Skip to main content

Researchers Transfer Longevity Gene From Naked Mole Rats to Mice, Resulting in Improved Health and Extended Lifespan

 

Researchers Transfer Longevity Gene From Naked Mole Rats to Mice, Resulting in Improved Health and Extended Lifespan

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice. The gene, called HMW-HA, is responsible for producing high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that has a number of beneficial properties, including promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and protecting against cancer.

The researchers found that mice that had been genetically modified to express the naked mole rat version of the HMW-HA gene had a number of improvements in health and longevity. The mice had a 4.4% longer median lifespan than control mice, and they were also less likely to develop cancer. Additionally, the modified mice had healthier immune systems and gut microbiomes.

The findings of this study suggest that HMW-HA may be a key factor in the longevity of naked mole rats. Further research is needed to determine how HMW-HA works to promote health and extend lifespan, but this study provides a promising new avenue for research into aging and longevity.

What are the implications of this study for humans?

The findings of this study could have important implications for human health. If HMW-HA can help to promote health and extend lifespan in mice, it is possible that it could also have similar benefits in humans. However, more research is needed to determine whether HMW-HA can be safely and effectively delivered to humans.

What are the next steps in this research?

The researchers who conducted this study are now working to further investigate the role of HMW-HA in longevity. They are also working to develop ways to safely and effectively deliver HMW-HA to humans. If these efforts are successful, it could lead to new treatments for aging and age-related diseases.

The findings of this study are a significant step forward in the search for ways to extend human lifespan. HMW-HA is a promising new target for research into aging and longevity, and further research is needed to determine its full potential.

Source: University of Rochester

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

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DAMA/LIBRA: The Dark Matter Signal No One Else Can See

  DAMA/LIBRA: The Dark Matter Signal No One Else Can See Dark matter is one of the universe's biggest mysteries. We can’t see it, touch it, or measure it directly — but without it, galaxies wouldn’t hold together. Physicists around the world are racing to detect this elusive substance. And one experiment buried deep beneath Italy’s Apennine Mountains says it already has. For over two decades, the DAMA/LIBRA experiment has reported a consistent signal that it claims could be the first direct evidence of dark matter. The problem? No one else can see it. The Invisible Majority Let’s rewind for a moment. Everything we can see—planets, stars, gas, and dust—makes up less than 5% of the universe. About 27% is thought to be dark matter , an invisible substance that doesn't emit or reflect light but exerts a powerful gravitational pull. It's what keeps galaxies spinning faster than gravity from visible matter alone can explain. But detecting dark matter is no easy task. If it’s...
Read more

De-Extinction Dreams: Bringing Back Mammoths, or a Pandora’s Box?

There was a time when bringing extinct creatures back to life was just the stuff of novels and movies. Now, it’s not so far-fetched. Scientists are serious about the idea — especially when it comes to woolly mammoths. The basic idea? Use preserved DNA and modern genetic tools to engineer something close to what used to roam the Earth thousands of years ago. That "something" might not be a true mammoth — not genetically, anyway — but more of a cold-adapted elephant with mammoth-like traits. Some believe these creatures could help restore damaged ecosystems in the Arctic. Others wonder if we’re simply crossing a line we can’t uncross. Either way, this is no longer science fiction. The Mammoth Plan Woolly mammoths went extinct a few thousand years ago, leaving behind frozen remains in the tundra — some with hair, skin, even bits of usable DNA. That’s more than enough to get geneticists interested. One of the more vocal efforts comes from Colossal Biosciences, a company aim...
Read more

Myth Busted: Sitting Close to the TV Won't Make You Go Blind

Myth Busted: Sitting Close to the TV Won't Make You Go Blind   We've all heard the age-old admonishment from parents and grandparents: "Don't sit too close to the TV; it'll ruin your eyes!" It's one of those timeless warnings that have been passed down through generations. But is there any truth to this claim? Does sitting close to the TV screen really pose a risk of going blind? In this article, we'll dive into the science behind this common belief and debunk the myth once and for all. The idea that sitting too close to the TV can damage your eyes likely stems from a time when cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs were the norm. These older TVs emitted low levels of radiation, and there were concerns about potential harm. However, modern TVs, such as LED and LCD screens, operate differently and don't emit harmful radiation. Before we debunk the myth, let's understand how our eyes function. When you focus on an object, whether it's a TV screen or a bo...
Post a Comment
Read more