Scientists Face Challenges in Using Tardigrade Protein for Space Protection

Research into how to protect astronauts from the harmful effects of cosmic radiation has encountered significant challenges. A team led by Corey Nislow at the University of British Columbia has found that while a protein produced by tardigrades—known as Dsup, short for damage suppressor—offers some protective benefits, its application in humans may not be as straightforward as previously thought.

Tardigrades are renowned for their extraordinary resilience to extreme environments, including high radiation levels, extreme temperatures, and even the vacuum of space. The idea of harnessing Dsup for human use gained traction following a 2016 study that demonstrated its protective qualities. When human cells were genetically modified to produce Dsup, they exhibited increased resistance to radiation without any apparent negative effects. This led to the proposal of using Dsup in space missions, potentially shielding astronauts from radiation and harmful chemicals by introducing Dsup-encoding mRNA, similar to the technology used in mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.

However, Nislow’s latest research indicates that the reality of using Dsup is more complex. The team conducted extensive studies on yeast cells modified to produce the protein and discovered that excessively high levels of Dsup can be detrimental, even fatal to cells. Moderate levels also impaired cell growth. Nislow elaborated that while Dsup protects DNA by forming a physical barrier, this also restricts access for proteins responsible for vital cellular processes, such as DNA replication and repair.

Balancing Protection and Toxicity

There is a fine line between beneficial and harmful levels of Dsup. Nislow emphasized the importance of producing the protein only in specific cells, and at appropriate levels, to avoid negative health impacts. James Byrne from the University of Iowa supports this view, indicating that while continuous production of Dsup across all human cells could lead to significant health issues, temporary production might have protective effects, especially in contexts like radiation therapy for cancer.

In addition, Simon Galas from the University of Montpellier pointed out that while high doses of Dsup can have toxic effects, lower concentrations have shown promise in extending the lifespan of nematode worms by mitigating oxidative stress. This suggests that more research is needed to understand the optimal conditions under which Dsup can be beneficial.

Conversely, Jessica Tyler from Weill Cornell Medicine found that at lower levels than those examined by Nislow, Dsup had positive effects on yeast cells without hindering growth. Tyler argued against the notion that Dsup’s protective benefits come at a significant cost but concurred on the necessity of precise production levels.

Future Prospects for Dsup in Space Exploration

The challenge remains in harnessing Dsup effectively for potential applications in protecting astronauts and other organisms during space missions. Current technologies do not allow for the precise control of Dsup production in the human body. However, Nislow remains optimistic, citing the substantial investment and attention directed towards developing advanced delivery systems in the pharmaceutical industry.

“There’s so much money and attention on delivery systems,” Nislow noted, highlighting the collective motivation among researchers to solve these complex challenges. As scientists continue to explore the intricacies of Dsup, they aim to unlock its full potential, which could someday lead to innovative methods for safeguarding human health in the harsh conditions of space.