique approach to studying the biological effects of low-dose radiation. These experiments often need to be conducted in deep underground laboratories in order to filter surface-level cosmic radiation. This presents some logistical challenges in experimental design and necessitates a model organism with minimal maintenance. As such, desiccated yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) is an ideal model system for these investigations. This study aimed to determine the impact of prolonged sub-background radiation exposure in anhydrobiotic (desiccated) yeast at SNOLAB in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Two yeast strains were used: a normal wild type and an isogenic recombinational repair-deficient rad51 knockout strain ( rad51 Δ). Desiccated yeast samples were stored in the normal background surface control laboratory (68.0 nGy h -1 ) and in the sub-background environment within SNOLAB (10.1 nGy h -1 ) for up to 48 wk. Post-rehydration survival, growth rate, and metabolic activity were assessed at multiple time points. Survival in the sub-background environment was significantly reduced by a factor of 1.39 and 2.67 in the wild type and rad51 ∆ strains, respectively. Post-rehydration metabolic activity measured via alamarBlue reduction remained unchanged in the wild type strain but was 26% lower in the sub-background rad51 ∆ strain. These results demonstrate that removing natural background radiation negatively impacts the survival and metabolism of desiccated yeast, highlighting the potential importance of natural radiation exposure in maintaining homeostasis of living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon J Lees
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Vecchi M, Stec D, Rebecchi L, Michalczyk Ł, Calhim S. Ecology explains anhydrobiotic performance across tardigrades, but the shared evolutionary history matters more. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:307-318. [PMID: 37994566 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14031] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Desiccation stress is lethal to most animals. However, some microinvertebrate groups have evolved coping strategies, such as the ability to undergo anhydrobiosis (i.e. survival despite the loss of almost all body water). Tardigrades are one such group, where the molecular mechanisms of anhydrobiosis have been more thoroughly studied. Despite the ecological, evolutionary and biotechnological importance of anhydrobiosis, little is known about its inter- and intra-specific variability nor its relationship with natural habitat conditions or phylogenetic history. We developed a new index-anhydrobiotic recovery index (ARI)-to evaluate the anhydrobiotic performance of tardigrade populations from the family Macrobiotidae. Moreover, we compared the explanatory role of habitat humidity and phylogenetic history on this trait using a variance partitioning approach. We found that ARI is correlated with both microhabitat humidity and yearly rainfall, but it is mostly driven by phylogenetic niche conservatism (i.e. a high portion of ARI variation is explained by phylogeny alone). Finally, we showed that anhydrobiotic performance is highly variable, even between closely related species, and that their response to local ecological conditions is tightly linked to their phylogenetic history. This study not only presents key insights into an emerging model system, but also provides a new methodological approach for wider scale studies of the ecological and evolutionary implications of anhydrobiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vecchi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - D Stec
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - L Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Ł Michalczyk
- Department of Invertebrate Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - S Calhim
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Hagelbäck P, Jönsson KI. An experimental study on tolerance to hypoxia in tardigrades. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1249773. [PMID: 37731547 PMCID: PMC10507709 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1249773] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tardigrades are small aquatic invertebrates with well documented tolerance to several environmental stresses, including desiccation, low temperature, and radiation, and an ability to survive long periods in a cryptobiotic state under arrested metabolism. Many tardigrade populations live in habitats where temporary exposure to hypoxia is expected, e.g., benthic layers or substrates that regularly undergo desiccation, but tolerance to hypoxia has so far not been thoroughly investigated in tardigrades. Method: We studied the response to exposure for hypoxia (<1 ppm) during 1-24 h in two tardigrade species, Richtersius cf. coronifer and Hypsibius exemplaris. The animals were exposed to hypoxia in their hydrated active state. Results: Survival was high in both species after the shortest exposures to hypoxia but tended to decline with longer exposures, with almost complete failure to recover after 24 h in hypoxia. R. cf. coronifer tended to be more tolerant than H. exemplaris. When oxygen level was gradually reduced from 8 to 1 ppm, behavioral responses in terms of irregular body movements were first observed at 3-4 ppm. Discussion: The study shows that both limno-terrestrial and freshwater tardigrades are able to recover after exposure to severe hypoxia, but only exposure for relatively short periods of time. It also indicates that tardigrade species have different sensitivity and response patterns to exposure to hypoxia. These results will hopefully encourage more studies on how tardigrades are affected by and respond to hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K. Ingemar Jönsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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4
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Suring W, Hoogduin D, Le Ngoc G, Brouwer A, van Straalen NM, Roelofs D. Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases in Animals. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1741. [PMID: 37761881 PMCID: PMC10531068 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091741] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are a class of cytosolic enzymes that synthesize a range of bio-active secondary metabolites including antibiotics and siderophores. They are widespread among both prokaryotes and eukaryotes but are considered rare among animals. Recently, several novel NRPS genes have been described in nematodes, schistosomes, and arthropods, which led us to investigate how prevalent NRPS genes are in the animal kingdom. We screened 1059 sequenced animal genomes and showed that NRPSs were present in 7 out of the 19 phyla analyzed. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the identified NRPSs form clades distinct from other adenylate-forming enzymes that contain similar domains such as fatty acid synthases. NRPSs show a remarkably scattered distribution over the animal kingdom. They are especially abundant in rotifers and nematodes. In rotifers, we found a large variety of domain architectures and predicted substrates. In the nematode Plectus sambesii, we identified the beta-lactam biosynthesis genes L-δ-(α-aminoadipoyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase, isopenicillin N synthase, and deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase that catalyze the formation of beta-lactam antibiotics in fungi and bacteria. These genes are also present in several species of Collembola, but not in other hexapods analyzed so far. In conclusion, our survey showed that NRPS genes are more abundant and widespread in animals than previously known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Suring
- A-LIFE Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Academy Technology & Innovation, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Rengerslaan 8-10, 8917 DD Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Dylan Hoogduin
- A-LIFE Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giang Le Ngoc
- A-LIFE Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Lange Kleiweg 161, 2282 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Brouwer
- BioDetection Systems, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nico M. van Straalen
- A-LIFE Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Roelofs
- A-LIFE Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Keygene N.V., Agro Business Park 90, 6708 PW Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Cesari M, Giovannini I, Altiero T, Guidetti R, Cornette R, Kikawada T, Rebecchi L. Resistance to Extreme Stresses by a Newly Discovered Japanese Tardigrade Species, Macrobiotus kyoukenus (Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070634. [PMID: 35886811 PMCID: PMC9315711 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tardigrades are small micrometazoans able to resist several environmental stresses in any stage of their life cycle. The integrated molecular and morphological analysis of tardigrade specimens collected in Tsukuba (Japan) revealed that this population represents a new species, Macrobiotus kyoukenus sp. nov., belonging to the genus Macrobiotus, one of the most speciose and widespread water bear taxon. The stress resistance capabilities of M. kyoukenus sp. nov. have been tested by submitting animals to extreme desiccation, rapid freezing, and high levels of ultraviolet radiations (UVB and UVC). Animals were able to survive desiccation and freezing, and both hydrated and desiccated animals showed a high tolerance to increasing UV radiations. Overall, our findings contribute to the discovery of a larger tardigrade biodiversity in Japan, and the tolerance capabilities of M. kyoukenus sp. nov. show that this new species could become an emerging model for stress resistance studies. Abstract Tardigrades are small micrometazoans able to resist several environmental stresses in any stage of their life cycle. An integrated analysis of tardigrade specimens collected in Tsukuba (Japan) revealed a peculiar morphology and a new sensory field in the cloaca. Molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis on different genes (COI, ITS2, 18S and 28S) confirmed that this population is a new species, Macrobiotus kyoukenus sp. nov., belonging to the widespread Macrobiotus hufelandi group. The stress resistance capabilities of M. kyoukenus sp. nov. have been tested by submitting animals to extreme desiccation, rapid freezing, and high levels of ultraviolet radiations (UVB and UVC). Animals were able to survive desiccation (survivorship 95.71 ± 7.07%) and freezing up to −80 °C (82.33 ± 17.11%). Both hydrated and desiccated animals showed a high tolerance to increasing UV radiations: hydrated animals survived to doses up to 152.22 kJ m−2 (UVB) and up to 15.00 kJ m−2 (UVC), while desiccated specimens persisted to radiations up to 165.12 kJ m−2 (UVB) and up to 35.00 kJ m−2 (UVC). Present data contribute to the discovery of a larger tardigrade biodiversity in Japan, and the tolerance capabilities of M. kyoukenus sp. nov. show that it could become a new emerging model for stress resistance studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Cesari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Ilaria Giovannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (L.R.)
