Scientists already knew that naked mole rat (Heterocephaly Glaber) defies all the laws of biology: ageless and practically inedible. Now they went a step further and transferred hyaluronan synthase 2.longevity gene‘. And the experiment was a complete success: gene receptors, longer life and better health. The researchers now plan to check if this amazing animal still exists. secret of immortality; or at least, eternal youth.
The naked mole rat, also known as the shaved mole rat, shows a surprising resistance to all age-related diseases. Almost vulnerable to cancer, can live up to 18 minutes without oxygen, social organization similar to that of some insects, sometimes metabolized like plants They can live up to 41 years, which is ten times longer than rodents of similar size. But above all, it does not age and maintains its reproductive capacity throughout its life. As if the years had not passed by him.
The transfer of the gene to mice was carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Rochester in the USA, whose results were published in the journal ‘Nature’. they are convinced that The first step to discover the secrets of aging and extend human life.
“Our study provides proof of principle longevity mechanisms “Those that evolve into long-lived mammalian species can be exported to extend the lifespan of other mammals,” says Vera Gorbunova, Doris Johns Cherry Professor of Biology and Medicine in Rochester.
cancer resistance
The study authors concluded that: The key to cancer resistance and longevity lies in high molecular mass hyaluronic acid.. To examine the benefits of this compound, the researchers created: transgenic miceWhere the gene responsible for the production of high molecular mass hyaluronic acid is transferred.
While all mammals carry the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene, the naked mole rat version appears to have been enhanced to provide stronger gene expression.
These mice showed “increased hyaluronan levels in various tissues and a lower incidence of spontaneous and induced cancer.” longer life and better health“, sums up the study. The average increase in life expectancy is estimated at 4.4%.
There were even more benefits: in mice with the gene inserted, inflammations The researchers note that it occurs in multiple tissues, including “direct immunomodulatory effect on immune cells, protection against oxidative stress, and improvement of gut barrier function during aging.”
As mice with the naked mole rat version of the gene aged, there was less inflammation in different parts of their bodies (inflammation is a sign of aging), and healthier gut.
“These findings show that The longevity mechanism developed in the hairless mole rat could be transferred to other species and we open new avenues for using high molecular mass hyaluronic acid to improve life expectancy and health in humans.”
Fountain of youth for people?
Rochester researchers have previously found that naked mole rats have about ten times more high-molecular-mass hyaluronic acid in their bodies than mice and humans. And for example, this polysaccharide, which is responsible for maintaining the tone, texture and moisture of the skin, responsible for unusual resistance to cancer of this kind.
They also found that tumors arose more frequently when high-molecular-mass hyaluronic acid was extracted from the cells of naked mole rats. The aim of the experiment was to see if the positive effects of the newborn could be replicated in other animals. The answer is “Yes”.
“It took us a decade from the discovery of high molecular density hyaluronic acid in the naked mole rat to the demonstration that it improves health in mice,” says Gorbunova. “Our next goal is to transfer this benefit to people.‘ he announces.
They believe they can achieve this goal in two ways: slowing the degradation of high molecular density hyaluronic acid or improving its synthesis. “We have already defined molecules that slow down the degradation of hyaluronan and we’re testing them in preclinical trials,” says Andrei Seluanov, professor of biology from Rochester.
“We hope that our findings will not provide the first, but not the last, example of how long-lived adaptations of a perennial species can be adapted to benefit human longevity and health.”
exceptional longevity
Naked mole rats are mouse-sized rodents. Exceptional longevity: They can live up to 41 years; which is almost ten times longer than rodents of similar size.
Unlike many other species, naked mole rats they usually don’t get sick (such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, arthritis or cancer) as we age. Actually, The only case of cancer of this type was recorded in individuals born in captivity.They lived in environments containing much more oxygen than in their natural environment.
Specimens of this species always remain young; Scientists believe it is much more abundant than other rodent species due to its slow metabolism. So much so that predation and non-age-related diseases are the main causes of death.
A few years ago, researchers from the University of Ottawa in Canada discovered how this unique African mammal came to be. saves energy in case of hypoxia and manages to survive in low oxygen conditions. Even without it for 18 minutes. It reduces your metabolic rate by up to 85% (hypometabolism).
This is a discovery of great importance to medicineBecause hypoxia is associated with many pathologies that affect humans, such as stroke or chronic lung disorders. This discovery is the first step towards improving treatments, even improving.
But in addition to anaerobic resistance, another study conducted in 2017 revealed that: Instead of consuming this type of glucose, it alters its metabolism and depletes the brain of fructose. as an energy source just like plants. Their colonies are also organized similarly to bees and ants: there is only one breeding queen; other individuals divide the work and care of young people.
Reference work: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06463-0
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