New research from Queen Mary University of London, led by Dr. Dunja Aksentijevic from Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, shows that the naked mole rat’s genome contains specific traits that allow it to survive in low-oxygen, or even no-oxygen environments. It has become clear that there are some adaptations included. in their natural habitat. The findings also show that the unique cardiometabolic profile of mammals helps them avoid damage to the heart from cardiovascular events.

Dr Aksentijevic led a team of scientists in London, Pretoria and Cambridge to collect heart tissue from naked mole rats, as well as samples from other African mole rat species (Cape, Cape Dune, Common, Natal, Mahali, Highveld and Damaraland). compared with. mole rat-mice), and evolutionarily divergent mammals (Hottentot golden mole and he C57/BL6 mouse).

The study shows that naked mole rats uniquely express genes that control energy production from sugars in heart cells, resulting in a metabolic profile that differs from other mole rats and other species studied. found. These unique cardiometabolic and genetic features of the naked mole rat heart resulted in enhanced energy storage during and even during blood flow restoration after blood occlusion. in vitro Simulated heart attack. Taken together, these adaptations allow naked mole rats to tolerate reduced oxygen levels with negligible damage to heart tissue.

“Naked mole rats live in a unique hypoxic social environment, and these factors play a role in their mental health,” said lead author Dr. Chris Foulkes, Reader (Associate Professor) in Evolutionary Ecology at Queen Mary University. “We think this may have prompted the evolution of special adaptations.” It contributes to their exceptional longevity and health span. ”

Dr Dunja Aksentijevic, Wellcome Trust Career Reentry Fellow and Leader (Associate Professor) in Cardiovascular Physiology and Metabolism at Queen Mary University, said: Unlike humans, who are more susceptible to cardiac damage from hypoxia and oxygen deprivation, NMR hearts have adapted to avoid such damage. Thanks to our research, this unique level of protection is possible. We can now understand the metabolic and genetic mechanisms that underpin this.”