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Why tardigrades are invincible

The tardigrades, also known as water bears, are a phylum of invertebrates with four pairs of legs, tube-like protruding mouths, and special A creature with abilities.

Water bears can be found in any harsh environment, from the bottom of the ocean to boiling hot springs. Scientists have dried out tardigrades, bombarded them with radiation, sent them into space, and nothing has killed them.

According to an article in the scientific journal Nature, Japanese researchers have discovered a gene that makes tardigrades invincible. And it turned out that the gene contained a protein that also protects human DNA from radiation damage.

A team of scientists, led by researchers from the University of Tokyo, concluded that it was the genome sequence of a tardigrade species of the tardigrade beetle. They also discovered genes that help animals preserve their cells by reducing oxidative stress and repairing damaged DNA.

In addition, we discovered a new protein called Dsup (damage suppressor) that binds to nuclear DNA chromosomes.

Scientists implanted Dsup containing the tardigrade protein into cultured human kidney cells to test their hypothesis. They then exposed the cells to X-ray radiation, which causes damage to one or both chromosomes in the DNA double helix, and hydrogen peroxide, which also causes DNA damage.

As a result, cells containing the tardigrade protein suffered significantly less damage to DNA than unprotected cells. More protected cells survived and continued to divide as if nothing had happened.

Scientists also looked for the Dsup gene in DNA databases of other animals, but found none. In other words, this extra protein is something only tardigrades have.

And maybe this is one of many genes or proteins that reduce metabolic stress. By understanding what makes a strong lifeform such as a tardigrade so tough, we may find new ways to protect human cells in harsh environments.