Characterization of Radiotolerance Mechanisms in the Tardigrade Species Hypsibius Dujardini

Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates that are uniquely radio tolerant among animals, and while the mechanisms of radiotolerance in some species is becoming understood, such mechanisms in Hypsibius dujardini, the most radio tolerant fully aquatic tardigrade, are unknown. We asked 1) Is H. dujardini resistant to direct or indirect DNA damage due to ionizing radiation? and 2) Is this resistance through initial DNA protection or efficient repair once damage has occurred? We confirmed H. dujardini’s extraordinary radiotolerance but encountered challenges in performing molecular techniques, thus identifying a need for standardization of tardigrade experimental protocols.