Researchers at the University of Rochester have transferred a special gene from the naked mole rat into mice. This gene plays a role in the animal living a longer and healthier life. By introducing the gene into mice, they not only lived longer, but also remained healthier.
The gene stimulates the production of a substance called high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This substance is important because it helps protect the body against cancer and reduces inflammatory responses in the body. Inflammation plays a major role in age-related diseases, which is why lowering it is beneficial for healthy ageing.
The mice with the new gene had fewer tumours and their bowels functioned better, which is also a sign of good health. In addition, they had fewer signs of inflammation that normally increase with ageing. This suggests that the gene not only extends lifespan, but also contributes to a better quality of life in later life.
This research offers hope for future treatments that can slow down the ageing process and helps to better understand how certain genes contribute to a healthy and long life.
Source: Original article
