Investigating the potential for life to endure under extraterrestrial circumstances is a key aim of astrobiology. In this recent study, researchers utilized the robust model organism, baker’s yeast, to evaluate the impact of Mars-like environments. They discovered that the yeast can resist shock waves and perchlorate treatment, two stress factors linked to Mars. Furthermore, yeast adapt to Martian-like conditions by forming conserved RNA-protein complexes.
A model demonstrating the significance of RNP condensates in facilitating survival under Mars-like stress conditions. Image credit: Dhage et al., doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf300.
“With advancements in space science and astrobiology, examining Mars’s potential to harbor life forms is gaining considerable interest,” stated Dr. Purusharth Rajguru and his team at the Indian Institute of Science.
“Mars presents a range of extreme environmental challenges that any potential life forms would need to overcome.”
“Hence, it is essential to comprehend its unique and harsh environmental conditions.”
“The stressors on Mars include: (i) high-intensity shock waves from meteorite impacts, (ii) extreme fluctuations in temperature and pressure, (iii) ionizing radiation and solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from a thin atmosphere, and (iv) chaotropic agents such as perchlorates.”
“These factors create significant barriers to the survival of potential life.”
In this investigation, the researchers examined budding yeast, a well-known model organism for studying shock waves and perchlorate.
One reason for selecting this yeast is its previous studies conducted in space environments.
When subjected to stress, yeast, humans, and various other organisms form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates, structures composed of RNA and proteins that safeguard the RNA and influence the progression of mRNA.
When a stressor subsides, RNP condensates, which include stress granules and subtypes called P bodies, disassemble.
Yeast subjected to a shock wave with a Mach strength of 5.6 survived, exhibiting slower growth rates, similar to those observed in yeast exposed to 100 mM sodium perchlorate salt (NaClO4)—a concentration akin to that found in Martian soil.
The yeast cells also endured the combined stress of shock waves and perchlorate exposure.
In both situations, the yeast accumulated RNP condensates, the researchers noted.
The shock wave triggered the formation of stress granules and P bodies, while perchlorate prompted the yeast to generate P bodies but not stress granules.
Mutants that were unable to assemble RNP condensates fared poorer under Martian stress conditions.
Transcriptome analysis uncovered specific RNA transcripts affected by the Mars-like scenarios.
“This finding highlights the significance of yeast and RNP condensates in understanding how Martian conditions affect life,” the scientists concluded.
For further details, refer to their paper published in today’s issue of PNAS Nexus.
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Riya Dage et al. 2025. Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates regulate survival in response to Mars-like stress conditions. PNAS Nexus 4(10):pgaf300; doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf300
Source: www.sci.news
