This project corresponds to RNA sequencing data from Ramazzottius varieornatus exposed to subzero temperatures.. Cryobiosis in tardigrades relies on controlled ice formation and constitutive protein expression

Subzero temperatures are among the most significant factors defining the distribution of organisms, yet, certain taxa have evolved to overcome this barrier. Tardigrades are among the most freeze-tolerant animals, with selected species historically reported to survive -253 °C. Recent studies have, however, provided indefinite results on tardigrade extreme freeze-tolerance (cryobiosis). In this study, we estimate survival of Ramazzottius varieornatus following freezing to -20 °C, -80 °C and -196 °C with or without a -80 °C acclimation period.

亚低温是决定生物分布范围的关键环境因子之一，但部分分类群已演化出突破该生存屏障的能力。缓步动物（Tardigrades）是目前已知最耐冻的动物类群之一，既往研究曾报道部分受试物种可在-253℃的极端低温下存活。然而近期的相关研究针对缓步动物的极端耐冻性（cryobiosis），得出了不一致的实验结果。本研究以变栖拉姆赞熊虫（Ramazzottius varieornatus）为研究对象，检测其在分别冷冻至-20℃、-80℃及-196℃环境下的存活率，实验设置了经-80℃驯化周期与未经驯化两组处理方案。