194-year-old tortoise has exceptional DNA repair systems that fight off ageing
The genome of Jonathan the giant tortoise, a 194-year-old resident of St Helena island, has been probed to understand how he has been alive for more than double his species’ average life expectancy
Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is the world's oldest known land animal, having celebrated his 194th birthday. His genome has been examined by scientists for the first time, revealing that certain parts of his DNA repair systems are as efficient as those of a five-year-old tortoise of his species. The researchers believe that efficient mitochondria might be providing his DNA repair systems with an abundance of energy to combat the signs of ageing, allowing Jonathan to reach such an advanced age.
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the aging process may be conserved across different species. Jonathan, along with Napoleon Bonaparte, is one of the two most famous inhabitants of St Helena Island in the South Atlantic. The tortoise was likely shipped there from Aldabra Atoll around 1882, when he was already an adult.
The study, led by Manel Esteller at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Spain, found that Jonathan's mitochondria are remarkably efficient, similar to those of a young tortoise. Despite the challenge of obtaining blood samples due to Jonathan's status and potential infection risk, the researchers managed to study his genome using saliva samples and cheek swabs.
They identified 287 genes that are unique to Jonathan and are likely to play a significant role in his biology and longevity.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
