Scientists Sequence 96.7% of Greenland Shark Genome, Uncovering Clues to 400-Year Lifespan
Updated
Updated · Livescience.com · Jun 1
Scientists Sequence 96.7% of Greenland Shark Genome, Uncovering Clues to 400-Year Lifespan
4 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · Jun 1
A near-complete Greenland shark genome—96.7% sequenced—has given researchers their first broad genetic map of traits tied to extreme longevity and apparent cancer resistance.
The study points to altered linker histone proteins, expanded DNA-repair and immune gene families, and more ferritin genes, changes that may strengthen chromatin stability, limit DNA damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Researchers said the findings support a multi-system explanation for the shark's lifespan rather than a single longevity gene, with possible relevance for human aging and age-related disease research.
Greenland sharks are widely considered the longest-living vertebrates, often estimated at about 400 years, though some scientists argue radiocarbon-based dating may overstate their age and put the minimum closer to 200 years.
Is the key to extreme longevity found in genes, or in the crushing pressure of the deep ocean?
Could the secrets in a shark's DNA for fighting cancer and aging be unlocked for human medicine?
The 400-Year-Old Greenland Shark: Genomic Secrets of Longevity, Cancer Resistance, and Survival in the Deep
Overview
The Greenland shark is the longest-lived vertebrate, reaching up to 400 years, and scientists are eager to uncover the secrets behind its remarkable lifespan. By sequencing its genome—one of the largest among non-tetrapods—researchers found a significant expansion of transposable elements, especially retrotransposons. This expansion has driven gene duplications, which are believed to be crucial for the shark’s longevity. The main focus is on understanding how these genetic features support advanced DNA repair, cancer resistance, and genomic stability, offering valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that allow the Greenland shark to live for centuries.