Extreme-tolerance mechanisms in meiofaunal organisms: a case study with tardigrades, rotifers and nematodes

Rebecchi, Lorena; Boschetti, Chiara; Nelson, Diane R.

doi:10.1007/s10750-019-04144-6

Cited by 34 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 204 publications

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“…A potential explanation of this pattern is the extremely high population turnover rates of the smallest meiofaunal organisms (i.e. rotifers and nematodes) complemented by their outstanding abilities to cope with desiccation (Rebecchi et al., 2020). This suggests that the important pool of resilient meiofauna dwelling in streambed sediments has the potential to quickly recolonise other epigean and highly productive habitats after flow returns (Gaudes et al., 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We confirmed a non‐uniform response of the different taxonomic groups to drying frequency. Nematodes reached high densities in the IS under a frequent cycle of drying/ rewetting, probably because they show both short life cycles and relative tolerance to desiccation events (Rebecchi et al., 2020), but also presumably because they have a small vermiform body allowing them to migrate efficiently through interstices to seek refuge in the wet subsurface sediment. Interestingly, the abundance of nematodes showed a positive relationship with the duration of dry periods when considered shortly before sampling (DD 30 and DD 90 ) suggesting that nematode populations are able to recover quickly after a few flowing days.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ostracods are commonly found in intermittent ponds since many species have diapausing eggs, but the tolerance to dessication is not shared by all species (Castillo-Escrivà, Valls, Rochera, Camacho, & Mesquita-Joanes, 2016). Otermin, Basaguren, and Pozo (2002) These abilities help tardigrades to colonise a variety of limno-terrestrial environments that may totally dry out, such as lichens and mosses (Nelson & Marley, 2000;Rebecchi et al, 2020); their prevalence with respect to other meiofaunal invertebrates could be used as an indicator of streambed drying severity in IS.…”

Section: Effects Of Frequency and Duration Of The Nonflow Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Clinton et al., 1996), and where appropriate, they may show the most outstanding desiccation‐tolerance of the metazoa. For example, nematodes, rotifers, and tardigrades show developmental dormancy, diapause, formation of dauer larvae, anhydrobiosis, and even cryptobiosis (Rebecchi, Boschetti, & Nelson, 2020). Anhydrobiotic stages come along with increased dispersal capabilities and tolerance against temperature extremes and ionising radiations (well‐evidenced in the tardigrades; Nelson & Marley, 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Duration and frequency of non‐flow periods affect the abundance and diversity of stream meiofauna

et al. 2020

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Effects Of Frequency and Duration Of The Nonflow Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Duration and frequency of non‐flow periods affect the abundance and diversity of stream meiofauna

et al. 2020

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“…Different strategies of cryptobiosis have been described based on the environmental cues they are induced by: anhydrobiosis (desiccation), anoxybiosis (oxygen depletion), chemobiosis (high toxicant concentrations), cryobiosis (extremely low temperatures) and osmobiosis (high solute concentration) [2][3][4]. Anhydrobiosisthe best-studied form of cryptobiosis -refers to the ability to survive evaporative water loss [5][6][7][8]. In order to endure desiccation, tardigrades form a quiescent, barrel-shaped "tun" contracting the body longitudinally and retracting their head and legs [9,10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New insights into the limited thermotolerance of anhydrobiotic tardigrades

Neves

Stuart

Møbjerg

2020

Communicative & Integrative Biology

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The recent discovery of an upper limit in the tolerance of an extremotolerant tardigrade to high temperatures is astounding. Although these microinvertebrates are able to endure severe environmental conditions, including desiccation, freezing and high levels of radiation, high temperatures seem to be an Achilles' heel for active tardigrades. Moreover, exposure-time appears to be a limiting factor for the heat stress tolerance of the otherwise highly resilient desiccated (anhydrobiotic) tardigrades. Indeed, the survival rate of desiccated tardigrades exposed to high temperatures for 24 hours is significantly lower than for exposures of only 1 hour. Here, we investigate the effect of 1 week of high temperature exposures on desiccated tardigrades with the aim of elucidating whether exposure-times longer than 24 hours decrease survival even further. From our analyses we estimate a significant decrease in the 50% mortality temperature from 63ºC to 56ºC for Ramazzottius varieornatus exposed to high temperatures in the desiccated tun state for 24 hours and 1 week, respectively. This negative correlation between exposure-time and tolerance to high temperatures probably results from the interference of intracellular temperature with the homeostasis of macromolecules. We hypothesize that high temperatures denature molecules that play a vital role in sustaining and protecting the anhydrobiotic state.

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Biomorph Soft Actuators with Tardigrade‐Like Resilience

Salahuddin,

Aziz,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Adv Funct Materials

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Tardigrades are the most resilient biospecies on Earth, capable of surviving extreme conditions including high temperatures, pressures, air deprivation, and exposure to noxious chemicals and radiation. The study here undertakes biomimicry of the remarkable adaptability of tardigrades by designing biomorph soft actuators (BSAs) that can endure these harsh environments. Unlike previous tardigrade‐inspired materials, which lacked a naturalistic interaction with their surroundings, the BSAs replicate the anatomical macrostructures and the non‐monotonic environmental resilience of tardigrades, especially their ability to adapt via dehydration and rehydration. Dual‐layer hydrogel spheres are employed with embedded fluid bubbles, creating cohesive yet non‐monolithic smart BSA structures. These structures exhibit high resilience to compressive, thermal, and radiation stimuli, achieved through thermoresponsive shape morphing driven by fluid balance. Their advanced capabilities are also demonstrated, such as driving a McKibben‐type artificial muscle and rapidly regenerating themselves from a state exposed to hazardous chemicals. Such versatile actuating biomorphs hold great promise for various autonomous applications, including soft robotic operations in aqueous effluents, deserts, polar regions, and outer space.

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Extreme-tolerance mechanisms in meiofaunal organisms: a case study with tardigrades, rotifers and nematodes

Cited by 34 publications

References 204 publications

Duration and frequency of non‐flow periods affect the abundance and diversity of stream meiofauna

Duration and frequency of non‐flow periods affect the abundance and diversity of stream meiofauna

New insights into the limited thermotolerance of anhydrobiotic tardigrades

Biomorph Soft Actuators with Tardigrade‐Like Resilience

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