Scientists at the University of Wyoming have uncovered the key to the survival of tiny creatures known as “quietchings” in extreme conditions. These microscopic creatures possess proteins that, when introduced into human cells, have the remarkable ability to slow down molecular processes. This groundbreaking discovery has significant implications for the potential technology for slowing down aging and enhancing long-term storage of human cells.
A recent study published in the journal Protein Science delves into the mechanism by which these resilient creatures enter and exit a state of suspended animation to withstand harsh environments. Led by senior researcher Sylvia Sanchez-Martinet from the lab of assistant professor of molecular biology Thomas Butby, the research team has shown that the proteins found in quietchings could be utilized to develop life-saving drugs that do not require refrigeration and to enhance the storage of cell therapies, such as stem cells.
Measuring less than half a millimeter, quietchings are capable of surviving extreme conditions such as complete dehydration, freezing temperatures nearing absolute zero, scorching heat exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit, intense radiation levels, and even the vacuum of space.
The study reveals that quietchings survive by entering a state of suspended animation triggered by proteins that form gels inside their cells, effectively slowing down life processes. Sanchez-Martinez notes, “It is astonishing that when these proteins are introduced into human cells, they form a gel that decelerates metabolism, mimicking the behavior of quietchings. Additionally, human cells containing these proteins exhibit increased resistance to stress when entering into this suspended state.”
Furthermore, the research indicates that this process is reversible: as stress diminishes, the gels formed by the quietching proteins dissolve, allowing human cells to resume normal metabolic activity. The implications of these findings are significant, paving the way for the development of technologies that induce suspended animation in cells and potentially even whole organisms to slow down aging and enhance storage and stability, the researchers conclude.