Amazing stuff!
"... New research ... has revealed that the genome of the naked mole-rat contains specific adaptations that allow them to survive in low-oxygen and even no oxygen environments in their natural habitat. The findings ... also show the mammals' distinct cardiometabolic profile helps to avoid damage to their hearts caused by cardiovascular events. ...
In this study, they found that the naked mole-rat has a unique expression of genes in heart cells controlling energy generation from sugars resulting in a metabolic profile that is distinct from any of the other mole-rats as well as the other species studied. These unique cardiac metabolic and genetic features of the naked mole-rat heart led to enhanced energy reserves even during blood occlusion and return of blood flow after in vitro simulated heart attack. ..."
From the abstract:
"The naked mole-rat Heterocephalus glaber is a eusocial mammal exhibiting extreme longevity (37-year lifespan), extraordinary resistance to hypoxia and absence of cardiovascular disease. To identify the mechanisms behind these exceptional traits, metabolomics and RNAseq of cardiac tissue from naked mole-rats was compared to other African mole-rat genera (Cape, Cape dune, Common, Natal, Mahali, Highveld and Damaraland mole-rats) and evolutionarily divergent mammals (Hottentot golden mole and C57/BL6 mouse). We identify metabolic and genetic adaptations unique to naked mole-rats including elevated glycogen, thus enabling glycolytic ATP generation during cardiac ischemia. Elevated normoxic expression of HIF-1α is observed while downstream hypoxia responsive-genes are down-regulated, suggesting adaptation to low oxygen environments. Naked mole-rat hearts show reduced succinate levels during ischemia compared to C57/BL6 mouse and negligible tissue damage following ischemia-reperfusion injury. These evolutionary traits reflect adaptation to a unique hypoxic and eusocial lifestyle that collectively may contribute to their longevity and health span."
Secrets of the naked mole-rat: new study reveals how their unique metabolism protects them from heart attacks (original news release) This unusual, subterranean mammal with extreme longevity shows genetic adaptations to low oxygen environments which could offer opportunities for advancing other areas of physiological and medical research in humans.
Naked mole-rats have distinctive cardiometabolic and genetic adaptations to their underground low-oxygen lifestyles (open access)
Fig. 1: Phylogenetic relationships and social status of African mole-rats, the mouse and the hottentot golden mole.
Fig. 2: Naked mole-rats exhibit distinct cardiac gene profile expression unrelated to any of the other subterranean genera highlighting genetic adaptations at the mitochondrial level.
Fig. 4: Enhanced cardiac energy reserve is unique to naked mole-rat.
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