It is a major scientific step. the white shark genome, that is to say all the genes carried by this species, have been decoded. This finally reveals genetic “mutations” allowing these animals to protect themselves from cancers and diseases. Discoveries useful for combating these age-related pathologies and improving wound healing treatments in humans, drawing inspiration from the functioning of the shark’s body.
Natural strategies
In their report, published in PNAS this Tuesday, February 19, the researchers explain having compared the genome of the white shark with that of other vertebrates, including humans. The unstable genes of humans are what makes us vulnerable to diseases linked to the aging of cells, they develop. Sharks, on this earth for a longer time (at least 16 million years), have evolved. Their DNA has changed so that they are more resistant and that they heal faster.
“The instability of genomes is a very important problem in many serious human diseases, confirm in a press release Dr. Mahmood Shivji, co-author of the study. We are now seeing that nature has developed smart strategies to maintain the stability of the genomes of these large sharks. “
Mechanisms linked to evolution
The genome of the white shark notably has genes called LINE, “Known to cause genome instability by creating double strand breaks in DNA”, in greater quantity than in humans. It is thus possible that the proliferation of these LINE is “push” the genome of the animal to evolve and to set up more efficient repair mechanisms. “They have acquired superior capacities to protect against cancer”, summarize the authors of the study.
In addition, the DNA of these sharks is 1.5 times larger than human DNA. They thus have genes in addition, encoding functions that humans cannot. Their genome indeed includes “A plethora of genetic changes that could be causing [de leur] evolutionary success […] and their longevity ”, note the researchers. The latter have in particular discovered genes “enriched” or with which humans are not (yet) provided, linked to the wound healing and the blood clotting.
Scientists now hope to continue unraveling the secrets of the white shark’s genome, in order to use them to treat health problems that the DNA of these animals already naturally resolves for them.
- The research was conducted by American scientists from the Save Our Seas Foundation at Nova Southeastern University, and the Guy Harvey Research Institute (IRSH), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Aquarium of Monterey Bay.
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