Biologists at the University of Rochester have successfully transplanted a longevity-related gene from naked mole rats into mice, extending the mice’s median lifespan by 4.4% and improving their resistance to cancer and inflammation. The gene, hyaluronan synthase 2, produces high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), a protective molecule abundant in naked mole rats, which live up to 41 years — a remarkable span for a rodent. The modified mice showed stronger tumor resistance, better gut health, and less tissue inflammation as they aged.

The study’s significance lies not in the modest lifespan increase but in the proof that evolutionary adaptations from one species can be functionally transferred to another. Naked mole rats have long fascinated aging researchers due to their extreme longevity and resistance to age-related diseases. This work builds on prior findings by the same team, who identified HMW-HA as a key factor in the mole rats’ resilience.

Looking ahead, the researchers aim to develop drugs that either slow the breakdown or boost the production of HMW-HA in humans, avoiding the need for gene editing. Pre-clinical trials are underway. While translating mouse results to humans remains challenging, the study establishes a new framework: instead of fixing aging damage, scientists can now explore copying natural defenses from long-lived animals like elephants and bowhead whales.