The Secret Of Longer Life Revealed; Scientists Reach A Genetic Conclusion

According to SAEDNEWS, citing Rokna, scientists at the University of Rochester conducted a remarkable experiment. They transferred a longevity-related gene from the naked mole rat into mice, and the mice ultimately lived healthier and longer lives. This unique gene increases the production of a substance called high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, which appears to provide protection against cancer, reduce inflammation, and support healthier aging. The genetically modified mice showed greater resistance to tumors and had healthier intestines and lower levels of inflammation.

According to ScienceDaily, the biology of blind mole rats has made them one of the most interesting animals in aging research. These small rodents can live for decades, rarely develop cancer, and seem unusually protected against many age-related diseases.

Researchers at the University of Rochester showed that one of these biological advantages can be transferred to another mammal. By introducing a gene associated with unusually high levels of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) from the naked mole rat, the team improved health and modestly extended the lifespan of mice.

This effect suggests that at least some longevity traits evolved in long-lived animals may be adaptable beyond the species in which they evolved. The genetically modified mice lived healthier lives and showed an average lifespan increase of about 4.4% compared to normal mice.

Blind mole rats are roughly the size of mice, yet their lifespan is extraordinary for rodents. They can live up to 41 years, nearly ten times longer than similarly sized rodents.

Their long lifespan is not the only reason scientists study them. As they age, blind mole rats appear resistant to many diseases that typically affect other mammals, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cancer.

One key clue is high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. Blind mole rats have nearly ten times more of it than mice and humans. Previous work showed that when this molecule was removed from naked mole rat cells, tumor formation became more likely.

This raised an important question: if high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid helps mole rats resist cancer and age-related damage, could the same mechanism work in another animal?

Transfer Of The Longevity Gene From The Naked Mole Rat

To test this idea, the Rochester team engineered mice to carry the mole rat version of the gene.

All mammals have a version of the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene, but the naked mole rat version appears to be unusually active. It stimulates stronger gene expression, leading to greater production of the protective molecule.

The modified mice produced higher levels of hyaluronan in multiple tissues. They also showed stronger protection against tumors and chemically induced skin cancer.

These effects were not limited to cancer resistance. The mice carrying the naked mole rat gene stayed healthier overall, lived longer than normal mice, showed reduced inflammation in several tissues with age, and maintained better gut health.

Since chronic inflammation is a key hallmark of aging, this reduction was particularly important. Researchers believe high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid may partly act directly on the immune system, although more research is needed to fully explain the mechanism.

Small Increase In Lifespan With Major Implications

The increase in average lifespan was modest—about 4.4%—but the significance lies in the successful transfer of a longevity mechanism from one mammal to another.

This finding supports the idea that long-lived species in nature may contain biological tools that can be studied, adapted, and potentially used to improve health in other animals. The next goal is to transfer this benefit to humans.

Researchers suggest two main approaches: slowing the breakdown of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid in the body, or increasing its production.

For human aging research, this is significant. A single molecule is unlikely to become a simple “fountain of youth.” However, each discovery provides another possible pathway for targeting the biological processes that drive age-related diseases.