- Department of Education and Humanities, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale Timavo, 93, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Tiziana Altiero
- Department of Education and Humanities, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale Timavo, 93, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Richard Cornette
- Division of Biomaterial Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba 305-0851, Ibaraki, Japan; (R.C.); (T.K.)
| | - Takahiro Kikawada
- Division of Biomaterial Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba 305-0851, Ibaraki, Japan; (R.C.); (T.K.)
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (L.R.)
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Deciphering the Biological Enigma-Genomic Evolution Underlying Anhydrobiosis in the Phylum Tardigrada and the Chironomid Polypedilum vanderplanki. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13060557. [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] [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.
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Giovannini I, Corsetto PA, Altiero T, Montorfano G, Guidetti R, Rizzo AM, Rebecchi L. Antioxidant Response during the Kinetics of Anhydrobiosis in Two Eutardigrade Species. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12060817. [PMID: 35743848 PMCID: PMC9225123 DOI: 10.3390/life12060817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anhydrobiosis, a peculiar adaptive strategy existing in nature, is a reversible capability of organisms to tolerate a severe loss of their body water when their surrounding habitat is drying out. In the anhydrobiotic state, an organism lacks all dynamic features of living beings since an ongoing metabolism is absent. The depletion of water in the anhydrobiotic state increases the ionic concentration and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An imbalance between the increased production of ROS and the limited action of antioxidant defences is a source of biomolecular damage and can lead to oxidative stress. The deleterious effects of oxidative stress were demonstrated in anhydrobiotic unicellular and multicellular organisms, which counteract the effects using efficient antioxidant machinery, mainly represented by ROS scavenger enzymes. To gain insights into the dynamics of antioxidant patterns during the kinetics of the anhydrobiosis of two tardigrade species, Paramacrobiotus spatialis and Acutuncus antarcticus, we investigated the activity of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and the amount of non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione) in the course of rehydration. In P. spatialis, the activity of catalase increases during dehydration and decreases during rehydration, whereas in A. antarcticus, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreases during desiccation and increases during rehydration. Genomic varieties, different habitats and geographical regions, different diets, and diverse evolutionary lineages may have led to the specialization of antioxidant strategies in the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giovannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (I.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Paola Antonia Corsetto
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.A.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Tiziana Altiero
- Department of Education and Humanities, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Gigliola Montorfano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.A.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (I.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.A.C.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (L.R.); Tel.: +39-02503-1777 (A.M.R.); +39-0592055553 (L.R.)
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (I.G.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (L.R.); Tel.: +39-02503-1777 (A.M.R.); +39-0592055553 (L.R.)
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8
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Møbjerg A, Kodama M, Ramos-Madrigal J, Neves RC, Jørgensen A, Schiøtt M, Gilbert MTP, Møbjerg N. Extreme freeze-tolerance in cryophilic tardigrades relies on controlled ice formation but does not involve significant change in transcription. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 271:111245. [PMID: 35640792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Subzero temperatures are among the most significant factors defining the distribution of organisms, yet, certain taxa have evolved to overcome this barrier. The microscopic tardigrades are among the most freeze-tolerant animals, with selected species reported to survive milli-Kelvin temperatures. Here, we estimate survival of fully hydrated eutardigrades of the species Ramazzottius varieornatus following exposures to -20 °C and -80 °C as well as -196 °C with or without initial cooling to -80 °C. The tardigrades easily survive these temperatures, yet with a significant decrease in viability following rapid cooling by direct exposure to -196 °C. Hence, post-freeze recovery of R. varieornatus seems to rely on cooling rate and thus controlled ice formation. Cryophilic organisms are renowned for having cold-active enzymes that secure appropriate reaction rates at low temperatures. Hence, extreme freeze-tolerance in R. varieornatus could potentially involve syntheses of cryoprotectants and de novo transcription. We therefore generated a reference transcriptome for this cryophilic R. varieornatus population and explored for differential gene expression patterns following cooling to -80 °C as compared to active 5 °C controls. Specifically, we tested for fast transcription potentially occurring within 25 min of cooling from room temperature to a supercooling point of ca. -20 °C, at which the tardigrades presumably freeze and enter into the ametabolic state of cryobiosis. Our analyses revealed no evidence for differential gene expression. We, therefore, conclude that extreme freeze-tolerance in R. varieornatus relies on controlled extracellular freezing with any freeze-tolerance related genes being constitutively expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ask Møbjerg
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. https://twitter.com/askmobjerg
| | - Miyako Kodama
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jazmín Ramos-Madrigal
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Aslak Jørgensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Schiøtt
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; University Museum, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nadja Møbjerg
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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9
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Giovannini I, Boothby TC, Cesari M, Goldstein B, Guidetti R, Rebecchi L. Production of reactive oxygen species and involvement of bioprotectants during anhydrobiosis in the tardigrade Paramacrobiotus spatialis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1938. [PMID: 35121798 PMCID: PMC8816950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05734-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Water unavailability is an abiotic stress causing unfavourable conditions for life. Nevertheless, some animals evolved anhydrobiosis, a strategy allowing for the reversible organism dehydration and suspension of metabolism as a direct response to habitat desiccation. Anhydrobiotic animals undergo biochemical changes synthesizing bioprotectants to help combat desiccation stresses. One stress is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus spatialis was used to investigate the occurrence of ROS associated with the desiccation process. We observed that the production of ROS significantly increases as a function of time spent in anhydrobiosis and represents a direct demonstration of oxidative stress in tardigrades. The degree of involvement of bioprotectants, including those combating ROS, in the P. spatialis was evaluated by perturbing their gene functions using RNA interference and assessing the successful recovery of animals after desiccation/rehydration. Targeting the glutathione peroxidase gene compromised survival during drying and rehydration, providing evidence for the role of the gene in desiccation tolerance. Targeting genes encoding glutathione reductase and catalase indicated that these molecules play roles during rehydration. Our study also confirms the involvement of aquaporins 3 and 10 during rehydration. Therefore, desiccation tolerance depends on the synergistic action of many different molecules working together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giovannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Thomas C Boothby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.,Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michele Cesari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Bob Goldstein
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy
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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.
