Bat DNA adaptations may connect virus defense, longevity and cancer resistance
Bats are anomalies in the mammalian world—they fly, have long lifespans and rarely get cancer. Scientists now suspect the bat immune system enables them to live longer without disease, according to a new study published today in Nature.
Bats possess unique genetic adaptations that enable them to resist viruses, live longer and show resistance to cancer, according to a new study published in Nature. Researchers from the University of Vermont and Penn State University analyzed the genomes of eight species of Myotis bats, finding that specific DNA changes after exposure to pathogens played a crucial role in their longevity and immune defenses.
These genetic adaptations are shared between virus defense, longevity and cancer resistance among bats. The team discovered that bats exhibit a unique gene-copy mechanism for DNA repair, which may allow them to respond to multiple viruses and promote longevity through new pathways. This immune defense strategy could potentially offer insights into human health, as bats have evolved longer lifespans for their size.
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