DNA of Water Bear Protects Against X-Ray Damage

The discovery of a protein from an organism known as the water bear, which protects human DNA from damage caused by X-rays, has surprised the scientific community. According to AFP, when human cells cultured in this new protein are exposed to radiation, their damage is reduced by half. Takuma Hashimoto, a biologist at the University of Tokyo and the lead researcher of this study, stated, "We were very surprised at how a single gene could significantly increase the resistance of cultured human cells." The water bear is a small aquatic creature with eight legs, belonging to a branch of tardigrades known as the 'kondrotubarians.' These creatures are extremely small (the largest of them is only 1.5 millimeters long). For years, the water bear has attracted the attention of scientists. The bodies of these organisms can withstand conditions in which no other known living being can survive. They can live at absolute zero (minus 273 degrees Celsius) and at the boiling point of water (95 degrees Celsius). Additionally, their very small bodies can endure the immense pressure at the ocean floor. In 2007, thousands of water bears were sent into outer space aboard a spacecraft. In the vacuum of space, there is not only no air to breathe, but also lethal radiation from all directions. Many of these animals returned to Earth alive, and some of the female species even had healthy offspring later. In another study, it was found that these creatures can survive for years without water and food. Scientists still do not know how this organism, which is the size of a grain of wheat, can survive under such conditions. Most researchers say that the DNA of these creatures has the capability for revival and regeneration, especially when returning from a state of desiccation or extreme distress to normal conditions. However, in this recent finding, the Japanese research team discovered that the Dsup protein, which is found only in this organism, has the ability to act as a 'shield' to protect human DNA. Scientists hope that this new discovery will lead to methods for protecting humans against harmful radiation. The results of this new finding have been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.