Is it possible to extend human life? DNA sequence of a shark that lived 500 years!

The secret of the Greenland shark’s long life has been solved by research conducted by scientists. According to the research, this discovery may pave the way for new research to extend human life by revealing the genetic mechanisms that enable the shark to live long.

A new scientific study has examined the DNA of the Greenland shark, which has a lifespan of up to 500 years, in detail and revealed the genetic mechanisms behind this extraordinary lifespan. The Greenland shark is known as the longest-living vertebrate animal known, and the examinations show that 92 percent of this fish’s genome has been successfully extracted. This rate stands out as the largest genetic data set solved among sharks to date.
The Greenland shark’s genome, which is twice the size of the human genome, contains approximately 6.5 billion DNA building blocks. This shows how complex the fish’s genetic structure is. Arne Sahm from Ruhr-University Bochum states that this finding is an unexpected development in the scientific community. Researchers are examining this genetic data in depth to understand the mechanisms that allow this shark to live long.
Another striking finding in the study was the “jumping genes” found in the genetic structure of the Greenland shark.

The jumping genes can cause certain parts of the DNA to move and disrupt normal genetic functioning. Such genetic abnormalities can be the source of developmental disorders and diseases. However, the Greenland shark’s long life provides an important clue to understanding how it tolerates the effects of these jumping genes.
Scientists believe that this is possible because of the special DNA repair mechanisms that this shark has developed to reduce the harmful effects of jumping genes.

Another finding that can explain the long life of the Greenland shark is that it has special DNA repair mechanisms. Research has identified 81 special genes involved in DNA repair in this fish. These genes can mimic themselves and rapidly copy jumping genes to prevent them from multiplying. In this way, harmful genetic disorders are neutralized and the shark is allowed to live for many years in a healthy way. This mechanism enables this species to maintain a healthy and long life.
Scientists aim to develop similar genetic methods to extend human life and slow aging by solving the genetic secret of the Greenland shark. Understanding how the shark’s DNA repair mechanisms may affect the aging process in humans could lead to significant developments in the fields of genetic engineering and biotechnology. Such studies may pave the way for new treatment methods for a longer and healthier life.
The lead author of the study, Arne Sahm, states that these findings not only explain the lifespan of the Greenland shark, but also offer new perspectives on the genetic structure of humans. Sahm says that if these genetic repair mechanisms become applicable to humans in the future, it could be a revolutionary step towards extending life.
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