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First whole-genome sequence of a Greenland shark holds clues to their extreme longevity
- Scientists completed the first near-complete genome sequence of the Greenland shark, uncovering clues to its longevity and cancer resistance.
- The genome covers about 96.7% of the shark's DNA, enabling insights into longevity-related biology.
- Amino acid changes in linker histone proteins may stabilize DNA structure and reduce damage over time.
- Expanded immune and DNA repair gene families suggest multiple systems support longevity and cancer resistance.
- Ferritin genes, involved in iron storage, are expanded, hinting at better iron regulation and reduced oxidative stress.
- Researchers say longevity likely results from coordinated changes across genome stability, iron metabolism, immunity, and stress resistance.
- The findings may inform human aging research, though more functional studies are needed to test ideas directly.
- The Greenland shark inhabits deep North Atlantic waters and is estimated to live up to about 400 years.
- The work was published May 19 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
- The study was led by Shigeharu Kinoshita and colleagues from the University of Tokyo.
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