Researchers have discovered that proteins found in water bears, also known as tardigrades, can slow down metabolism in human cells. This finding, published in the journal Protein Science, suggests that the protein in tardigrades could hold the key to delaying aging in humans. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings as initial experiments have only been conducted on shallow dishes.
Tardigrades are known for their ability to survive extreme conditions such as dehydration, space travel, and high-pressure situations. They do this by entering a state of dormancy and drastically slowing down their metabolism. Researchers have found that proteins in tardigrades can have a similar effect on human cells, particularly a protein called CAHS D, which changes the consistency of human cells to a gel-like substance when introduced.
The ability of the tardigrade protein to delay metabolism in human cells has implications for stress resistance and potentially life-saving treatments in situations where refrigeration is not available. The research also suggests that the aging process could be slowed down through the manipulation of metabolism. Importantly, the researchers have found that this process is reversible, meaning that human cells can return to their normal metabolic state after being slowed down by the protein.
The research team is continuing to study tardigrades in the lab and their findings could have far-reaching implications for medical treatments and understanding the mechanisms of aging. By unlocking the secrets of tardigrade proteins, scientists hope to develop new therapies that can improve health outcomes and potentially reverse the effects of aging.
