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This Ocean 'Ghost' Hides the Secret to a Long Life
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Health & Science

This Ocean 'Ghost' Hides the Secret to a Long Life

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Greenland sharks are among the longest-living vertebrates, with lifespans potentially reaching 400 years and sexual maturity around 150 years.
  • Scientists have nearly fully decoded the Greenland shark's genome, identifying unique gene mutations that may contribute to its longevity.
  • These mutations appear to stabilize chromatin structure, reduce DNA damage accumulation, and enhance immune system regulation, potentially lowering cancer risk and ensuring a long life.

The Greenland shark, a mysterious inhabitant of the dark North Atlantic waters, is renowned for its extraordinary longevity, with some individuals estimated to live up to 400 years. These large sharks, which can reach lengths of up to six meters, are often described as ocean "ghosts" due to their slow, silent movement, frequently occurring at depths of two kilometers.

However, we know that they are devilishly old and live at least 200 years!

— Aaron McNeilA biologist commenting on the confirmed age of Greenland sharks, even if the 400-year estimate is debated.

Recent scientific breakthroughs have brought researchers closer to understanding the secrets behind this remarkable lifespan. A team led by Shigeharu Kinoshita from the University of Tokyo has successfully sequenced approximately 96.7% of the Greenland shark's genome. This extensive analysis has revealed several genes that scientists believe are linked to the shark's ability to survive for centuries.

This unchanging structure likely helps reduce the accumulation of DNA damage.

— Shigeharu KinoshitaExplaining the function of stabilized chromatin structure in Greenland sharks.

Key findings include unique gene mutations that help stabilize the structure of chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes. This stable structure is thought to minimize the accumulation of DNA damage over time. Furthermore, the Greenland shark's genome shows highly advanced gene groups related to both immune response to pathogens and the regulation of DNA damage.

Effective immune system regulation and DNA damage prevention are very important factors that help reduce cancer risk and ensure a long life.

— Shigeharu KinoshitaDescribing the role of genetic advancements in the shark's health and longevity.

Scientists theorize that effective regulation of the immune system and prevention of DNA damage are crucial factors in reducing cancer risk and ensuring extended longevity. The research also identified a highly developed gene group regulating iron accumulation and balance within the shark's body. This suggests an exceptional ability to manage iron metabolism and avoid oxidative stress, which can lead to DNA damage and cancer development. While no single "magic gene" has been identified, the combination of these genetic factors is believed to contribute to the Greenland shark's extraordinary lifespan.

There are no individual magical genes that determine a long life.

— Shigeharu KinoshitaStating that longevity is likely a result of multiple genetic factors working together.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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