Genetic Studies on Multiple Animals: Key to Understanding Human Longevity
In the quest to unlock the secrets of longevity, scientists have turned to a wide range of animals for clues. From tiny mole-rats to furry marmots to tiny marmosets, studying many genes in many animals is the key to understanding how humans can live longer.
Recent research has shown that certain animals have genetic adaptations that allow them to live much longer than others. For example:
- naked mole-rats have been found to have genetic adaptations that protect them from cancer
- certain species of bats can regenerate their own heart tissue
These adaptations could provide important insights into how we can extend our own lifespans.
One of the challenges in studying longevity is the complexity of the aging process. Aging involves a wide range of biological processes, including changes in:
- gene expression
- metabolism
- cellular function
To understand how all of these processes interact, researchers need to study many genes in many different animals.
Advances in genetic sequencing technology have made this type of research more feasible. By sequencing the genomes of different animals, researchers can identify genetic differences that may contribute to longer lifespans. They can also study how gene expression changes over time, which can provide important insights into the aging process.
For example, a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications looked at gene expression in the brains of two different species of marmosets – one with a shorter lifespan and one with a longer lifespan. The researchers found that the longer-lived marmosets had a different pattern of gene expression in their brains, which may contribute to their longer lifespans.
Another study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, looked at the genetics of different species of marmots. The researchers found that the marmots with longer lifespans had genetic adaptations that allowed them to better cope with oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to aging.
These studies are just a few examples of the many ways that researchers are using genetics to study longevity. By studying many genes in many animals, scientists are uncovering important insights into the aging process and the genetic adaptations that allow certain animals to live longer.
Read more about an interesting related article from The Conversation.
Advances in genetic sequencing technology have made this type of research more feasible, and researchers are uncovering important insights into the aging process by studying a wide range of animals. Taking supplements from Asher Longevity Institute, is one of the best ways also to unlock the secrets of longevity and to extend our own lifespans.
