Scientists may have solved the aging mystery. Smaller animals burn more energy faster than their larger counterparts. Therefore experts traditionally assumed that size was the key to longevity. This necessitates a faster cell turnover, causing them to age more quickly. However, a recent study from Cambridge’s Wellcome Sanger Institute reveals that the speed with which genetic damage occurs may be the key to survival.
They believe that long-living animals, regardless of size, can successfully slow down their rate of DNA mutations.
It could explain how a naked mole-rat, only five inches long, can survive a giraffe.
That’s because the researchers discovered that naked mole rats experience 93 mutations per year whereas giraffes experience 99.
Mice, on the other hand, go through up to 796 mutations per year. This could explain why they live for an average of 3.7 years.
Somatic mutations are genetic changes that occur naturally in cells.
Lifespan is inversely proportional to somatic mutation rate
Dr. Alex Cagan is the first author of the study. Alex said: “To find a similar pattern of genetic changes in animals as different from one another as a mouse and a tiger was surprising.
“But the most exciting aspect of the study has to be finding that lifespan is inversely proportional to the somatic mutation rate. This suggests that somatic mutations may play a role in aging.”
Overall, the researchers discovered that the longer a mammal lives, the slower it is for mutations to arise.
They believe it will pave the way for a better understanding of the aging process in people.
The average life expectancy in England in 2020 was 78.7 years for males and 82.7 years for females, according to Public Health England (PHE).
In 2020, male life expectancy in England was 1.3 years lower. Female life expectancy was 0.9 years lower than in 2019.
However, given the enormous number of excess fatalities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, it’s not surprising that life expectancy has decreased.
Aging is a complex process
Dr. Inigo Martincorena is the senior author of the study. Inigo said: “Aging is a complex process, the result of multiple forms of molecular damage in our cells and tissues.
“Somatic mutations have been speculated to contribute to aging since the 1950s, but studying them has remained difficult.
“With the recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies, we can finally investigate the roles that somatic mutations play in aging and in multiple diseases.”
The journal Nature published the research.
