A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications has shed new light on why long-lived bats remain cancer-free. Researchers from the University of Rochester have discovered that four common bat species possess superpowers allowing them to live up to 35 years without developing cancer.
The study, led by Vera Gorbunova and Andrei Seluanov, found that these bats have an efficient immune system, high levels of p53 activity, and an enzyme called telomerase that allows their cells to proliferate indefinitely. This enhanced system balances the potential risks of increased cell division, preventing cancerous cells from forming.
One key finding is that bats require only two “hits” for cancer to occur, yet they possess robust tumor-suppressor mechanisms that eliminate or slow down cancer growth. The researchers also confirmed that increased p53 activity is a effective defense against cancer, with several anti-cancer drugs already targeting this gene.
While the study does not suggest that bat biology can be directly applied to humans, it offers promising insights into the human genome. Increasing telomerase enzyme activity might also be a potential approach for cancer treatment, although this was not part of the current study. The research team’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of aging and disease resistance in long-lived mammals and humans.
Researchers Gorbunova and Seluanov have built careers studying exceptional longevity and age-related diseases, including collaboration with other institutions to investigate cohorts of people with remarkable lifespan traits.
Source: https://www.laboratoryequipment.com/619795-Why-Don-t-Bats-Get-Cancer-and-How-can-Humans-Leverage-that-Superpower