Extending the Human Lifespan: Groundbreaking Studies from the Naked Mole Rat.

As of August 23rd, 2023, researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from the naked mole rat into a mouse. These studies have resulted in longer life spans in mice with the naked mole rat gene, which begs the question: can the same result be replicated in humans?

 

Naked mole rats have long fascinated the scientific community for their unique resistance to age-related disease and their abnormally long lifespans. Naked mole rats have been known to live up to 41 years, which is much unlike other rodents like mice. What’s equally as interesting is that naked mole rats don’t often contract age-related diseases found in other mice and even humans. They have been found to resist neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and even cancer. In order to attempt transferring these traits to mice, researchers focused on the HMW-HA mechanism, which is believed to be the cause of the naked mole rat’s continued success. HMW-HA, or high molecular mass hyaluronan, is a non-protein component of the extracellular matrix that improves tissue homeostasis and promotes anti-inflammatory and antimetastatic (anti-cancer cell proliferation) properties. In naked mole rats, it is found in much higher concentrations– about ten times higher than both mice and humans. Removal of HMW-HA from naked mole rat cells also saw higher rates of tumor formation, and is evidence that HMW-HA is a strong factor in the naked mole rat’s unique longevity. 

 

In order to replicate a naked mole rat’s HMW-HA expression in a mouse model, the research team at the University of Rochester  modified a mouse to produce the naked mole rat’s version of the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene, which is the gene responsible for HMW-HA production. The results of this research found that mice with the enhanced gene displayed better protection against spontaneous tumors, chemically induced skin cancer, inflammation, and overall improved health and life-expectancy. 

 

As our understanding of HMW-HA improves, researchers believe that these findings could lead to opportunities in humans, specifically with inflammation and inflammatory diseases . Scientists are looking to transfer these health benefits to humans by either slowing down the degradation of HMW-HA or enhancing HMW-HA synthesis, and success is already being achieved in slowing down degradation. Perhaps in the coming years, the naked mole rat and HMW-HA will become the keys to human longevity and health. 

 

Sophia Rinaldi (2)

 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230823165402.htm

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7453635/#:~:text=High%20molecular%20weight%20hyaluronan%20(HMW,in%20the%20naked%20mole%20rat. 

Comments

  1. Sid WarrierOctober 3, 2023 at 7:40 PM

    The idea of inserting genes into other genomes is always a topic shrouded in science fiction. I think it is about time that we start to look at it as real science. I think this experiment could lead to interesting and maybe positive impacts on people's livelihood. But at the same time, there could be adverse side effects for the people who have altered genomes. I believe that scientists must look to attain this balance before making the technology mainstream, as abuse of it could lead to disastrous consequences for patients who would tremendously benefit from a technology like this.

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  2. AnonymousOctober 5, 2023 at 9:26 AM

    It is really interesting that the insertion of a single gene was able to extend the mouse's lifespan. It honestly is a bit scary to know that it is possible and brings up the idea of how much we are altering human evolution and whether is it going to have consequences. I think it could be very useful for some individuals, however, the unfortunate thing is if say it is translated into humans, is everyone going to have access or just the select wealthy. I am also curious to see the effects, as many people develop different diseases that affect their bodies and brains as they age.
    Alexis Carson

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  3. AnonymousOctober 5, 2023 at 2:52 PM

    This is an interesting topic. The mechanism of HMW-HA provides valuable insight into what could potentially suppress tumor formation which ultimately leads to the resistance of cancer. This research is valuable because it can help progress research for cancer. Although this study was conducted on naked mole rats, there is more information on how cancer is suppressed on other animals. I'm interested in understanding the HMW-HA mechanism and what other receptors are involved. What is inhibited? Or promotes the anti-inflammatory properties.

    ReplyDelete

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