Molecular Anhydrobiology Project

Water is an essential solvent for all living systems. However, some organisms, including the microscopic microscopic eight-legged animals called the tardigrades, can survive almost complete desiccation by entering an ametabolic state called anhydrobiosis (life-without-water), and they can quickly return to active life upon rehydration. In this state of suspended animation, tardigrades are known for their extremotolerance, exemplified by their survival after ten days of direct exposure to space vacuum. We conduct multi-comics analyses coupled with advanced molecular biology experiments to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying anhydrobiosis, and we aim to understand the systematic mechanisms enabling extremotolerance in these species.

Publication

1. Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci. 100(7): 414-428 (2024)
2. PNAS. 120(5):e2216739120. (2023)
3. Annu Rev Anim Biosci.10:17-37. (2022)
4. BMC Genomics. 22(1):813. (2021)
5. Sci Rep. 11(1):21328. (2021)
6. Molecular Cell. 81(3):409-410. (2021)
7. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 285(1892):20182180. (2018)
8. PLoS Biol. 15(7):e2002266. (2017)
9. PNAS. 113(22):E3057. (2016)
10. Nat Commun. 7:12808. (2016)

Kazuharu Arakawa
Director General, Professor

Sae Tanaka
Project Assistant Professor

Saori M. Harada
Project Researcher

Megumu Tsujimoto
Project Assistant Professor