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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
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11
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Vecchi M, Kossi Adakpo L, Dunn RR, Nichols LM, Penick CA, Sanders NJ, Rebecchi L, Guidetti R. The toughest animals of the Earth versus global warming: Effects of long-term experimental warming on tardigrade community structure of a temperate deciduous forest. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9856-9863. [PMID: 34306668 PMCID: PMC8293726 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7816] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how different taxa respond to global warming is essential for predicting future changes and elaborating strategies to buffer them. Tardigrades are well known for their ability to survive environmental stressors, such as drying and freezing, by undergoing cryptobiosis and rapidly recovering their metabolic function after stressors cease. Determining the extent to which animals that undergo cryptobiosis are affected by environmental warming will help to understand the real magnitude climate change will have on these organisms. Here, we report on the responses of tardigrades within a five-year-long, field-based artificial warming experiment, which consisted of 12 open-top chambers heated to simulate the projected effects of global warming (ranging from 0 to 5.5°C above ambient temperature) in a temperate deciduous forest of North Carolina (USA). To elucidate the effects of warming on the tardigrade community inhabiting the soil litter, three community diversity indices (abundance, species richness, and Shannon diversity) and the abundance of the three most abundant species (Diphascon pingue, Adropion scoticum, and Mesobiotus sp.) were determined. Their relationships with air temperature, soil moisture, and the interaction between air temperature and soil moisture were tested using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models. Despite observed negative effects of warming on other ground invertebrates in previous studies at this site, long-term warming did not affect the abundance, richness, or diversity of tardigrades in this experiment. These results are in line with previous experimental studies, indicating that tardigrades may not be directly affected by ongoing global warming, possibly due to their thermotolerance and cryptobiotic abilities to avoid negative effects of stressful temperatures, and the buffering effect on temperature of the soil litter substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vecchi
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyvaskylaJyvaskylaFinland
| | | | - Robert R. Dunn
- Department of Applied EcologyNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Center for Evolutionary HologenomicsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lauren M. Nichols
- Department of Applied EcologyNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Clint A. Penick
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal BiologyKennesaw State UniversityKennesawGAUSA
| | - Nathan J. Sanders
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
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12
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Erdmann W, Idzikowski B, Kowalski W, Kosicki JZ, Kaczmarek Ł. Tolerance of two anhydrobiotic tardigrades Echiniscus testudo and Milnesium inceptum to hypomagnetic conditions. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10630. [PMID: 33604170 PMCID: PMC7863786 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The open space is a hostile environment for all lifeforms not only due to vacuum, high radiation, low atmospheric pressure, and extremely low temperature, but also the absence of the geomagnetic field. The geomagnetic field protects Earth mainly from corpuscular radiation, that is, solar wind and cosmic radiation, but above all it influences organisms, including their cells, tissues and organs. Moreover, numerous studies conducted on plants and animals confirmed that hypomagnetic conditions (the term referring to all situations when the magnetic field is weaker than the typical geomagnetic field) have significant influence on the metabolism of living organisms. Although many studies dealt with a variety of aspects related mainly to the influence of hypomagnetic conditions on human health. Very few studies have considered the influence of hypomagnetic conditions on extremophiles. Astrobiologists have long been testing different extremofiles to find out if any multicellular organisms are able to survive in extreme conditions of open space. Among all multicellular extremophiles fit for such research, water bears (Tardigrada) are the most interesting. Not only are they one of the most resistant organisms on Earth, but results obtained from studies on these invertebrates can be extrapolated or applied to vertebrates (including humans). Despite this, studies on the influence of hypomagnetic conditions on tardigrades are rare, so far. In the present study, to test the influence of hypomagnetic conditions on the process of anhydrobiosis while entering and returning from anhydrobiosis, we used two terrestrial anhydrobiotic species that are Echiniscus testudo and Milnesium inceptum. To exclude the ambient magnetic field, experiments were carried out in a special magnetic field shielding chamber. In total, three experiments were conducted: (a) tardigrades in anhydrobiosis, (b) tardigrades entering anhydrobiosis and (c) tardigrades returning to active life. The obtained results clearly showed that even partial isolation from the geomagnetic field, that is, hypomagnetic conditions, has negative influence on anhydrobiotic abilities of both tested tardigrade species. In both species we observed lower survivability rate while entering anhydrobiosis, in anhydrobiotic state and returning to the active state. What is more, we observed a higher mortality rate in Ech. testudo than Mil. inceptum which suggest that different species response to the hypomagnetic conditions in different way. In conclusion, while current knowledge on the influence of hypomagnetic conditions on mortality of invertebrates is very limited, our results suggest that the presence of the magnetic field is a very important factor which should be considered in further research focused on potential survival of Earth organisms in outer space, spacecrafts or different planets and moons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Erdmann
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology/Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznan, Poznań, Poland
| | - Bogdan Idzikowski
- Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kowalski
- Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jakub Z. Kosicki
- Department of Avian Biology and Ecology/Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznan, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology/Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznan, Poznań, Poland
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13
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Hibshman JD, Clegg JS, Goldstein B. Mechanisms of Desiccation Tolerance: Themes and Variations in Brine Shrimp, Roundworms, and Tardigrades. Front Physiol 2020; 11:592016. [PMID: 33192606 PMCID: PMC7649794 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.592016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Water is critical for the survival of most cells and organisms. Remarkably, a small number of multicellular animals are able to survive nearly complete drying. The phenomenon of anhydrobiosis, or life without water, has been of interest to researchers for over 300 years. In this review we discuss advances in our understanding of protectants and mechanisms of desiccation tolerance that have emerged from research in three anhydrobiotic invertebrates: brine shrimp (Artemia), roundworms (nematodes), and tardigrades (water bears). Discovery of molecular protectants that allow each of these three animals to survive drying diversifies our understanding of desiccation tolerance, and convergent themes suggest mechanisms that may offer a general model for engineering desiccation tolerance in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Hibshman
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - James S. Clegg
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Bob Goldstein
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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14
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Roszkowska M, Kmita H, Kaczmarek Ł. Long-term anhydrobiosis in two taxa of moss dwelling Eutardigrada (Tardigrada) desiccated for 12 and 15 years, respectively. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1829110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Roszkowska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- 2Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - H. Kmita
- 2Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ł. Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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15
