Abstract
With a large emphasis on basic mechanisms contributing to aging, studying naturally long-lived animal models may yield novel and highly conserved means that are utilized by these creatures. The naked mole-rat has a maximum lifespan of over 30 years, making it the longest-lived rodent. This small, pink, hairless animal is resistant to spontaneous tumorigenesis and has been proven impervious to an array of stressors compared to shorter-lived rodents, in addition to maintaining genomic and proteomic integrity, cardiac health, reproductive capacity, and mobility, all the while with having high levels of oxidative damage from a young age. Data reveal that increased proteasome and cytoprotective activities, as well as manipulation of oncogenic pathways may all contribute to this extended healthspan. By continuing to study the evolved traits of the naked mole-rat, we may identify these conserved mechanisms and translate potential targets to maintaining human healthspan and lifespan.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook of the Biology of Aging: Eighth Edition |
| Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
| Pages | 179-204 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780124116207, 9780124115965 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 8 2015 |
Keywords
- Cancer resistance
- Comparative biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Heterocephalus glaber
- Hypoxia
- Naked mole-rat
- Negligible senescence
- Nrf2
- Oxidative stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)