María Moriel-Carretero

Tardigrades, microscopic ecdysozoans known for extreme environment resilience, were traditionally believed to maintain a constant cell number after completing embryonic development, a phenomenon termed eutely. However, sporadic reports of dividing cells have raised questions about this assumption. In this study, we explored tardigrade post-embryonic cell proliferation using the model species Hypsibius exemplaris. Comparing hatchlings to adults, we observed an increase in the number of storage cells, responsible for nutrient storage. We monitored cell proliferation via 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, revealing large numbers of EdU+ storage cells during growth, which starvation halted. EdU incorporation associated with molting, a vital post-embryonic development process involving cuticle renewal for further growth. Notably, DNA replication inhibition strongly reduced EdU+ cell numbers and caused molting-related fatalities. Our study is the first to demonstrate using molecular approaches that storage cells actively proliferate during tardigrade post-embryonic development, providing a comprehensive insight into replication events throughout their somatic growth. Additionally, our data underscore the significance of proper DNA replication in tardigrade molting and survival. This work definitely establishes that tardigrades are not eutelic, and offers insights into cell cycle regulation, replication stress, and DNA damage management in these remarkable creatures as genetic manipulation techniques emerge within the field.