Microscopic mites that reside in our skin pores may soon become completely one with us. After the full DNA analysis of the small arachnids, an international research team reports why and how this might be possible.
The Demodex folliculorum mites live in the facial hair follicles, including the eyelashes, and on the nipples of almost everyone. They are about 0.3 mm long and feed on the sebum that our cells secrete. At night, they become active and move between our skin pores to mate. They cannot survive outside.
From parasite to life partner
“Because of this close and lasting bond with humans, the mite has grown enormously and has lost countless genes. They survive on a minimal repertoire of proteins — the lowest ever observed in this and related species,” explains Dr. Alejandro Manzano Marín, co-first author of the study and microbiologist at the Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna.
“Amazingly, our study showed that the mites have many more cells when they are young than when they are adults. We conclude from this that the mites develop from an external parasite into a permanent symbiote of humans,” reports Dr. Manzano Marin. However, it is not yet possible to say to what extent this is beneficial for humans.
Inbreeding leads to extinction
Because the mites live in such isolation, they are not exposed to external threats and do not have to compete to infect hosts. According to the study, the animals are transmitted from the mother’s side and do not encounter other mites with different genes. This means that there is no contact with potential mates who could add new genes to their offspring. This leads the mites to an evolutionary dead end.
“Inbreeding results in an accumulation of harmful mutations, and bad gene variants eventually spread quickly,” explains Dr. Manzano Marin. This development could potentially kill the mites.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
