Breakthrough experiment: Putting 'immortal monster' protein into human cells

In experiments in the US, human cells achieved some Tardigrade-like "immortality" when proteins from this organism were introduced.

According to Science Alert, testing from a research team led by the University of Wyoming (USA) could open the door to a series of groundbreaking medical applications, saving many lives as well as helping us get closer to our dream . immortality", thanks to one of the factors that help the tardigrade "immortal".

Tardigrade is "immortal" in hot water, ice, dry conditions and environments on other planets or interstellar space - (Graphic image).

Tardigrade, or tardigrade, is a completely different creature.

Tiny but seemingly indestructible, some tardigrades can survive in nearly boiling water and cold underground ice, resurrecting and continuing to reproduce after decades of desiccation in the Atacama desert of death. Chile.

People even suspect it has followed spacecraft and become a species that monopolizes the Moon right now.

The tardigrade body is full of things that make it immortal. But the US research team focused on a special protein called CAHS D , known for its ability to help it survive despite years of dryness.

When this protein was introduced into human cells in the laboratory, it gave the cells the ability to slow down biological processes, thereby resisting the stresses that occur due to extreme conditions and the aging process. nature.

"Our findings open a path to pursue technologies focused on creating biological balance in cells and even whole organisms to slow the aging process, enhance the ability to storage and stability" - the authors said.

In addition, it can be applied to treatments where cells need to be kept safe, slowing down the natural damage process when the necessary conditions for normal functioning are lacking, e.g. as in organ transplant surgery.

In addition, scientists are also investigating whether this "immortal" protein can stabilize important blood products used to treat genetic diseases.

More in-depth research will be needed to turn this initial step into widespread medical applications.