Naked (Mole Rat) Truth

Insights from the Mammalian Longevity Champion

There are plenty of voices on social media sharing tips for living longer. A new voice has joined that conversation… the Naked mole rat.

In his most recent post, Eric Topol described a new discovery on the remarkable longevity of the Naked mole rat and how it could lead to life-extending therapy for people.

Photo: Akron Zoo

Naked mole rats can live 30 years and, “defy the laws of biologic aging.” As they age, Naked mole rat brains and organs remain youthful, and they have very low cancer rates.

From: Gorbunova, V., Seluanov, A. et al. Comparative genetics of longevity and cancer: insights from long-lived rodents. Nat Rev Genet 15, 531–540 (2014).

All mammals have a gene called, cGAS. In most mammals this gene senses cell damage and starts the process of inflammation and cell death. New research by Yu Chen and colleagues shows that the Naked mole rat version of cGAS has the opposite effect— it inhibits cell death and promotes cellular repair.

(I’m impressed that squirrels live to 20— a testament to a nut-based diet and getting plenty of exercise.) (153 words)

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A rat-themed cartoon…