2023-08-31 07:10:12
According to the researchers, there would be another way apart from the fountain of youth for the human to become immortal. The solution, however, lies in the genetics of a naked mole rat.
Researchers have just elucidated the mystery behind the longevity of this species. Recently, it was discovered that the gene of this small rodent is composed of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, an abundance of HMW-HA in other words. By transferring this gene to mice, the researchers were able to increase guinea pig life expectancy. Hopefully the experiment will be beneficial for human and soon human will be immortal thanks to this naked mole rat.
The secret of anti-aging in the naked mole rat
For more than 20 years, researchers have sought to discover the secret of the biological mechanism of naked mole rats. Their previous research showed what is called early contact inhibition. This is a anti-cancer mechanism represented by abundant flow of HMW-HA, whose weight exceeds 6.1 megadaltons. For your information, it is this compound that is generally found in anti-aging cosmetic products.
However, HMW-Ha from naked mole rats possess remarkable regenerative characteristics and cytoprotective properties. Compared to that of humans and mice, rodent hyaluronan gene expression is largely elevated.
First experiment on mice before applying the results to humans
The tissues in question show reduced hyaluronidase activity. That is, the enzymes responsible for disintegration of long chains of HMW-HA. Therefore, naked mole-rat tissues possess approximately 10 times higher concentration of HMW-HA compared to that observed in humans and mice.
The scientists then set out to determine whether the benefits seen in naked mole rats might be applied to mice by introducing them to the HAS2 version specific to these mole rats. Vera Gorbunova explains: “Our study demonstrates the concept that the unique mechanisms of longevity that evolved in long-lived mammalian species might be transferred to improve the lifespan of other mammals”.
humans soon to be immortal thanks to this anti-cancer protection?
The researchers genetically altered mice to express the HAS2 gene of naked mole rats (nmr HAS2). They used a CAG promoter, which induces strong gene expression, to enhance gene expression. Therefore, since in naked mole rats the accumulation of HMW-HA does not start until following birth, the expression of nmr HAS2 had to be temporarily regulated. following transfer.
The analysis showed that mice that express nmr HAS2 were able to enjoy better protection once morest spontaneous tumors. But also once morest skin cancer that we had to chemically induce. In addition, they displayed a better overall health and longer lifespan. This compared to control groups consisting of normal mice, with a notable increase of 4.4%. This health benefit appeared to stem from a reduction in inflammation, potentially induced by a direct immunomodulatory effect, as well as improved gut barrier function.
These results are confirmed by the fact that mice showed fewer functional alterations naturally linked to the aging process. These benefits include reduced inflammation in various tissue types. But also an increased integrity of the intestinal barrier and a healthier composition of the intestinal microbiota. Accumulation of HMW-HA also had the effect of attenuating abnormal immune responses at the tissue level.
Researchers have succeeded in transferring the key gene for longevity from the naked mole rat to mice, significantly improving their health and extending their life expectancy. The next stage of the study will consist of transposing these experiments to humans. https://t.co/FMXOfkMxD6
— Trust My Science (@TrustMyScience) August 28, 2023
Only a few more years before the human becomes immortal
Still according to Vera Gorbunova, it took them 10 years between the discovery of HMW-HA in naked mole rats and the demonstration of its beneficial effect on the health of mice. “The next step in the experiment is to apply these results to human beings “, she added.
As such, we have the choice between two strategies. The first: slow down the degradation of HMW-HA or improve its synthesis. Gorbunova and her team have already identified potentially promising compounds for the first strategy. These are currently undergoing preclinical trials. We can therefore expect humans to be immortal within a few years.
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