Naked mole rats look ordinary, but they live a very long time and rarely get sick. Their secret has attracted many scientists who study aging.
Moving a Longevity Gene to Mice
Researchers at the University of Rochester took a gene that makes a special form of hyaluronic acid, called high‑molecular‑weight HA, from naked mole rats and added it to mice. This molecule is found in huge amounts in mole rats and helps protect them from cancer and inflammation.
The changed mice produced more HA in their bodies. They showed less inflammation, fewer tumors, and better gut health. Most importantly, they lived about 4.4 % longer than normal mice.
Why the Mole Rat Gene Works
All mammals have a version of the hyaluronan synthase‑2 gene, but the mole‑rat version is especially active. It tells cells to make more protective HA. More HA seems to calm the immune system and keep tissues healthy.
What This Means for Future Research
Even though the life‑extension was modest, the study proved that a longevity tool from one species can be transferred to another. Scientists now plan to either slow down the breakdown of HA in the body or boost its production, hoping to apply the same idea to humans.
Other Discoveries in Mole Rat Aging
Recent work also found a different mole‑rat protein, cGAS, that helps fix DNA damage better than the human version. Together with HA, these discoveries suggest that mole rats use several overlapping defenses to stay healthy for decades.
Each new finding gives researchers another clue about how to slow aging and protect against age‑related diseases. The gene‑transfer experiment is a clear example that nature’s long‑living tricks might one day help people live healthier, longer lives.