Tardigrades—colloquially known as water bears—have fascinated scientists due to their ability to survive extreme conditions, from the vacuum of space to intense radiation. Central to this resilience is the discovery of a unique DNA‑protecting protein called Dsup (Damage suppressor). Found to bind tightly to chromatin, Dsup acts as a molecular shield, reducing both single‑ and double‑strand DNA breaks when tardigrades are exposed to ionizing radiation. This innovation is believed to directly contribute to their astonishing tolerance—about 1,000 times greater radiation resistance than many other animals.
The expertise behind the Dsup protein emerges from molecular biology research: the gene encoding Dsup was identified in species like Hypsibius dujardini and Ramazzottius varieornatus, showing homology to chromatin-binding domains in eukaryotes. When expressed in human cultured cells, Dsup confers improved DNA integrity under radiation. Laboratory assays confirm its protective action against hydroxyl radicals—those biochemical free radicals that damage DNA—supporting robust cellular survival after radiation exposure .
