Exploring tardigrade proteins for human cell resilience and anti-aging

Tardigrades, also known as some of the most resilient creatures on Earth, continue to capture the keen interest of scientists. In the latest study, experts from the University of Wyoming decided to place their proteins into human cells to see what would happen. They shared the results of this experiment in the pages of "Protein Science".

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are microscopic invertebrates that can survive truly extreme conditions. Previous research has shown that they can withstand temperatures reaching up to 150 degrees Celsius, pressure exceeding 6,000 bar, decades without water, or high concentrations of chemical compounds that would be lethal for most life forms. They can also survive in outer space.

In the latest study, scientists have shown that placing key tardigrade proteins in human cells slows down metabolism. As Science Alert explains, this provides insight into how these exceptionally durable invertebrates can survive in the most extreme conditions. The analysis focused on the CAHS D protein. Previous studies have shown that this protein protects against extreme dehydration of molecules because, under extreme stimuli, the protein transforms into a gel-like state.

Researchers believe that their discoveries pave the way for the development of technologies focusing on inducing biostasis (i.e., halting chemical reactions in the body) in cells and even in whole organisms, to "slow down aging and improve storage and stability". It’s also worth mentioning other tricks that tardigrades use to stay alive. This includes anhydrobiosis, a reversible and temporary state in which tardigrades reduce their vital activity in response to prevailing adverse environmental conditions.

However, before the exceptional abilities of tardigrades can be transferred to human organisms, numerous additional studies must be conducted. Experts, however, are of the opinion that this unique resilience could potentially slow down aging in humans and aid in treatments requiring safe storage of cells at low temperatures. This is currently the case, for example, with transplants.