Scientists identify 'antifreeze' genes
EU-funded researchers have identified the genes that allow Arctic springtails to survive temperatures as low as -14°C. The study, published in the journal BMC Genomics, was supported in part by the SLEEPING BEAUTY ('Dormancy of cells and organisms-strategies for survival and preservation') project, which is funded under the 'New and emerging science and technology' (NEST) Activity area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). 'This is the first in-depth molecular study on the underlying cold survival mechanisms in this species,' commented Melody Clark of the British Antarctic Survey, the lead author of the article. 'Such information is not only of interest to ecologists, but also to the medical field of cryobiology.' Many species of springtail can survive low temperatures; most achieve this by using the 'freeze avoidance' technique, and some use freeze tolerance. However, the Arctic springtail, Megaphorura arctica, uses a third, rarer technique known as cryoprotective dehydration. As temperatures fall, these tiny creatures dehydrate themselves, taking on the appearance of shrivelled husks in the process. When the weather becomes more clement, the springtails rehydrate themselves and resume their normal activities. In this study, researchers from the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Novi-Sad in Serbia teamed up to identify the genes controlling the processes of dehydration and rehydration. Their analyses revealed that a wide range of genes become active as temperatures fall, including genes controlling the production of a natural antifreeze called trehalose as well as genes involved in tissue and cell remodelling. When temperatures rise and the springtail recovers, genes involved in energy production, tissue repair and cell division are activated. The findings could have important implications for those working on techniques for preserving cells and tissues at low temperatures for long periods. 'This is part of a larger European project called SLEEPING BEAUTY, which is looking at how different animals survive desiccation,' said Dr Clark. 'Understanding how animals survive harsh cold environments will hopefully provide novel solutions for medical research and preserving tissues for transplant operations.'
Countries
Serbia, United Kingdom