Scientists Sequence 96.7% of Greenland Shark Genome, Uncovering Clues to 400-Year Lifespan
Updated
Updated · ecoportal.net · Jun 3
Scientists Sequence 96.7% of Greenland Shark Genome, Uncovering Clues to 400-Year Lifespan
3 articles · Updated · ecoportal.net · Jun 3
Summary
A University of Tokyo-led team assembled 96.7% of the Greenland shark genome, the first near-complete sequence for the species and a new genetic map for studying extreme longevity.
The genome showed unusual linker histone amino-acid changes and expanded gene families tied to DNA repair, immune regulation and ferritin-based iron control—mechanisms researchers say could help limit DNA damage, oxidative stress and cancer risk.
Independent scientists called the findings plausible but preliminary, saying functional experiments are still needed to prove those variants drive longevity.
The work also revives debate over lifespan estimates: some researchers question the oft-cited 400-year figure based on radiocarbon in eye lenses, though they still place the shark at at least 200 years old.
Because the same pathways affect human aging, cancer and neurodegeneration, the genome is being treated as a starting point for comparative studies rather than a direct medical breakthrough.