Ancient bacterial gene enables deep-sea isopods to endure long starvation

The short version

• Researchers discovered that giant deep-sea isopods endure prolonged starvation by using a gene likely obtained from bacteria millions of years ago.[Scientific American]
• The acquired gene, ND1, lacks introns and creates miniature proteins that help slow metabolic energy consumption in deep ocean environments.[Scientific American]
• Lab tests revealed that inserting the isopod gene into zebra fish, worms, and human cells similarly reduced their metabolic rates.[Scientific American]

Key facts

• Giant deep-sea isopods are capable of surviving for more than five years without feeding.[Scientific American]
• Scientists compared specimens from depths of 300 and 800 meters and detected elevated expression of a bacterial-like gene named ND1.[Scientific American]
• The ND1 gene produces very small proteins and lacks non-coding segments known as introns.[Scientific American]
• Introducing the ND1 gene into nematode worms, zebra fish, and human cells successfully reduced metabolic activity in each organism.[Scientific American]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

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