The ageless beauty of the naked mole rat

At its most basic definition ‘aging’ can be characterized by a slow decrease in functionality that eventually leads to a loss of fertility and/or death one way or another (Buffenstein, 2008). For centuries, mankind has sought to slow this natural process and halt the aging effects on the body. However, one tiny rodent the size of a toy car has defied this pattern and challenges the theories behind many age-related physiological disorders including cancer (Buffenstein, 2008; Kim et al., 2011). 

The naked mole rat (NMR) is a small eusocial, subterranean rodent with extortionary physiology. These small mammals are known for their ability to exhibit little to no senescence, meaning they show little change in their physiological processes as they age and are fertile up until they die (which can be as old as 28 years) (Buffenstein, 2008; Kim et al., 2011; Seluanov et al., 2009). It is clear that the NMR has evolved antiaging capabilities which are particularly effective against the development of cancer (Kim et al., 2011; Seluanov et al., 2009). Many studies have sought to understand the mechanisms behind this longevity phenomenon in the NMR and we can now conclude that there are many physiological adaptions that contribute to its anti-aging and cancer-inhibiting abilities (Kim et al., 2011; Seluanov et al., 2009). In an investigative study, Seluanov et al. (2009) found that NMR cells in culture displayed high levels of sensitivity to contact inhibition to halt cell division at high cellular densities, a helpful tool to prevent tumor growth and cancer proliferation. In a cumulative study, Kim et al. (2011) cites that the NMR’s environment: low oxygen, high CO2, subterranean, dark, and an inability to feel certain types of pain also play a role in cancer prevention and these adaptions are distinct in their genome. Essentially, it was found that the NMR has distinct genetic adaptions to reduce the stress that would normally be attributed to the aforementioned key factors in its environment (Kim et al., 2011). Without these adaptions, chronic stress could potentially lead to a decrease in cellular function (aging affects) (Kim et al., 2011).

With respect to the genetic components and cellular sensitivity to contact inhibition, these physiological and genetic adaptions have promising leads in cancer research, as well as aging theory. We have a lot to learn from our not-so-furry mammalian friends and hopefully, it will lead to better treatments, therapies, and prevention, potentially through genetic therapy. 

NOTE: If you you don't know what a naked mole rat looks like it is definitely worth the google search.

Buffenstein, R. (2008) Negligible senescence in the longest living rodent, the naked mole-rat: insights from a successfully aging species. J Comp Physiol B 178, 439–445. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-007-0237-5

Kim, E., Fang, X., Fushan, A. et al. (2011) Genome sequencing reveals insights into physiology and longevity of the naked mole rat. Nature 479, 223–227. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1038/nature10533

Seluanov, Andrei & Hine, Christopher & Azpurua, Jorge & Feigenson, Marina & Bozzella, Michael & Mao, Zhiyong & Catania, Kenneth & Gorbunova, Vera. (2009). Hypersensitivity to contact inhibition provides a clue to cancer resistance of naked mole-rat. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 106. 19352-7. 10.1073/pnas.0905252106.