ND1: Resolving the Deep-Sea Starvation Paradox in Giant Isopods

Meliana Wijaya; Hanxi Jiang; Yixin  Guo; Weiwei Dai

ND1: Resolving the Deep-Sea Starvation Paradox in Giant Isopods

Meliana Wijaya
, Hanxi Jiang
, Yixin Guo
, Weiwei Dai^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Xi'an Jiaotong‐Liverpool University
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

The horizontally transferred bacterial ND1 gene functions as a metabolic regulator, enabling ultra-long starvation tolerance in Bathynomus jamesi. By suppressing basal metabolic rate and supporting lipid storage via a symbiotic Chlamydiae network, this gene balances the energetic demands of gigantism with the deep sea’s chronic nutrient scarcity, allowing the isopod to survive over five years without feeding.

Original language	English
Article number	AOS-2026-08-0287
Journal	Acta Oceanologica Sinica
Publication status	Submitted - 31 Aug 2026

Cite this

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title = "ND1: Resolving the Deep-Sea Starvation Paradox in Giant Isopods",

abstract = "The horizontally transferred bacterial ND1 gene functions as a metabolic regulator, enabling ultra-long starvation tolerance in Bathynomus jamesi. By suppressing basal metabolic rate and supporting lipid storage via a symbiotic Chlamydiae network, this gene balances the energetic demands of gigantism with the deep sea{\textquoteright}s chronic nutrient scarcity, allowing the isopod to survive over five years without feeding. ",

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AU - Jiang, Hanxi

AU - Guo, Yixin

AU - Dai, Weiwei

PY - 2026/8/31

Y1 - 2026/8/31

N2 - The horizontally transferred bacterial ND1 gene functions as a metabolic regulator, enabling ultra-long starvation tolerance in Bathynomus jamesi. By suppressing basal metabolic rate and supporting lipid storage via a symbiotic Chlamydiae network, this gene balances the energetic demands of gigantism with the deep sea’s chronic nutrient scarcity, allowing the isopod to survive over five years without feeding.

AB - The horizontally transferred bacterial ND1 gene functions as a metabolic regulator, enabling ultra-long starvation tolerance in Bathynomus jamesi. By suppressing basal metabolic rate and supporting lipid storage via a symbiotic Chlamydiae network, this gene balances the energetic demands of gigantism with the deep sea’s chronic nutrient scarcity, allowing the isopod to survive over five years without feeding.

M3 - Article

JO - Acta Oceanologica Sinica

JF - Acta Oceanologica Sinica

M1 - AOS-2026-08-0287

ER -