Naked mole rats live long: What's their hidden DNA secret?
Scientists have found a key reason why naked mole rats live exceptionally long lives. These small rodents can live for over 30 years, which is very unusual for a small mammal. This longevity is linked to their genes.
This is amazing! Researchers discovered that a specific enzyme, called cGAS, plays a big role. This enzyme is linked to better DNA repair in naked mole rats. Enhanced DNA repair helps protect their cells from damage over time.
This discovery offers a genetic secret to their long life. It shows how specific genetic mutations can lead to such remarkable longevity. This understanding could help future research into aging.
The findings highlight a unique biological mechanism. Scientists continue to study naked mole rats to unlock more secrets of their long and healthy lives.