Naked Mole Rat Gene Extends Lifespan and Improves Health in Mice

Researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity-related gene from naked mole rats into mice, resulting in an extension of the mice’s lifespan and an overall improvement in their health.

The experiment focused on a biological advantage found in naked mole rats, which are known for their ability to live for decades and their inherent resistance to many age-related diseases, including cancer.

The transferred gene increases the production of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA). This substance appears to protect against the development of tumors, reduce systemic inflammation, and support healthier aging processes.

The study, published in the journal Nature on August 23, 2023, utilized a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the naked mole-rat hyaluronic acid synthase 2 gene, referred to as nmrHas2.

Mice that received the nmrHas2 gene exhibited a measurable increase in hyaluronan levels across several tissues. These modified mice showed a lower incidence of both spontaneous and induced cancer compared to ordinary mice.

Beyond cancer resistance, the researchers observed a significant reduction in chronic inflammation across multiple tissues. This attenuation of inflammation was linked to several mechanisms, including a direct immunoregulatory effect on immune cells and protection against oxidative stress.

The modified mice also demonstrated improved gut barrier function during the aging process, contributing to overall better healthspan.

In terms of longevity, the genetically modified mice experienced an approximate 4.4 percent increase in median lifespan compared to the control group of ordinary mice.

Further analysis revealed that the transcriptome signature of the nmrHas2 mice shifted to more closely resemble that of longer-lived species.

The researchers determined that these beneficial effects were conferred by the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid itself and were not exclusive to the nmrHas2 gene.

This finding suggests that certain longevity mechanisms evolved in long-lived animals may be adaptable to other mammal species.

The results of the study indicate that exporting these biological mechanisms could open new avenues for using HMW-HA to improve both healthspan and lifespan in other species, including potentially humans.

The study’s outcomes highlight the role of HMW-HA in regulating the immune system and protecting tissues from the degradation typically associated with aging.