Like the sharks of Greenland live 500 years

The Greenland Shark’s genome reveals the secrets of longevity

Some estimates show that the life expectancy of the Greenland shark is as much as 500 years. New DNA research on fish cartilage has given researchers key indications of the secret of its longevity. In the first detailed map of the Greenland Shark Genome (Somniosus Microcephalus), researchers led by a team from the University of Tokyo found genetic traits that protect against cancer, reduce inflammation and help repair the double DNA spiral.

New knowledge of the molecular basis

Half millennium is a significant period of time, so Greenland sharks born at Galileo and Shakespeare can swim today. The findings of Japanese researchers could help future research for a long and healthy life.
« These genomic analyzes offer new knowledge of the molecular basis of the exceptional longevity of the Greenland shark and highlight the potential genetic mechanisms that could inform future research on longevity, » the researchers wrote in their work.
They collected samples of tissue from a trapped female shark from Greenland before letting it go back to the wild. Using high -precision sequencing, the team managed to identify 86.5 percent of the expected shark protein coding genome. This shark had more copies of genes that promote DNA repair and immune function than were found in other long -lived species that lived shorter. The same is true for genes that control NF-CB signaling-which is associated with reducing inflammation and maintaining cells intact and functional.
Mutations in genes associated with stopping growth and spread of cancer also seem to play a role in the longevity of the sharks, researchers have revealed.

These fish can grow over six feet

-We suggest that the classic NFB signaling path be crucial to the outstanding longevity of this shark, as it regulates cell proliferation, migration, DNA repair, apoptosis and immune response, which are closely related to inflammation, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
These impressive fish can grow over six meters long and weigh more than 1,000 kg. They do not reach reproductive maturity to adulthood for 150 years – which makes them vulnerable to environmental influences and human activity. A deeper understanding of the Greenland Shark’s genome should reveal more about how she lives and hence help us protect this species.
The meaning of the study, however, goes beyond the sharks: learning the genetic basis of her long life can give insights that improve human health and life expectancy.
« Future research should include sequencing more individuals from different marine regions to clarify the dynamics of the global population in more detail, » the researchers write.
The research has not yet been published in a reviewed magazine.