Artemia as a model organism in stress response studies: current progress and future prospects

The brine shrimp Artemia are tiny crustaceans that inhabit saltwater habitats such as salt pans, coastal lagoons, and salt lakes. Also known as extremophiles, they thrive in extreme conditions including desiccation and high salinity, and are used as model organisms in scientific research across multiple disciplines, particularly in studies involving host-microbe interactions, microbiology and ecology, genetics, and environmental toxicity testing. Their sensitivity to changes in environmental conditions makes them valuable indicators of ecosystem health. Additionally, Artemia is used in aquaculture research due to its high nutritional value and importance as live prey for marine fish and crustacean larviculture. This review delves into the distinct advantages and various features contributing to its status as a valuable model organism. Several case studies were highlighted, which elaborate on the important roles played by stress proteins within Artemia , unveiling their potential as crucial components in stress mitigation, especially under extreme salinities, anoxia, and temperatures. The review underscores the significance of leveraging stress proteins, particularly in the aquaculture sector. By tapping into the mechanisms of how stress proteins function, novel strategies and tools can be developed to effectively counteract the challenges posed by the dynamically changing conditions of stress. This synthesis of knowledge not only enhances our understanding of stress resistance in Artemia but also opens avenues for practical applications in abiotic and biotic stress tolerance.