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Kondo K, Mori M, Tomita M, Arakawa K. Pre-treatment with D942, a furancarboxylic acid derivative, increases desiccation tolerance in an anhydrobiotic tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:1774-1781. [PMID: 32623826 PMCID: PMC7459401 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris can undergo anhydrobiosis. Several chemicals that inhibit successful anhydrobiosis in H. exemplaris have been identified, and these chemicals inhibit the activity of signaling molecules. In the present study, we investigated whether upregulation of the activity of these signaling molecules could improve desiccation tolerance of H. exemplaris. Pre‐treatment with an indirect activator of AMP‐activated protein kinase [AMPK; which directly inhibits mammalian NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 [NQO1] of mitochondrial complex I (D942)] significantly improved desiccation tolerance of H. exemplaris, whereas a direct activator of AMPK did not. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we examined the proteome of tardigrades treated with D942. Two proteins, putative glutathione S‐transferase and pirin‐like protein, were upregulated by treatment. Both of these proteins are known to be associated with the response to oxidative stress. One of the downregulated proteins was serine/threonine‐proteinphosphatase 2A (PP2A) 65‐kDa regulatory subunit A alpha isoform, and it is interesting to note that PP2A activity was previously suggested to be required for successful anhydrobiosis in H. exemplaris. Taken together, our results suggest that D942 treatment may partially induce responses common to those of desiccation stress. The identification of a chemical that improves desiccation tolerance of H. exemplaris may facilitate further investigation into desiccation tolerance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koyuki Kondo
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Masaru Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan.,Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
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16
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Phan TLCHB, Delorge I, Avonce N, Van Dijck P. Functional Characterization of Class I Trehalose Biosynthesis Genes in Physcomitrella patens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 10:1694. [PMID: 32038675 PMCID: PMC6984353 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The function of trehalose metabolism in plants during growth and development has been extensively studied, mostly in the eudicot Arabidopsis thaliana. So far, however, not much is known about trehalose metabolism in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Here, we show that in P. patens, two active trehalose-6-phosphate synthase enzymes exist, PpTPS1 and PpTPS2. Expression of both enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can complement the glucose-growth defect of the yeast tps1∆ mutant. Truncation of N-terminal extension in PpTPS1 and PpTPS2 resulted in higher TPS activity and high trehalose levels, upon expression in yeast. Physcomitrella knockout plants were generated and analyzed in various conditions to functionally characterize these proteins. tps1∆ and tps2∆ knockouts displayed a lower amount of caulonema filaments and were significantly reduced in size of gametophores as compared to the wild type. These phenotypes were more pronounced in the tps1∆ tps2∆ mutant. Caulonema formation is induced by factors such as high energy and auxins. Only high amounts of supplied energy were able to induce caulonema filaments in the tps1∆ tps2∆ mutant. Furthermore, this mutant was less sensitive to auxins as NAA-induced caulonema development was arrested in the tps1∆ tps2∆ mutant. In contrast, formation of caulonema filaments is repressed by cytokinins. This effect was more severe in the tps1∆ and tps1∆ tps2∆ mutants. Our results demonstrate that PpTPS1 and PpTPS2 are essential for sensing and signaling sugars and plant hormones to monitor the balance between caulonema and chloronema development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Le Cong Huyen Bao Phan
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Cantho University, Cantho, Vietnam
| | - Ines Delorge
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nelson Avonce
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Boothby TC. Mechanisms and evolution of resistance to environmental extremes in animals. EvoDevo 2019; 10:30. [PMID: 31827759 PMCID: PMC6862762 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-019-0143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
When animals are exposed to an extreme environmental stress, one of three possible outcomes takes place: the animal dies, the animal avoids the environmental stress and survives, or the animal tolerates the environmental stress and survives. This review is concerned with the third possibility, and will look at mechanisms that rare animals use to survive extreme environmental stresses including freezing, desiccation, intense heat, irradiation, and low-oxygen conditions (hypoxia). In addition, an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in environmental stress tolerance allows us to speculate on how these tolerances arose. Uncovering the mechanisms of extreme environmental stress tolerance and how they evolve has broad implications for our understanding of the evolution of early life on this planet, colonization of new environments, and the search for novel forms of life both on Earth and elsewhere, as well as a number of agricultural and health-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Boothby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
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18
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Kaczmarek Ł, Roszkowska M, Fontaneto D, Jezierska M, Pietrzak B, Wieczorek R, Poprawa I, Kosicki JZ, Karachitos A, Kmita H. Staying young and fit? Ontogenetic and phylogenetic consequences of animal anhydrobiosis. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ł. Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poznań Poland
| | - M. Roszkowska
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poznań Poland
- Department of Bioenergetics Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poznań Poland
| | - D. Fontaneto
- National Research Council Water Research Institute (CNR‐IRSA) Verbania Italy
| | - M. Jezierska
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology University of Silesia in Katowice Katowice Poland
| | - B. Pietrzak
- Department of Hydrobiology Faculty of Biology Biological and Chemical Research Centre University of Warsaw Warszawa Poland
| | - R. Wieczorek
- Faculty of Chemistry University of Warsaw Warsaw Poland
| | - I. Poprawa
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology University of Silesia in Katowice Katowice Poland
| | - J. Z. Kosicki
- Department of Avian Biology and Ecology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan Poznań Poland
| | - A. Karachitos
- Department of Bioenergetics Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poznań Poland
| | - H. Kmita
- Department of Bioenergetics Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poznań Poland
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19
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Jönsson KI, Holm I, Tassidis H. Cell Biology of the Tardigrades: Current Knowledge and Perspectives. Results Probl Cell Differ 2019; 68:231-249. [PMID: 31598859 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23459-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The invertebrate phylum Tardigrada has received much attention for containing species adapted to the most challenging environmental conditions where an ability to survive complete desiccation or freezing in a cryptobiotic state is necessary for persistence. Although research on tardigrades has a long history, the last decade has seen a dramatic increase in molecular biological ("omics") studies, most of them with the aim to reveal the biochemical mechanisms behind desiccation tolerance of tardigrades. Several other aspects of tardigrade cell biology have been studied, and we review some of them, including karyology, embryology, the role of storage cells, and the question of whether tardigrades are eutelic animals. We also review some of the theories about how anhydrobiotic organisms are able to maintain cell integrity under dry conditions, and our current knowledge on the role of vitrification and DNA protection and repair. Many aspects of tardigrade stress tolerance have relevance for human medicine, and the first transfers of tardigrade stress genes to human cells have now appeared. We expect this field to develop rapidly in the coming years, as more genomic information becomes available. However, many basic cell biological aspects remain to be investigated, such as immunology, cell cycle kinetics, cell metabolism, and culturing of tardigrade cells. Such development will be necessary to allow tardigrades to move from a nonmodel organism position to a true model organism with interesting associations with the current models C. elegans and D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ingemar Jönsson
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden.
