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The modified rodents indeed benefited from an increase in their median lifespan of about 4.4% and displayed better health over time, notably with fewer spontaneous tumors.
This modification affects the production of hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally present in the body. In the naked mole-rat, this substance adopts a particular elongated form with protective virtues. It helps preserve tissue integrity, reduces chronic inflammation, and slows the growth of certain cancers. This version is therefore distinctly different from shorter forms which, in contrast, can encourage inflammatory processes.
Consequently, researchers are now studying methods to adapt these results to humans without having to modify the genome. They are notably exploring compounds capable of either increasing the production of this beneficial hyaluronic acid or slowing its breakdown. A publication in Scientific Reports highlighted, for example, delphinidin, a pigment found in certain fruits, as a potentially interesting inhibitor.
Other work shows, however, that genetically altered mice are not protected against all age-related impairments, such as hearing loss in certain situations. This indicates that the positive effects can vary from one tissue to another and that precise regulation is essential to prevent any dysregulation.
Researchers have successfully transferred a longevity gene from the naked mole-rat to mice, improving their health and extending their life.
Credit: University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
Thus, the path towards such applications is still long and requires further validation. It will be particularly necessary to ensure that increasing the beneficial hyaluronic acid does not cause undesirable side effects and that it acts harmoniously in different tissues. Ongoing investigations in animal and cellular models are helping to clarify these parameters with a view to a potential translation to humans.