Core Insights - The research team from Tongji University discovered that the naked mole rat possesses a unique protein, cGAS, which functions oppositely to its human counterpart, aiding in DNA repair and contributing to the animal's longevity [1][2] - The study highlights the significance of DNA repair capabilities in determining species lifespan, with naked mole rats living up to 40 years and showing resistance to various diseases [1] - The findings were published in the international journal "Science," providing new targets for anti-aging interventions [1] Group 1 - The naked mole rat's cGAS protein enhances homologous recombination repair efficiency, contrasting with the human cGAS protein that inhibits this process [1][2] - The research identified four evolutionarily specific amino acid sites in the C-terminal domain of naked mole rat cGAS that mediate the reversal of function [2] - Mutating these sites in naked mole rat cGAS leads to the loss of its DNA repair-promoting function, while introducing them into human cGAS can reverse its aging-promoting effects [2] Group 2 - Overexpression of naked mole rat cGAS in mice helps resist multi-organ aging, reduces systemic inflammation, and extends healthy lifespan [2] - The study explores the unique DNA repair mechanisms of naked mole rats and their association with longevity, potentially offering new insights for achieving "aging without decline" in humans [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the unique longevity and cancer resistance of the bowhead whale, which can live over 200 years, and highlights the role of a specific protein, Cold-inducible RNA-binding Protein (CIRBP), in DNA repair and genomic stability [3][6][11]. Group 1: Bowhead Whale Longevity - The bowhead whale has a lifespan exceeding 200 years, which is significantly longer than that of other mammals, such as mice, which live only 2-3 years [2]. - Despite its large size (over 80 tons) and the expectation of high cancer rates due to DNA mutations, the bowhead whale exhibits low cancer incidence, suggesting a unique genetic mechanism for cancer prevention [2][11]. Group 2: Research Findings - A study published in Nature identified CIRBP as a key protein activated in cold environments that aids in repairing DNA double-strand breaks, contributing to the bowhead whale's longevity and low cancer risk [3][6]. - The research demonstrated that expressing CIRBP in human cells enhances DNA repair capabilities, and in fruit flies, it extends lifespan and increases resistance to DNA-damaging radiation [9][11]. Group 3: Implications for Human Health - The findings suggest that enhancing DNA repair mechanisms could provide significant opportunities for extending human lifespan and improving health [4][11]. - The study indicates that bowhead whales maintain genomic integrity not by relying on additional anti-cancer genes but through superior DNA repair processes [11].