Radioprotective properties of the Dsup protein were discussed at the international symposium in China
The forum, jointly organized by Sun Yat-sen University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was held on 23–24 October 2026 at the Sun Yat-sen University Zhuhai Campus (Guangdong Province, China). Its primary objective was to establish a high-level international academic platform that meets cutting-edge trends and modern educational demands. The event program covered a wide range of topics: from the issues of certification of medical physicists and educational curricula to specific research in ion and proton therapy, reflecting the agenda of the modern international professional community in the field.
Alena Yakhnenko, researcher of the DLNP Sector of Molecular Genetics of the Cell, presented a report at the symposium. Her presentation took place during the third session of the forum that was devoted to the latest problems of medical physics and radiobiology.
Alena Yakhnenko presented a plenary report “Radioprotectors and Radiosensitizers Based on DNA-Binding Proteins”. The presentation highlighted the results of the work carried out by the DLNP Sector of Molecular Genetics of the Cell connected with the unique Dsup protein discovered in tardigrades (Tardigrada), microscopic animals known for their phenomenal resistance to extreme conditions. The structural features and radioprotective properties of the Dsup protein were discussed. The Dsup protein can increase the resistance to ionizing radiation of both the whole organism (which was demonstrated in a fruit fly model, D. melanogaster) and individual tissues and cells, for instance, to protect healthy tissues during proton therapy. As a future prospect, it was proposed to use Dsup as a radiosensitizer during boron neutron capture therapy.
Participation of JINR staff members in the forum allowed them to present the latest results of research in the field of radiobiology and outline practical application prospects of the Dsup protective protein.
Based on the JINR news report:
https://www.jinr.ru/posts/lyap-i-lrb-oiyai-pokazali-rezultaty-issledovaniy-na-forume-po-meditsinskoy-fizike-v-kitae/
