How to age gracefully? Ask a bowhead whale

To learn the secret behind aging gracefully, you may want to check out the bowhead whale, the majestic denizen of the Arctic waters that boasts a lifespan topping 200 years. Scientists on Monday unveiled the genetic blueprint for the bowhead whale. Comparing its genome to other mammals, the scientists discovered differences in the whale’s genes related to DNA repair, cell cycle, cancer and the aging process that may help explain its lifespan and vitality. Researchers found that bowhead whales have unique mutations in a gene called ERCC1, which is involved in repairing damaged DNA. The mutations in this gene could provide protection against cancer, Magalhaes said. About 30 per cent of people will develop some form of cancer during their lives, but whales seem to have a remarkably low cancer rate, despite their huge number of cells and long life span.

This is the biggest animal whose genome has been sequenced thus far and the first big whale to be sequenced.

Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, study author and biologist and expert in aging science at the University of Liverpool

In a previous study of deep-diving Minke whales, researchers reported that genetic mutations involved in stress may help undo the damage caused when cells go without oxygen for long periods of time. In the new study, the team found that bowhead whales are also missing a big chunk of a gene called UCP1, which helps control body temperature, Magalhaes noted. Bowhead whales, which live longer than any other mammal, are among Earth’s largest creatures. They reach up to 18 metres and are the second heaviest whale after the blue whale. They are mostly black, with the front part of their upturned lower jaw white. Bowhead whales are filter feeders that eat huge amounts of zooplankton.

By identifying novel maintenance and repair mechanisms, we hope to learn what is the secret for living longer, healthier lives and may be able apply this knowledge to improve human health and preserve human life.

Joao Pedro de Magalhaes

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