Physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic adaptive responses to harmful UV radiation and temperature increases in Antarctic meiofaunal organisms: a walk from genes to organism

The discovery of the ozone hole in Antarctica has worried both the scientific community and the public. Climate change by altering the amount of tropospheric ozone will increase harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with consequences for human and ecosystem health. UV produces oxidative stress involved in the etiogenesis of many diseases. All living things are susceptible to UV whose effects also depend on temperature, which is expected to increase in polar areas. Antarctic micrometazoans are particularly vulnerable to the synergistic effects of UV and temperature because the growing season coincides with the spring period of ozone depletion.

Objectives of the project are to study the effects of increased UV and temperature on Antarctic terrestrial meiofauna, the natural defense mechanisms developed by these organisms, and the bioprospective potential of the molecules involved. These objectives will be achieved by adopting to a multidisciplinary approach (physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic), integrating different methodologies and the specific expertise of the 5 units involved. This approach will be applied to tardigrades and rotifers, as their cryptobiotic capabilities may underlie UV tolerance, analyzing life cycle traits, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, and key components of the antioxidant system.