A new study, published in February, analyzed the genome of the Groenland shark and brought new explanations that help explain why animals of this species can live over 400 years without cancer.
Slow creatures mainly inhabit the deep and cold waters of the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, and are the only sharks capable of supporting freezing temperatures throughout the year. Some individuals of the species may have been swimming there since colonial times – and researchers are just starting to unravel how they do it.
If before the scientific community was inclined to point out that the fact that the groenland shark live in very deep and, therefore dark, it would be the justification for its longevity, a new research conducted by Japanese scientists indicates something else.
The study published in the show that this species has a genetic system that much more abundantly activates NF-κB protein compared to other sharks. This protein complex is present in almost all animal cells and performs functions as auxiliaryImmune espos, in INFLAMMATION AND IN Ccellular output and survival.
The conclusions pointed out by the research can contribute to new studies about the longevity of the longest life in the world.
Last year, an international team of scientists became, sequencing about 92% of its and providing insights on the internal functioning of long-living fish. The assembly, the computational representation of its genome, not only adds to what is known about the structure of sharks and how its bodies work, but also provides clues about why animals have such permanence power, the researchers said.
There are few species of animals that live more than humans, particularly compared to our weight and body size. By studying the longevity mechanisms of the Groenland shark, scientists could also get more insights on how to potentially extend human life, the authors said.
*With information from CNN International
