Scientists Transplanted the Naked Mole-Rat's "Longevity Gene" into Mice.

Naked mole-rats hold the record for lifespan. They live up to 41 years—almost ten times longer than other rodents of similar size. They almost never get by cancer, arthritis, or other age-related diseases.

These rodents owe their longevity primarily to the large amount of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) in their bodies. Its level in naked mole-rats is about ten times higher than in mice or humans.

In 2023, scientists from the University of Rochester (U.S.) transplanted a naked mole-rat gene responsible for HMM-HA synthesis into mice. The genetically modified mice then proved to be more resistant to tumors, maintained good gut health, and showed significantly less tissue inflammation as they aged.

The median lifespan of the test rodents increased less dramatically, by 4.4%. On the other hand, for a person living to age 80, this would mean approximately 3.5 additional years of life.

The researchers' next goal is to try to transfer this effect to humans.

@hiaimediaen