| | - Ingvar Holm
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Helena Tassidis
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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20
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Fontaneto D. Long-distance passive dispersal in microscopic aquatic animals. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2019; 7:10. [PMID: 30962931 PMCID: PMC6434837 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-019-0155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Given their dormancy capability (long-term resistant stages) and their ability to colonise and reproduce, microscopic aquatic animals have been suggested having cosmopolitan distribution. Their dormant stages may be continuously moved by mobile elements through the entire planet to any suitable habitat, preventing the formation of biogeographical patterns. In this review, I will go through the evidence we have on the most common microscopic aquatic animals, namely nematodes, rotifers, and tardigrades, for each of the assumptions allowing long-distance dispersal (dormancy, viability, and reproduction) and all the evidence we have for transportation, directly from surveys of dispersing stages, and indirectly from the outcome of successful dispersal in biogeographical and phylogeographical studies. The current knowledge reveals biogeographical patterns also for microscopic organisms, with species-specific differences in ecological features that make some taxa indeed cosmopolitan with the potential for long-distance dispersal, but others with restricted geographic distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fontaneto
- National Research Council of Italy, Water Research Institute, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922 Verbania Pallanza, Italy
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21
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Czerneková M, Janelt K, Student S, Jönsson KI, Poprawa I. A comparative ultrastructure study of storage cells in the eutardigrade Richtersius coronifer in the hydrated state and after desiccation and heating stress. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201430. [PMID: 30096140 PMCID: PMC6086413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades represent an invertebrate phylum with no circulatory or respiratory system. Their body cavity is filled with free storage cells of the coelomocyte-type, which are responsible for important physiological functions. We report a study comparing the ultrastructure of storage cells in anhydrobiotic and hydrated specimens of the eutardigrade Richtersius coronifer. We also analysed the effect of temperature stress on storage cell structure. Firstly, we verified two types of ultrastructurally different storage cells, which differ in cellular organelle complexity, amount and content of reserve material and connection to oogenetic stage. Type I cells were found to differ ultrastructurally depending on the oogenetic stage of the animal. The main function of these cells is energy storage. Storage cells of Type I were also observed in the single male that was found among the analysed specimens. The second cell type, Type II, found only in females, represents young undifferentiated cells, possibly stem cells. The two types of cells also differ with respect to the presence of nucleolar vacuoles, which are related to oogenetic stages and to changes in nucleolic activity during oogenesis. Secondly, this study revealed that storage cells are not ultrastructurally affected by six months of desiccation or by heating following this desiccation period. However, heating of the desiccated animals (tuns) tended to reduce animal survival, indicating that long-term desiccation makes these animals more vulnerable to heat stress. We confirmed the degradative pathways during the rehydration process after desiccation and heat stress. Our study is the first to document two ultrastructurally different types of storage cells in tardigrades and reveals new perspectives for further studies of tardigrade storage cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Czerneková
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Janelt
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Sebastian Student
- Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Automatic Control, Gliwice, Poland
| | - K. Ingemar Jönsson
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Izabela Poprawa
- Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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22
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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.
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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.
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23
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Nowell RW, Almeida P, Wilson CG, Smith TP, Fontaneto D, Crisp A, Micklem G, Tunnacliffe A, Boschetti C, Barraclough TG. Comparative genomics of bdelloid rotifers: Insights from desiccating and nondesiccating species. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2004830. [PMID: 29689044 PMCID: PMC5916493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2004830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bdelloid rotifers are a class of microscopic invertebrates that have existed for millions of years apparently without sex or meiosis. They inhabit a variety of temporary and permanent freshwater habitats globally, and many species are remarkably tolerant of desiccation. Bdelloids offer an opportunity to better understand the evolution of sex and recombination, but previous work has emphasised desiccation as the cause of several unusual genomic features in this group. Here, we present high-quality whole-genome sequences of 3 bdelloid species: Rotaria macrura and R. magnacalcarata, which are both desiccation intolerant, and Adineta ricciae, which is desiccation tolerant. In combination with the published assembly of A. vaga, which is also desiccation tolerant, we apply a comparative genomics approach to evaluate the potential effects of desiccation tolerance and asexuality on genome evolution in bdelloids. We find that ancestral tetraploidy is conserved among all 4 bdelloid species, but homologous divergence in obligately aquatic Rotaria genomes is unexpectedly low. This finding is contrary to current models regarding the role of desiccation in shaping bdelloid genomes. In addition, we find that homologous regions in A. ricciae are largely collinear and do not form palindromic repeats as observed in the published A. vaga assembly. Consequently, several features interpreted as genomic evidence for long-term ameiotic evolution are not general to all bdelloid species, even within the same genus. Finally, we substantiate previous findings of high levels of horizontally transferred nonmetazoan genes in both desiccating and nondesiccating bdelloid species and show that this unusual feature is not shared by other animal phyla, even those with desiccation-tolerant representatives. These comparisons call into question the proposed role of desiccation in mediating horizontal genetic transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben W. Nowell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Almeida
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher G. Wilson
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas P. Smith
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Ecosystem Study, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Alastair Crisp
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, West Cambridge Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gos Micklem
- Department of Genetics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Downing Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Tunnacliffe
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, West Cambridge Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Boschetti
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, West Cambridge Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Plymouth University, Portland Square Building, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy G. Barraclough
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom
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Hashimoto T, Kunieda T. DNA Protection Protein, a Novel Mechanism of Radiation Tolerance: Lessons from Tardigrades. Life (Basel) 2017; 7:life7020026. [PMID: 28617314 PMCID: PMC5492148 DOI: 10.3390/life7020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA stores all genetic information and is indispensable for maintenance of normal cellular activity and propagation. Radiation causes severe DNA lesions, including double-strand breaks, and leads to genome instability and even lethality. Regardless of the toxicity of radiation, some organisms exhibit extraordinary tolerance against radiation. These organisms are supposed to possess special mechanisms to mitigate radiation-induced DNA damages. Extensive study using radiotolerant bacteria suggested that effective protection of proteins and enhanced DNA repair system play important roles in tolerability against high-dose radiation. Recent studies using an extremotolerant animal, the tardigrade, provides new evidence that a tardigrade-unique DNA-associating protein, termed Dsup, suppresses the occurrence of DNA breaks by radiation in human-cultured cells. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the current knowledge on extremely radiotolerant animals, and present novel insights from the tardigrade research, which expand our understanding on molecular mechanism of exceptional radio-tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Hashimoto
- Laboratory for Radiation Biology, School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, 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.
