Dec 11, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec 11, 2024, 12:00 AM

Asgard archaea may hold the key to understanding our immune system's origins

Highlights
  • Asgard archaea, discovered in hydrothermal vents, are believed to be linked to the origins of eukaryotic life.
  • Research indicates that human immune system proteins may have evolved from these ancient microbes.
  • The findings shed light on the evolutionary history and complexity of life on Earth.
Story

In recent years, research has revealed significant insights into the Asgard archaea, a group of single-celled organisms discovered in hydrothermal vents in 2015, particularly at a site known as Loki's Castle. This research suggests that humans may owe a part of their evolutionary history to these ancient microbes, as they provide clues about the origins of life on Earth. Marine biologist Brett Baker, from the University of Texas at Austin, described how these organisms contain proteins that are also found in eukaryotes, which includes animals, plants, and fungi. Genetic sequencing has indicated that this may link eukaryotic life directly back to Asgard archaea, highlighting their evolutionary significance after billions of years of development. Furthermore, microbiologist Pedro Leão from Radboud University in the Netherlands conducted research published in July 2024, establishing that two crucial proteins involved in humans' innate immune system - viperin and argonaute - may trace their origins to Asgard archaea. This groundbreaking finding emphasizes the potential of these microorganisms to inform our understanding of human biology and evolution, as they reveal an evolutionary debt that stretches back billions of years, altering our perspective on the foundation of complex life forms. Their contribution to immune system development further underscores the need for further investigation into these ancient life forms, illustrating their importance in the ongoing research into how life originated and evolved on our planet.

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