AINSE Pathway scholar Jennifer Tinker is uncovering the secrets of Trichoplax adhaerens—an ancient, radiation-resistant marine organism—and what its resilience could mean for future advancements in human health, space exploration, and cancer biology.
Jennifer’s Honours research, conducted in collaboration with La Trobe University and ANSTO, investigates how Trichoplax adhaerens—one of the simplest known forms of multicellular life—survives extreme radiation exposure without developing cancer.
Despite lacking organs, nerves, or even a brain, Trichoplax adhaerens possesses many of the same fundamental DNA repair pathways as humans. Central to this is p53, a critical regulator of DNA repair and cell cycle control, often called the “guardian of the genome.”
By studying how this simple organism leverages these pathways, researchers like Jennifer are uncovering mechanisms with important implications for both astronaut health in space and cancer treatment on Earth.
Uncovering radiation response in Trichoplax adhaerens
Jennifer is using La Trobe University’s X-ray source to expose Trichoplax adhaerens to ionising radiation, then carrying out detailed post-irradiation analysis with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.
Preliminary results show a clear dose-dependent increase in p53 activation. This pattern of higher radiation leading to stronger p53 activation provides exciting insights into how DNA repair pathways are coordinated in response to stress.
Figure 5: Confocal microscopy images of Trichoplax adhaerens following exposure to ionising radiation, showing dose-dependent increases in p53 activation and localisation within the tissue.
Jennifer is now conducting experiments that manipulate p53 activity, enhancing or inhibiting its function, to better understand its role in radiation tolerance and recovery.
Whilst these findings are still undergoing analysis, they offer valuable insights into stress responses and DNA repair dynamics in one of Earth’s simplest animals.
Exploring new insights at ANSTO
Jennifer is scheduled to conduct an experimental test run at ANSTO’s Centre for Accelerator Science (CAS), using the ANTARES beamline in collaboration with ANSTO scientists. This preliminary work will facilitate the transition to subsequent experiments focused on high-LET (Linear Energy Transfer), space-relevant ionising radiation—a type of radiation that more accurately simulates the dense, DNA-damaging cosmic rays encountered in space than conventional X-rays. Access to ANSTO’s advanced facilities is essential for testing the limits of Trichoplax’s radio resistance and generating insights relevant to space health and medical biotechnology.
Jennifer’s research contributes to Australia’s development in space health and medical biotechnology, two sectors at the forefront of global innovation. For Jennifer, “it is a chance to push the boundaries of what we know about life under extreme conditions, helping make space exploration safer for humans and translating those insights into better cancer treatments on Earth.”
Support behind the research
Jennifer’s research is supported by a range of resources, including:
- The AINSE Pathway Scholarship, which funds her Honours year and provides ongoing mentorship to support her academic and professional development.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at La Trobe University and ANSTO, enabling hands-on experience with advanced experimental equipment.
- Participation in programs like the AINSE Winter School, which has played a key role in building her skills, confidence, and identity as a researcher.
Winter School Testimonial:
Jennifer attended the AINSE Winter School in 2024 and shared the following reflection on the experience:
“The AINSE Winter School was genuinely eye-opening — it showed me how nuclear science connects to the big questions I care about in medicine, biology, and space. What stood out most wasn’t just the lectures or the facilities, but the people: meeting other students who share that same spark and hearing directly from researchers about their journeys and passion.
For me, it turned possibility into a pathway. To anyone considering it: take the leap! You’ll come away not only with knowledge but with connections and confidence for your future.”
Jennifer is a wonderful example of how the AINSE Winter School can be a springboard for the next generation of nuclear scientists and researchers.
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in conducting cutting-edge research in nuclear science with ANSTO, visit https://www.ainse.edu.au/scholarships/ to explore AINSE scholarships.
To take part in our next Winter School or upcoming AINSE events, visit https://www.ainse.edu.au/news-and-events/.
➡️ Stay tuned for our next feature on Rose Wilkens, another Winter School alumna making extraordinary strides in nuclear science!