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25
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Hygum TL, Clausen LKB, Halberg KA, Jørgensen A, Møbjerg N. Tun formation is not a prerequisite for desiccation tolerance in the marine tidal tardigradeEchiniscoides sigismundi. Zool J Linn Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Hygum
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Lykke K. B. Clausen
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Kenneth A. Halberg
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13 Copenhagen Denmark
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow; Davidson Building Room 324 Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Aslak Jørgensen
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Nadja Møbjerg
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13 Copenhagen Denmark
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Abstract
To survive exposure to space conditions, organisms should have certain characteristics including a high tolerance for freezing, radiation and desiccation. The organisms with the best chance for survival under such conditions are extremophiles, like some species of Bacteria and Archea, Rotifera, several species of Nematoda, some of the arthropods and Tardigrada (water bears). There is no denying that tardigrades are one of the toughest animals on our planet and are the most unique in the extremophiles group. Tardigrada are very small animals (50 to 2,100 μm in length), and they inhabit great number of Earth environments. Ever since it was proven that tardigrades have high resistance to the different kinds of stress factors associated with cosmic journeys, combined with their relatively complex structure and their relative ease of observation, they have become a perfect model organism for space research. This taxon is now the focus of astrobiologists from around the world. Therefore, this paper presents a short review of the space research performed on tardigrades as well as some considerations for further studies.
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Tsujimoto M, Imura S, Kanda H. Recovery and reproduction of an Antarctic tardigrade retrieved from a moss sample frozen for over 30 years. Cryobiology 2016; 72:78-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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28
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Evidence for extensive horizontal gene transfer from the draft genome of a tardigrade. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:15976-81. [PMID: 26598659 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1510461112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), or the transfer of genes between species, has been recognized recently as more pervasive than previously suspected. Here, we report evidence for an unprecedented degree of HGT into an animal genome, based on a draft genome of a tardigrade, Hypsibius dujardini. Tardigrades are microscopic eight-legged animals that are famous for their ability to survive extreme conditions. Genome sequencing, direct confirmation of physical linkage, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that a large fraction of the H. dujardini genome is derived from diverse bacteria as well as plants, fungi, and Archaea. We estimate that approximately one-sixth of tardigrade genes entered by HGT, nearly double the fraction found in the most extreme cases of HGT into animals known to date. Foreign genes have supplemented, expanded, and even replaced some metazoan gene families within the tardigrade genome. Our results demonstrate that an unexpectedly large fraction of an animal genome can be derived from foreign sources. We speculate that animals that can survive extremes may be particularly prone to acquiring foreign genes.
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Wang C, Grohme MA, Mali B, Schill RO, Frohme M. Towards decrypting cryptobiosis--analyzing anhydrobiosis in the tardigrade Milnesium tardigradum using transcriptome sequencing. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92663. [PMID: 24651535 PMCID: PMC3961413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many tardigrade species are capable of anhydrobiosis; however, mechanisms underlying their extreme desiccation resistance remain elusive. This study attempts to quantify the anhydrobiotic transcriptome of the limno-terrestrial tardigrade Milnesium tardigradum. Results A prerequisite for differential gene expression analysis was the generation of a reference hybrid transcriptome atlas by assembly of Sanger, 454 and Illumina sequence data. The final assembly yielded 79,064 contigs (>100 bp) after removal of ribosomal RNAs. Around 50% of them could be annotated by SwissProt and NCBI non-redundant protein sequences. Analysis using CEGMA predicted 232 (93.5%) out of the 248 highly conserved eukaryotic genes in the assembly. We used this reference transcriptome for mapping and quantifying the expression of transcripts regulated under anhdydrobiosis in a time-series during dehydration and rehydration. 834 of the transcripts were found to be differentially expressed in a single stage (dehydration/inactive tun/rehydration) and 184 were overlapping in two stages while 74 were differentially expressed in all three stages. We have found interesting patterns of differentially expressed transcripts that are in concordance with a common hypothesis of metabolic shutdown during anhydrobiosis. This included down-regulation of several proteins of the DNA replication and translational machinery and protein degradation. Among others, heat shock proteins Hsp27 and Hsp30c were up-regulated in response to dehydration and rehydration. In addition, we observed up-regulation of ployubiquitin-B upon rehydration together with a higher expression level of several DNA repair proteins during rehydration than in the dehydration stage. Conclusions Most of the transcripts identified to be differentially expressed had distinct cellular function. Our data suggest a concerted molecular adaptation in M. tardigradum that permits extreme forms of ametabolic states such as anhydrobiosis. It is temping to surmise that the desiccation tolerance of tradigrades can be achieved by a constitutive cellular protection system, probably in conjunction with other mechanisms such as rehydration-induced cellular repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Markus A. Grohme
- Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
| | - Brahim Mali
- Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
| | - Ralph O. Schill
- Biological Institute, Zoology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marcus Frohme
- Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
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30
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Marchioro T, Rebecchi L, Cesari M, Hansen JG, Viotti G, Guidetti R. Somatic musculature of Tardigrada: phylogenetic signal and metameric patterns. Zool J Linn Soc 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Marchioro
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; via Campi 213/D 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; via Campi 213/D 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Michele Cesari
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; via Campi 213/D 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Jesper Guldberg Hansen
- Invertebrate Department; Zoological Museum; Natural History Museum of Denmark; University of Copenhagen; Universitetsparken 15 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark
| | - Giulia Viotti
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; via Campi 213/D 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; via Campi 213/D 41125 Modena Italy
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31
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Bonifacio A, Guidetti R, Altiero T, Sergo V, Rebecchi L. Nature, source and function of pigments in tardigrades: in vivo raman imaging of carotenoids in Echiniscus blumi. PLoS One 2012. [PMID: 23185564 PMCID: PMC3503987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic aquatic animals with remarkable abilities to withstand harsh physical conditions such as dehydration or exposure to harmful highly energetic radiation. The mechanisms responsible for such robustness are presently little known, but protection against oxidative stresses is thought to play a role. Despite the fact that many tardigrade species are variously pigmented, scarce information is available about this characteristic. By applying Raman micro-spectroscopy on living specimens, pigments in the tardigrade Echiniscus blumi are identified as carotenoids, and their distribution within the animal body is visualized. The dietary origin of these pigments is demonstrated, as well as their presence in the eggs and in eye-spots of these animals, together with their absence in the outer layer of the animal (i.e., cuticle and epidermis). Using in-vivo semi-quantitative Raman micro-spectroscopy, a decrease in carotenoid content is detected after inducing oxidative stress, demonstrating that this approach can be used for studying the role of carotenoids in oxidative stress-related processes in tardigrades. This approach could be thus used in further investigations to test several hypotheses concerning the function of these carotenoids in tardigrades as photo-protective pigments against ionizing radiations or as antioxidants defending these organisms against the oxidative stress occurring during desiccation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alois Bonifacio
- Centre of Excellence for Nanostructured Materials and Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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32
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Fontaneto D, Bunnefeld N, Westberg M. Long-term survival of microscopic animals under desiccation is not so long. ASTROBIOLOGY 2012; 12:863-869. [PMID: 22924877 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
More frequent events of drought are predicted to happen in the future, but our ability to predict the effect on the biota may be limited by our partial understanding of extremophiles. Among the few animals that are able to survive in the absence of water for long periods of time are rotifers, tardigrades, and nematodes. Here, we take advantage of lichen collections stored dry at ambient temperature and humidity for years in museums, and through statistical modeling we demonstrate that the survival rates over time do not differ among animal groups but are strongly influenced by the type of substrate (the different lichen species). Our results suggest that desiccated organisms are prone to irreversible damage to biological structures, independently of the different biochemical processes involved in desiccation tolerance by different animals. The influence of the environment overcomes any taxon-specific response to survive extreme droughts. The predicted ability to survive for up to 10 years while desiccated enables these organisms to achieve potential global distributions, endurance against parasites, and even survival when exposed to outer space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fontaneto
- National Research Council, Institute of Ecosystem Study, Verbania Pallanza, Italy.
