According to researchers, there is another way for humans to become immortal besides the fountain of youth. However, the solution lies in the genetics of a naked mole rat.
Researchers have just revealed the secret behind this species’ longevity. It was recently discovered that this small rodent’s gene consists of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, i.e. plenty of HMW-HA. The researchers achieved success by transferring this gene to mice Increase the life expectancy of guinea pigs. Let’s hope that the experiment will be useful for humans and that thanks to this naked mole rat, humans will soon become immortal.
The secret of anti-aging in the naked mole rat
For more than twenty years, researchers have been trying to unravel the secret of the biological mechanism of naked mole rats. Their previous research showed what is called early contact inhibition. That is a Anticancer mechanism represented by an abundant flow of HMW-HA, whose weight exceeds 6.1 megadaltons. For your information, this compound is generally found in anti-aging cosmetic products.
However, HMW-Ha from naked mole rats possesses remarkable regenerative properties and cytoprotective properties. Compared to humans and mice The expression of the hyaluronan gene in rodents is greatly increased.
First experiment on mice before the results are transferred to humans
The tissues in question have reduced hyaluronidase activity. That means the enzymes are responsible for this Long chain decay of HMW-HA. Therefore, naked mole rat tissues have a concentration of HMW-HA approximately ten times higher than that of humans and mice.
The scientists then wanted to find out whether the benefits observed in naked mole rats could be transferred to mice by introducing the mole-specific version of HAS2. Vera Gorbunova explains: “Our study shows the concept the unique mechanisms of longevity Insights developed in long-lived mammalian species could be transferred to improve the lifespan of other mammals.”
Will people soon become immortal thanks to this cancer protection?
Researchers genetically modified mice to express the naked mole-rat HAS2 gene (nmr HAS2). To increase gene expression, they used a CAG promoter, which induces strong gene expression. Because in naked mole-rats the accumulation of HMW-HA only begins after birth, we had to transiently regulate the expression of NMR HAS2 after the transfer.
The analysis showed that mice expressing NMR-HAS2 enjoyed better protection against spontaneous tumors. But also against skin cancer, which had to be caused chemically. In addition, they showed 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 be due to a reduction in inflammation, possibly mediated by a direct immunomodulatory effect, as well as improved intestinal barrier function.
These results are confirmed by the fact that mice showed fewer functional changes naturally associated with the aging process. These benefits include reducing inflammation in various tissue types. But also increased integrity of the intestinal barrier and a healthier composition of the intestinal microbiota. Enrichment of HMW-HA also had the effect of attenuating abnormal immune responses at the tissue level.
Researchers have succeeded in transferring the crucial longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, thereby significantly improving their health and extending their life expectancy. The next step of the study will be to translate these experiments to humans. https://t.co/FMXOfkMxD6
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Only a few more years until man becomes immortal
Nevertheless, according to Vera Gorbunova, ten years passed from the discovery of HMW-HA in naked mole-rat to proof of its positive effect on the health of mice. “The next step in the experiment is this Apply these results to humans ” she added.
Therefore, we have a choice between two strategies. The first: slow down the degradation of HMW-HA or improve its synthesis. Gorbunova and her team have already done it identified potentially promising compounds for the first strategy. These are currently in preclinical studies. We can therefore expect that humans will become immortal within a few years.