Journal article
Insights into Tardigrade Damage-Suppression Protein, Dsup
Biomolecules (Basel, Switzerland), Vol.16(3), 455
03/18/2026
DOI: 10.3390/biom16030455
PMCID: PMC13024180
PMID: 41897390
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates capable of surviving extreme environmental conditions through unique molecular adaptations. Among the proteins implicated in their remarkable resilience is a novel protein known as damage suppressor (Dsup), a key factor in protecting cellular DNA from elevated levels of radiation. Since its discovery, numerous studies have explored the biochemical, structural, and functional properties of Dsup. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge surrounding these properties and describe several proposed mechanisms by which Dsup may confer protection. For each proposed mechanism, we outline the foundational model, present supporting evidence, and highlight critical gaps in our understanding. Taken together, we believe that Dsup likely employs multiple complementary mechanisms to protect DNA. Finally, we discuss emerging applications of Dsup and Dsup-inspired technologies for human health. Overall, this review synthesizes our current understanding and provides a framework to guide future investigations into this remarkable protein.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Insights into Tardigrade Damage-Suppression Protein, Dsup
- Creators
- Tyler J Woodward - University of IowaM Todd Washington - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Biomolecules (Basel, Switzerland), Vol.16(3), 455
- DOI
- 10.3390/biom16030455
- PMID
- 41897390
- PMCID
- PMC13024180
- NLM abbreviation
- Biomolecules
- ISSN
- 2218-273X
- eISSN
- 2218-273X
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Grant note
- T32 GM152268 / NIGMS NIH HHS R35 GM148186 / NIGMS NIH HHS
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/18/2026
- Academic Unit
- Radiation Oncology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Record Identifier
- 9985149629902771
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