🧬 Super-Resilient Ally: How a Tardigrade Protein Could Protect Cells from RadiationMIT is testing Dsup — DNA protection inspired by the most indestructible creatures on the planet
Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the University of Iowa have turned their attention to tardigrades — microscopic organisms renowned for their ability to survive extreme conditions, including high doses of radiation. The key to their resilience lies in a unique protein called Dsup (Damage suppressor), which binds to DNA and protects it from radiation-induced damage.
In their study, researchers introduced messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the Dsup protein into mice. The results showed that the animals’ cells produced a sufficient amount of the protein, significantly reducing DNA damage after radiation exposure. This discovery suggests that a similar approach could be used to protect the tissues of cancer patients from the harmful side effects of radiation therapy.
Further research is planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Dsup in humans, as well as to develop methods for delivering mRNA into patient cells. If successful, this innovation could dramatically improve tolerance to radiation therapy and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients.
