Meet the naked mole rat: a peculiar, hairless rodent that resembles a sausage with prominent teeth. These fascinating creatures, renowned for their exceptional lifespan and remarkable resistance to common age-related ailments, have recently unveiled a genetic secret that could hold the key to human longevity.
Scientists have identified that these subterranean dwellers, who can live up to 40 years – a stark contrast to the mere three years of a mouse – have evolved a sophisticated DNA repair system. This groundbreaking discovery, published in the journal Science, not only explains their extended lifespan but also sheds light on their immunity to diseases like cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative conditions.
The research, spearheaded by a team at Tonji University in China, focused on a specific protein involved in DNA repair. In humans, this protein, known as c-GAS, can hinder the DNA repair process, potentially contributing to cancer and reduced lifespan. However, in naked mole rats, the very same protein performs the opposite function, actively aiding in DNA repair and preserving the integrity of their genetic code.
Professor Gabriel Balmus, a DNA repair and aging expert at the University of Cambridge, described the finding as thrilling. He explained that the c-GAS protein in naked mole rats, though structurally similar to its human counterpart, has been evolutionarily rewired to function in reverse, offering a significant advantage. This raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary processes that led to this adaptation.
The implications of this research are vast. Understanding how naked mole rats achieve such remarkable health and longevity could pave the way for novel therapies to combat aging and improve human health outcomes, offering hope for a healthier future society.
Related Science Stories
- Study using prehistoric skeletons to examine ageing
- Mutations across species reveal clue to ageing
- BBC Future: How to future-proof your knees