ИСТИНА

A number of cultured relic microorganisms from ancient permafrost of Central Yakutia, aged more than 3 million years, isolated and examined. According to identification by 16S rDNA and sequencing of full genomes theses strains are new species and belong to the Bacillus mostly. Detected bacteria are not numerous, they are contained in frozen soils as single viable cells, and belong to non-pathogenic microorganisms. They have increased antibiotic susceptibility, minor antagonist properties and high resistance to extreme environmental factors. They also have a specific set of biochemical features, such as an ability to active growth in a wide range of temperatures, acidity. However, the main unique feature of the relic microbial cells is their ability to preserve (or repair) their genome for many thousands or even millions of years in spite of extreme conditions of permafrost. Obviously, they have specific DNA protection mechanisms against thermal degradation, radiation, free radicals and other damaging factors. We have performed a research of influence of the relict bacteria on higher organisms and have found they can be useful for production of a wide range of biologically active substances. A high level of antimicrobial activity of relict strains with respect to some pathogenic species has been found. An activation of innate immunity of laboratory animals and immunomodulatory properties of the strain have been shown. The stimulating effects of strain on the activity of cellular and humoral immunity, phagocytic activity of macrophages, range of morphological parameters, muscle strength, motor activity and the activity of the central nervous system have been found. A steady gerontological effect was also observed.