The radioresistant and survival mechanisms of Deinococcus radiodurans

Deinococcus radiodurans (D. radiodurans) is distinguished by the most radioresistant organism ever known, and can tolerate extreme environments such as ionizing radiation, ultraviolet radiation, oxidation, and desiccation. D. radiodurans is an important model for studying DNA damage/repair and redox regulation upon high dose ionizing radiation. How D. radiodurans response and repair ROS-induced oxidative damage remains a subject of ongoing investigation. This review provides an overview of the radioresistance characteristics of D. radiodurans. Among them, the DNA damage repair pathway and high-efficiency antioxidant defense system are summarized in detail. Furthermore, a novel model that protects the cell against the ionizing radiation is proposed. This review also discusses the potential application, future challenges and directions in advancing towards D. radiodurans studies.