Naked mole rats, peculiar bald rodents that thrive underground, have unveiled a remarkable genetic mechanism explaining their extraordinary lifespan. These unique creatures can live for up to 40 years, vastly outliving typical rodents like mice, which usually survive only about three years.
A recent study published in the journal Science highlights how naked mole rats possess an evolved DNA repair system, which could account for their impressive longevity. This research is particularly significant as it also provides insights into their resistance to numerous age-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and arthritis.
Understanding DNA repair in naked mole rats
Conducted by researchers from Tonji University in Shanghai, China, the study focused on the DNA repair process, a vital cellular function that helps maintain the integrity of genetic material. When DNA strands sustain damage, cells activate a repair mechanism that employs an undamaged strand as a template for restoration.
In this study, scientists examined a specific protein related to the damage sensing and repair process. Under normal circumstances in humans, the protein known as c-GAS can obstruct the repair of DNA, potentially leading to cancer and a reduced lifespan. However, the team discovered that in naked mole rats, this same protein functions beneficially, facilitating DNA repair and preserving the genetic code within cells.
Potential implications for human health
Professor Gabriel Balmus, a researcher specializing in DNA repair and aging at the University of Cambridge, expressed enthusiasm for the findings, noting that they represent just the beginning of understanding how these animals achieve their lengthy lives. He likened cGAS to a biological Lego piece, where the basic structure remains the same across species, but slight variations allow for different functions.
“You can think of cGAS as a biological Lego piece – the same basic shape in humans and naked mole-rats, but in the mole-rat version a few connectors are flipped, allowing it to assemble an entirely different structure and function,”
Prof Balmus explained that through millions of years of evolution, naked mole rats have effectively restructured this protein’s pathway to their advantage, prompting critical questions about the evolutionary changes that facilitated this remarkable adaptation.
The implications of this research extend beyond mere curiosity; scientists are eager to explore how these discoveries might translate into advancements in human health and longevity. Prof Balmus remarked, “I think if we could reverse-engineer the naked mole-rat’s biology, we might bring some much-needed therapies for an ageing society.”