In a remarkable scientific achievement, researchers have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extended lifespan for the mice. Naked mole rats, renowned for their resilience against age-related ailments, possess a gene responsible for producing high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA). This gene, when introduced to mice, exhibited promising anti-aging effects.
The groundbreaking work conducted by scientists at the University of Rochester signifies a significant leap forward in the realm of longevity research. By transposing a specific gene associated with enhanced cellular repair and protection from naked mole rats to mice, the researchers have unveiled a tantalizing prospect of unraveling the mysteries of aging and potentially prolonging human lifespan.
Naked mole rats, intriguing creatures with an unusually long lifespan and exceptional resistance to age-related diseases, have long captivated the attention of the scientific community. By introducing a particular gene responsible for the production of HMW-HA from naked mole rats into mice, the team at Rochester has sparked a new avenue for exploring ways to address aging-related health issues and extend the human lifespan.
Vera Gorbunova, the Doris Johns Cherry Professor of biology and medicine at the University of Rochester, expressed, “Our study provides a proof of principle that unique longevity mechanisms that evolved in long-lived mammalian species can be exported to improve the lifespans of other mammals.”
Gorbunova, along with her colleague Andrei Seluanov, a biology professor, and their collaborative team, have published their findings in the journal Nature. The researchers achieved the successful transfer of the gene responsible for generating high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) from naked mole rats to mice. This achievement led to improved health and a noteworthy 4.4 percent increase in the median lifespan of the mice.
One of the most intriguing aspects of naked mole rats is their exceptional resistance to cancer. Unlike many other species, these rodent-like creatures are remarkably resistant to various diseases such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and cancer as they age. Gorbunova and Seluanov have dedicated years to comprehending the unique mechanisms that underlie naked mole rats’ ability to fend off aging and diseases.
The researchers had previously identified HMW-HA as a crucial mechanism contributing to the naked mole rats’ resistance to cancer. Naked mole rats possess around ten times more HMW-HA in their bodies compared to mice and humans. Removing HMW-HA from naked mole rat cells increased the likelihood of tumor formation.
In their pursuit of replicating the positive effects of HMW-HA in other animals, the researchers genetically modified mice to produce the naked mole rat version of the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene—a gene responsible for producing a protein that generates HMW-HA. While this gene is present in all mammals, the version found in naked mole rats appears to be enhanced, resulting in stronger gene expression.
The mice carrying the naked mole rat version of the gene demonstrated heightened protection against spontaneous tumors and chemically induced skin cancer. These mice also exhibited overall improved health and a prolonged lifespan compared to regular mice. As these mice aged, they experienced reduced inflammation in various body parts—a hallmark of aging—and maintained better gut health.
Although further research is warranted to fully elucidate why HMW-HA yields such favorable effects, the researchers speculate that its ability to directly regulate the immune system plays a pivotal role.
The implications of these findings extend to the realm of human longevity. Exploring how HMW-HA could be utilized to enhance lifespan and mitigate inflammation-related diseases in humans holds promising potential. Gorbunova stated, “It took us 10 years from the discovery of HMW-HA in the naked mole rat to showing that HMW-HA improves health in mice. Our next goal is to transfer this benefit to humans.”
The researchers are optimistic about achieving this objective through two avenues: either by slowing down the degradation of HMW-HA or by enhancing its synthesis. They have already identified molecules that can impede hyaluronan degradation and are currently testing them in pre-clinical trials. Seluanov affirmed, “We hope that our findings will provide the first, but not the last, example of how longevity adaptations from a long-lived species can be adapted to benefit human longevity and health.”
The study, generously supported by the National Institutes of Health, is indeed a significant stride towards potentially unlocking a fountain of youth for humans.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about longevity gene transfer
What is the key discovery presented in this research?
The research discusses the successful transfer of a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extended lifespan for the mice. Naked mole rats possess a gene responsible for producing high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), which was introduced to mice, demonstrating potential anti-aging effects.
What are naked mole rats known for in the context of aging?
Naked mole rats are renowned for their long lifespans and exceptional resistance to age-related diseases. They can live up to 41 years, which is nearly ten times as long as rodents of similar size. These creatures notably do not contract diseases such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and cancer as they age.
How was the longevity gene transferred from naked mole rats to mice?
Researchers genetically modified a mouse model to produce the naked mole rat version of the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene, responsible for generating high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA). This version of the gene seemed to be enhanced for stronger gene expression. When introduced to mice, this gene led to improved health, increased lifespan, and reduced inflammation.
What role does high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) play in this research?
HMW-HA is a crucial factor in naked mole rats’ resistance to cancer. Compared to mice and humans, naked mole rats have significantly higher levels of HMW-HA in their bodies. The successful transfer of the gene producing HMW-HA from naked mole rats to mice resulted in enhanced health, longer lifespan, and reduced inflammation in the mice.
What are the potential implications of this research for human longevity?
The findings suggest that the benefits observed in mice through the transfer of the longevity gene could potentially be harnessed to improve human longevity and health. The researchers believe that this could be achieved either by slowing down the degradation of HMW-HA or by enhancing its synthesis. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects.
How long did it take to reach this stage of research?
The journey from the initial discovery of HMW-HA in naked mole rats to demonstrating its health-improving effects in mice took approximately 10 years. The researchers are optimistic that this work could pave the way for future advancements in extending human lifespan and health.
Who funded this research?
The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), highlighting the significance of this work in advancing our understanding of aging and potential interventions to enhance longevity.
More about longevity gene transfer
- University of Rochester Researchers: University of Rochester
- Nature Journal Article: Nature
- National Institutes of Health: NIH
