Development of assays to detect biostasis activity in synthetic intrinsically disordered proteins

Tardigrades are among the hardiest organisms known, with some species being able to withstand high doses of radiation, desiccation, lack of nutrients, and extremes in both pressure and temperature. Humans, conversely, are extremely susceptible to such conditions. The tardigrade’s ability to readily survive for long periods in the harsh environment of space has been well documented in both scientific literature and popular sources. Tardigrade desiccation resistance is facilitated by a unique class of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which essentially pause cellular processes until environmental conditions are again favorable. This phenomenon is currently being studied in Dr. Pamela Silver’s laboratory at Harvard University, as part of a larger project, as a means of preventing organ and tissue damage during traumatic injuries and transplants. Biostatic IDPs from tardigrades and other organisms are being studied to determine the structural patterns which confer activity. Advanced computer simulations are also being completed to design new synthetic IDPs, and are being screened for their ability to induce biostasis in various cultured human cells types with minimal endogenous inflammatory responses. The proposed project will aim to assist in both the design and development of assays for candidate biostasis IDPs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Virginia Walker

Student:

Partner:

Harvard University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Queen's University

Program: