Greenland Shark: The Longest-Living Vertebrate #

Unraveling the Secrets of a Deep-Sea Survivor #

The Greenland shark, an elusive creature inhabiting the frigid depths of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, has long fascinated scientists with its extraordinary longevity. These sluggish giants, capable of growing over 6 meters in length, are now known to be the longest-living vertebrates on Earth.

Recent research has shed light on the Greenland shark’s incredible lifespan, estimating that some individuals could be up to 400 years old, with a range between 272 and 500 years. This discovery has prompted further investigation into the mechanisms behind their longevity.

An international team of scientists has successfully mapped the Greenland shark’s genome, sequencing about 92% of its DNA. This breakthrough provides valuable insights into the shark’s unique biology and offers clues to its exceptional lifespan.

The Greenland shark’s genome is remarkably large, twice the size of a human’s and larger than any other sequenced shark genome. One of the most striking features is that over 70% of its genome consists of “jumping genes” - genetic elements that can move within the DNA sequence.

Surprisingly, the shark’s DNA repair genes appear to act as jumping genes, distributing themselves throughout the genome. This mechanism may contribute to slowing down the aging process by efficiently repairing damaged DNA. The researchers hypothesize that these repair genes evolved the ability to multiply, further enhancing DNA repair and longevity.

The Greenland shark grows at an extremely slow rate of less than 1 centimeter per year and doesn’t reach sexual maturity until over a century old. This slow growth, combined with their enhanced DNA repair capabilities, may contribute to their extraordinary lifespan.

Studying the Greenland shark’s longevity mechanisms could potentially provide insights into extending human lifespans. Scientists are exploring how the shark’s unique DNA repair techniques might contribute to other age-delaying factors, such as tumor suppression.

While the research is still in its early stages, the Greenland shark’s genome offers a valuable tool for understanding the molecular mechanisms of longevity. As scientists continue to unravel the secrets of this ancient species, they hope to apply these insights to improve human health and potentially extend the healthy portion of human life.

The Greenland shark, currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, not only represents a fascinating subject for scientific study but also underscores the importance of marine conservation. As research progresses, scientists aim to use their findings to support the preservation of this remarkable species and its deep-sea habitat.