Greenland Shark's 500-Year Lifespan Linked to Massive 6.5 Billion Base Pair Genome: Secrets of Longevity Revealed

KARMACTIVE STAFF

The genome of the Greenland shark has been successfully mapped by an international team of scientists. This groundbreaking research provides critical insights into the genetic mechanisms behind the species' extraordinary longevity, making it a historic milestone in the field of aging research.

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This kind of research offers significant knowledge about the genetic basis of long life, particularly focusing on DNA repair mechanisms, which seem to be more efficient in species with extended lifespans, such as the Greenland shark.

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Greenland sharks are known for their extreme longevity, with some individuals estimated to live up to 500 years, but their genome contains 6.5 billion base pairs, which is twice the size of the human genome. A significant part of this genome consists of repetitive "jumping genes," or transposable elements.

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A notable discovery involves the p53 protein, often referred to as the "guardian of the genome." This protein plays a critical role in tumor suppression and DNA damage repair, which are essential for longevity in many species.

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Recent research has also revealed unique metabolic traits in Greenland sharks. These traits allow them to maintain their metabolic rate with age, unlike many other species whose metabolism slows down over time. This may contribute to their remarkable lifespan.

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Greenland shark as "Vulnerable" on its Red List of Threatened Species. This vulnerability is due to factors like bycatch in commercial fishing and the shark's slow growth rate and late sexual maturity, which make it difficult for the population to recover from losses.

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Scientists plan to continue studying the Greenland shark to uncover more secrets about its genetic traits and the potential applications of this knowledge for human aging and conservation efforts​

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