Tardigrade Protein Shows Promise in Reducing Radiation Side Effects for Cancer Patients

Researchers develop a nanoparticle-delivered mRNA therapy using a tardigrade protein to protect healthy cells during radiation treatments.

A protein called Dsup, found in tardigrades, has been shown to protect DNA from radiation-induced damage in preclinical studies.
Scientists used messenger RNA (mRNA) to temporarily express the Dsup protein in targeted tissues, reducing DNA damage in healthy cells.
Mouse studies demonstrated a 50% reduction in DNA strand breaks in oral and rectal tissues exposed to radiation after mRNA treatment.
The protective effect was localized to healthy tissues, ensuring that tumor cells remained vulnerable to radiation therapy.
Future research aims to optimize the therapy for human use, including reducing immune responses and exploring broader applications, such as protection against chemotherapy and space radiation.