Deep-Sea Isopods Survive 5 Years Without Food via ND1 Gene and Giant Stomach

3 articles · Updated · en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br · Jun 19

Cell-published research found Bathynomus deep-sea isopods can endure more than five years without eating by pairing extreme energy storage with sharply reduced metabolism.
Two species studied at about 300 meters and 898 meters depth had stomachs filling roughly two-thirds of the body, letting them gorge when food appears and retain paste-like reserves linked to lipid storage.
Researchers also identified an ND1 gene likely acquired from symbiotic bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which appears to tune mitochondrial metabolism and deepen energy-saving states.
Experiments inserting ND1 into zebrafish, nematodes and human 293T cells showed survival under nutrient scarcity improved by 37% in cold, deep-sea-like conditions, supporting the gene's role.
The authors say the findings reveal an evolutionary strategy combining anatomy, gene transfer and epigenetic optimization to sustain large bodies in chronically food-poor deep oceans.