The secret of the Tortilla

Scientists have found out how Galapagos turtles live up to 175 years without cancer

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

A detailed study of the genome has shown that turtles have unique genetic properties that protect them from various senile diseases, including cancer. The discovery provides clues to simulate these features in humans.

Giant Galapagos turtles are considered one of the longest-lived animals on earth, but until now scientists did not know what provides them with such a long and healthy life. For example, some individuals live up to 175 years. To unravel the secret, scientists turned to studying the genome of turtles and compared it with the genomes of other species, according to a press release from the University of Buffalo Live long and prosper: Study examines genetic gems in Galapagos giant tortoise genomes.

Article by Glaberman et al. Concurrent evolution of anti-aging gene duplications and cellular phenotypes in long-lived turtles is published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution – VM.

It turned out that Chelonoidis elephantopus has additional copies of several genes that are associated with longevity and tumor suppression.

So, damaged cells destroy themselves before they become malignant. Usually this process slows down as they age, but this does not happen in Galapagos turtles due to the peculiarities of genetics, scientists explain.

By studying turtle cell samples in the laboratory, scientists have confirmed their excellent self-destructive properties before they can provoke disease.

"If we define a way to longevity invented by nature, we may be able to transform this discovery into something useful for human health," commented co-author Vincent Lynch. Currently, scientists are trying to find a drug that could mimic these important functions and delay old age and the development of cancer and other diseases in humans.

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