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33
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Tyson T, O'Mahony Zamora G, Wong S, Skelton M, Daly B, Jones JT, Mulvihill ED, Elsworth B, Phillips M, Blaxter M, Burnell AM. A molecular analysis of desiccation tolerance mechanisms in the anhydrobiotic nematode Panagrolaimus superbus using expressed sequenced tags. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:68. [PMID: 22281184 PMCID: PMC3296651 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some organisms can survive extreme desiccation by entering into a state of suspended animation known as anhydrobiosis. Panagrolaimus superbus is a free-living anhydrobiotic nematode that can survive rapid environmental desiccation. The mechanisms that P. superbus uses to combat the potentially lethal effects of cellular dehydration may include the constitutive and inducible expression of protective molecules, along with behavioural and/or morphological adaptations that slow the rate of cellular water loss. In addition, inducible repair and revival programmes may also be required for successful rehydration and recovery from anhydrobiosis. Results To identify constitutively expressed candidate anhydrobiotic genes we obtained 9,216 ESTs from an unstressed mixed stage population of P. superbus. We derived 4,009 unigenes from these ESTs. These unigene annotations and sequences can be accessed at http://www.nematodes.org/nembase4/species_info.php?species=PSC. We manually annotated a set of 187 constitutively expressed candidate anhydrobiotic genes from P. superbus. Notable among those is a putative lineage expansion of the lea (late embryogenesis abundant) gene family. The most abundantly expressed sequence was a member of the nematode specific sxp/ral-2 family that is highly expressed in parasitic nematodes and secreted onto the surface of the nematodes' cuticles. There were 2,059 novel unigenes (51.7% of the total), 149 of which are predicted to encode intrinsically disordered proteins lacking a fixed tertiary structure. One unigene may encode an exo-β-1,3-glucanase (GHF5 family), most similar to a sequence from Phytophthora infestans. GHF5 enzymes have been reported from several species of plant parasitic nematodes, with horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria proposed to explain their evolutionary origin. This P. superbus sequence represents another possible HGT event within the Nematoda. The expression of five of the 19 putative stress response genes tested was upregulated in response to desiccation. These were the antioxidants glutathione peroxidase, dj-1 and 1-Cys peroxiredoxin, an shsp sequence and an lea gene. Conclusions P. superbus appears to utilise a strategy of combined constitutive and inducible gene expression in preparation for entry into anhydrobiosis. The apparent lineage expansion of lea genes, together with their constitutive and inducible expression, suggests that LEA3 proteins are important components of the anhydrobiotic protection repertoire of P. superbus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Tyson
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Maynooth, Co, Kildare, Ireland.
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Horikawa DD. Survival of Tardigrades in Extreme Environments: A Model Animal for Astrobiology. CELLULAR ORIGIN, LIFE IN EXTREME HABITATS AND ASTROBIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-1896-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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35
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Death by protein damage in irradiated cells. DNA Repair (Amst) 2012; 11:12-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2011.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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36
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Møbjerg N, Halberg KA, Jørgensen A, Persson D, Bjørn M, Ramløv H, Kristensen RM. Survival in extreme environments - on the current knowledge of adaptations in tardigrades. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2011; 202:409-20. [PMID: 21251237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2011.02252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic animals found worldwide in aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems. They belong to the invertebrate superclade Ecdysozoa, as do the two major invertebrate model organisms: Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. We present a brief description of the tardigrades and highlight species that are currently used as models for physiological and molecular investigations. Tardigrades are uniquely adapted to a range of environmental extremes. Cryptobiosis, currently referred to as a reversible ametabolic state induced by e.g. desiccation, is common especially among limno-terrestrial species. It has been shown that the entry and exit of cryptobiosis may involve synthesis of bioprotectants in the form of selective carbohydrates and proteins as well as high levels of antioxidant enzymes and other free radical scavengers. However, at present a general scheme of mechanisms explaining this phenomenon is lacking. Importantly, recent research has shown that tardigrades even in their active states may be extremely tolerant to environmental stress, handling extreme levels of ionizing radiation, large fluctuation in external salinity and avoiding freezing by supercooling to below -20 °C, presumably relying on efficient DNA repair mechanisms and osmoregulation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on adaptations found among tardigrades, and presents new data on tardigrade cell numbers and osmoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Møbjerg
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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37
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Wełnicz W, Grohme MA, Kaczmarek L, Schill RO, Frohme M. Anhydrobiosis in tardigrades--the last decade. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:577-583. [PMID: 21440551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The current state of knowledge about anhydrobiosis in tardigrades is presented. In response to adverse environmental conditions tardigrades arrest their metabolic activity and after complete dehydration enter the so-called "tun" state. In this ametabolic state they are able to tolerate exposure to various chemical and physical extremes. These micrometazoans have evolved various kinds of morphological, physiological and molecular adaptations to reduce the effects of desiccation. In this review we address behavioral adaptation, morphological features and molecules which determine the anhydrobiotic survival. The influence of the time spent in anhydrobiotic state on the lifespan and DNA and the role of the antioxidant defense system are also considered. Finally we summarize recent input from the "omics" sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Wełnicz
- Molecular Biology and Functional Genome Analysis, University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Germany.
