Analysis of novel proteins abundantly expressed in extremo-tolerant tardigrades.

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Limno-terrestrial tardigrades can tolerate severe desiccation by entering an ametabolic dehydrated state called anhydrobiosis. Here, we focused and analyzed properties of novel proteins abundantly expressed in anhydrobiotc tardigrades as candidates involved in anhydrobiosis. A1 is the most abundantly expressed transcript and its protein products turned out to form an aggregated complex in a spiral shape. This aggregated structure could provide physical support to desiccating cells. We also identified a novel heat-soluble protein from less tolerant tardigrade species and showed the amount of heat-soluble proteins can correlate with tolerant ability of the species. Furthermore, as a candidate involved in protection of mitochondria against desiccation, novel mitochondrial proteins were identified.