Science reckons the ugliest creature to walk God’s green Earth could actually hold the secret to extending human lives.
The wrinkly little naked mole rat has a gene that can protect cells from damage.
Scientists managed to transfer the gene called hyaluronan synthase 2 gene (HAS2) to mice.
Incredibly the mice that received the gene had improved health, an approximate 4.4 per cent increase in the median lifespan and were more resistant to cancer.
This gene is responsible for producing the jelly-like hyaluronic acid which is popular in beauty products and helps protect cells from damage.
Naked mole rats were chosen for the study because they produce more hyaluronic acid than other rodents.
All mammals have this gene (even humans) but the naked mole rat’s gene is enhanced which means it is stronger in their bodies.
They have a lifespan 10 times longer than other rodents and live to about 41 years.
The female naked mole rats are fertile until they die which is unusual in mammals.
Another reason they live so long is because they rarely get sick from diseases like heart disease, dementia or arthritis and are resistant to cancer.
The gene plays a role in connective tissue function, wound healing, lubricating joints and immune function.
The study — Longevity gene from naked mole rats extends the lifespan of mice — was published last week by the University of Rochester.
“Our study provides a proof of principle that unique longevity mechanisms that evolved in long-lived mammalian species can be exported to improve the lifespans of other mammals,” Vera Gorbunova, one of the study authors and Professor of biology and medicine at Rochester said.
The study authors’ next goal is to transfer the gene into humans.