Brief
Study of 194‑year‑old tortoise reveals DNA traits linked to longevity
Researchers say the giant tortoise’s unchanged gene switches could inform human anti‑ageing therapies.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have analysed the DNA of Jonathan, a 194‑year‑old Aldabra giant tortoise that lives on St Helena, and say his gene regulators for energy production and DNA repair have remained remarkably stable over two centuries.
Jonathan hatched around 1832 in the Seychelles and was brought to St Helena as a gift 144 years ago, spending most of his life on the grounds of Plantation House. Researchers compared his epigenome – the on/off switches that control gene activity – with those of younger tortoises of the same species. They found the switches governing DNA‑repair and metabolism genes were almost identical to those in much younger relatives, suggesting his cells retain the functionality of a five‑year‑old animal.
"We found that the gene regulators involved in energy production and DNA repair have remained incredibly stable in Jonathan over almost two centuries," said Dr Justin Gerlach of Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. He added that giant tortoises are among the best models for studying ageing.
The team used a cheek‑cell scrape rather than a blood sample, which was declined over health concerns. They note that a better sample could allow analysis of telomere length, another ageing marker.
Key facts
- Jonathan is a 194‑year‑old Aldabra giant tortoise living on St Helena. (independent.co.uk)
- Cambridge researchers found his gene regulators for energy and DNA repair remain stable. (independent.co.uk)
- The study compared his epigenome with younger tortoises of the same species. (independent.co.uk)
- A cheek‑cell scrape was used for analysis after a blood draw was refused. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “The world’s oldest tortoise could hold the secret to longer life for humans”