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38
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Guidetti R, Altiero T, Rebecchi L. On dormancy strategies in tardigrades. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:567-76. [PMID: 21402076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In this review we analyze the dormancy strategies of metazoans inhabiting "hostile to life" habitats, which have a strong impact on their ecology and in particular on the traits of their life history. Tardigrades are here considered a model animal, being aquatic organisms colonizing terrestrial habitats. Tardigrades evolved a large variety of dormant stages that can be ascribed to diapause (encystment, cyclomorphosis, resting eggs) and cryptobiosis (anhydrobiosis, cryobiosis, anoxibiosis). In tardigrades, diapause and cryptobiosis can occur separately or simultaneously, consequently the adoption of one adaptive strategy is not necessarily an alternative to the adoption of the other. Encystment and cyclomorphosis are characterized by seasonal cyclic changes in morphology and physiology of the animals. They share several common features and their evolution is strictly linked to the molting process. A bet-hedging strategy with different patterns of egg hatching time has been observed in a tardigrade species. Four categories of eggs have been identified: subitaneous, delayed-hatching, abortive and diapause resting eggs, which needs a stimulus to hatch (rehydration after a period of desiccation). Cryptobiotic tardigrades are able to withstand desiccation (anhydrobiosis) and freezing (cryobiosis) at any stage of their life-cycle. This ability involves a complex array of factors working at molecular (bioprotectans), physiological and structural levels. Animal survival and the accumulation of molecular damage are related to the time spent in the cryptobiotic state, to the abiotic parameters during the cryptobiotic state, and to the conditions during initial and final phases of the process. Cryptobiosis evolved independently at least two times in tardigrades, in eutardigrades and in echiniscoids. Within each evolutionary line, the absence of cryptobiotic abilities is more related to selective pressures to local habitat adaptation than to phylogenetic relationships. The selective advantages of cryptobiosis (e.g. persistency in "hostile to life" habitats, reduction of competitors, parasites and predators, escaping in time from stressful conditions) could explain the high tardigrade species diversity and number of specimens found in habitats that dry out compared to freshwater habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 213/D, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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39
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Altiero T, Guidetti R, Caselli V, Cesari M, Rebecchi L. Ultraviolet radiation tolerance in hydrated and desiccated eutardigrades. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0469.2010.00607.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Altiero
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Caselli
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Cesari
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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40
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Rebecchi L, Altiero T, Cesari M, Bertolani R, Rizzo AM, Corsetto PA, Guidetti R. Resistance of the anhydrobiotic eutardigrade
Paramacrobiotus richtersi
to space flight (LIFE–TARSE mission on FOTON‐M3). J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0469.2010.00606.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tiziana Altiero
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Cesari
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Bertolani
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela M. Rizzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari Applicate ai Biosistemi, DiSMAB, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola A. Corsetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari Applicate ai Biosistemi, DiSMAB, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Guidetti R, Altiero T, Bertolani R, Grazioso P, Rebecchi L. Survival of freezing by hydrated tardigrades inhabiting terrestrial and freshwater habitats. ZOOLOGY 2011; 114:123-8. [PMID: 21429723 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2010.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The seasonality and unpredictability of environmental conditions at high altitudes and latitudes govern the life cycle patterns of organisms, giving rise to stresses that cause death or development of specific adaptations. Ice formation is a major variable affecting the survival of both freshwater fauna and fauna inhabiting lichens, mosses and leaf litter. Tardigrades occupy a wide range of niches in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. The highest number of species is found in terrestrial habitats thanks to their ability to enter anhydrobiosis and cryobiosis. The cryobiotic ability of tardigrade species from polar regions is well known. Consequently, we focused our research on the ability to survive freezing in the active hydrated state using seven tardigrade species differing in phylogenetic position and collected at various altitudes and from different habitats in a temperate area. Specimens were cooled at different cooling rates (from 0.31° C min(-1) to 3.26° C min(-1)). Even though the final survival and the time required by animals to recover to active life were both inversely related to the cooling rate, highly significant interspecific differences were found. Species survival ability ranged from excellent to none. Species living in xeric habitats withstood freezing better than those living in hygrophilous habitats, while true limnic species did not exhibit any cryobiotic ability. The ability to withstand freezing seems linked to the anhydrobiotic ability. The differences in cryptobiotic performance among tardigrade species seem more influenced by selective pressures linked to local adaptation to habitat characteristics than by phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Guidetti
- Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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Anhydrobiosis-associated nuclear DNA damage and repair in the sleeping chironomid: linkage with radioresistance. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14008. [PMID: 21103355 PMCID: PMC2982815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anhydrobiotic chironomid larvae can withstand prolonged complete desiccation as well as other external stresses including ionizing radiation. To understand the cross-tolerance mechanism, we have analyzed the structural changes in the nuclear DNA using transmission electron microscopy and DNA comet assays in relation to anhydrobiosis and radiation. We found that dehydration causes alterations in chromatin structure and a severe fragmentation of nuclear DNA in the cells of the larvae despite successful anhydrobiosis. Furthermore, while the larvae had restored physiological activity within an hour following rehydration, nuclear DNA restoration typically took 72 to 96 h. The DNA fragmentation level and the recovery of DNA integrity in the rehydrated larvae after anhydrobiosis were similar to those of hydrated larvae irradiated with 70 Gy of high-linear energy transfer (LET) ions (4He). In contrast, low-LET radiation (gamma-rays) of the same dose caused less initial damage to the larvae, and DNA was completely repaired within within 24 h. The expression of genes encoding the DNA repair enzymes occurred upon entering anhydrobiosis and exposure to high- and low-LET radiations, indicative of DNA damage that includes double-strand breaks and their subsequent repair. The expression of antioxidant enzymes-coding genes was also elevated in the anhydrobiotic and the gamma-ray-irradiated larvae that probably functions to reduce the negative effect of reactive oxygen species upon exposure to these stresses. Indeed the mature antioxidant proteins accumulated in the dry larvae and the total activity of antioxidants increased by a 3–4 fold in association with anhydrobiosis. We conclude that one of the factors explaining the relationship between radioresistance and the ability to undergo anhydrobiosis in the sleeping chironomid could be an adaptation to desiccation-inflicted nuclear DNA damage. There were also similarities in the molecular response of the larvae to damage caused by desiccation and ionizing radiation.
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Antioxidant defences in hydrated and desiccated states of the tardigrade Paramacrobiotus richtersi. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 156:115-21. [PMID: 20206711 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2010.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed in all aerobic organisms, potentially leading to oxidative damage of all biological molecules. A number of defence mechanisms have developed to protect the organism from attack by ROS. Desiccation tolerance is correlated with an increase in the antioxidant potential in several organisms, but the regulation of the antioxidant defence system is complex and its role in desiccation-tolerant organisms is not yet firmly established. To determine if anhydrobiotic tardigrades have an antioxidant defence system, capable of counteracting ROS, we compared the activity of several antioxidant enzymes, the fatty acid composition and Heat shock protein expression in two physiological states (desiccated vs. hydrated) of the tardigrade Paramacrobiotus richtersi. In hydrated tardigrades, superoxide dismutase and catalase show comparable activities, while in desiccated specimens the activity of superoxide dismutase increases. Both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione were induced by desiccation. The percentage of fatty acid composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances are higher in desiccated animals than in hydrated ones. Lastly, desiccated tardigrades did not differ significantly from the hydrated ones in the relative levels of Hsp70 and Hsp90. These results indicate that the possession of antioxidant metabolism could represent a crucial strategy to avoid damages during desiccation in anhydrobiotic tardigrades.
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