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Naked Mole Rat Gene Offers Clues to Extending Lifespan, New Study Reveals
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A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science suggests a unique genetic mechanism in naked mole rats could hold the key to slowing-and potentially reversing-the effects of aging. Researchers at Tongji university Faculty of Medicine have identified a critical difference in how these remarkably long-lived rodents repair DNA, offering a new avenue for longevity research.
The Mystery of the Naked Mole Rat’s Longevity
Naked mole rats, known for their subterranean lifestyle, boast an extraordinary lifespan, living up to 37 years in laboratory settings-a stark contrast to the typical lifespan of mice or humans. This longevity has long fascinated the scientific community, prompting intensive examination into the unique biological characteristics of these creatures. The new research centers on a specific immune protein called “cGAS.”
How cGAS Differs in Naked Mole Rats
Normally, the cGAS protein functions as a sentinel, recognizing damaged or foreign DNA and activating the immune system. However, in humans and mice, cGAS can inadvertently accelerate aging by hindering DNA repair processes.In stark contrast, the study reveals that in naked mole rats, cGAS actively supports DNA repair. “When a DNA break occurs, it does not leave the region and supports the repair process,” according to the research team.
This difference stems from a subtle yet powerful alteration: a change of just four amino acids within the cGAS protein. These changes prevent the protein from being degraded by the cell, allowing it to remain at the site of damage and facilitate repair.
A Collaborative Repair System
The research further uncovered that the altered cGAS protein forms a stronger connection with another protein, FANCI. FANCI, in turn, directs RAD50, a protein directly involved in the DNA repair process. This enhanced collaboration results in faster and more accurate DNA damage repair.
Promising results in Animal Models
The potential of this discovery was demonstrated through gene transfer experiments. When the cGAS gene from the naked mole rat was introduced into older mice, researchers observed significant improvements. “In mice receiving the gene transfer, wrinkles were reduced, hair was revitalized, and signs of aging were significantly reduced,” the study reports. Similarly, fruit flies engineered with the naked mole rat’s cGAS gene experienced an average lifespan extension of approximately 10 days.
Evolutionary Roots of Longevity
Scientists beleive this genetic advantage evolved as an inevitable result of the unique environmental pressures faced by naked mole rats. Their subterranean existence, characterized by low oxygen levels and a slow metabolism, appears to have favored an evolutionary strategy prioritizing cellular repair over rapid reproduction. Similar trends have been observed in other long-lived species, such as bats and elephants.
cautious Optimism and Future Research
Despite the promising results, researchers caution against immediate application to humans.cGAS plays a crucial role not only in DNA repair but also in immune responses. Artificially enhancing its function could potentially lead to unintended consequences, including an increased risk of mutations and tumor growth.
“Strengthening this mechanism artificially may lead to undesirable consequences,” a senior official stated. The next phase of research will focus on testing whether these genetic changes can be safely replicated in human cells. This
