The Greenland shark, a unique species in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, has intrigued scientists due to its elusive nature and longevity. Recent studies have revealed that these sharks may live for up to 400 years, with some estimates suggesting lifespans ranging from 272 to over 500 years. Dr. Steve Hoffman, senior author of new research on the Greenland shark and a computational biologist at the Leibniz Institute on Aging in Germany, said, “Only with the genome assembly we can really understand which, for instance, mutations have accumulated in the shark that led to this enormous lifespan.”

Hoffman added, “To this end, this genome is some kind of a tool, if you will, that allows us, and of course also other researchers, to look into these molecular mechanisms of longevity.”

An international team of scientists sequenced about 92% of the Greenland shark’s genome. The assembly is larger than any other shark’s genome and provides insights into its long life.

Research into the longevity mechanisms of the Greenland shark could have implications for understanding aging in various species, including humans. By examining genetic traits that enable long lifespans, scientists hope to identify strategies for extending human life.

Dr. Arne Sahm, a bioinformatician and junior professor at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, said, “the detrimental effect of these transposable elements (jumping genes) is not only canceled out, but maybe even reversed so that the genome integrity is even better in the Greenland shark.”

The Greenland shark’s genome has a high proportion of jumping genes, which can move within the DNA and cause mutations. The study suggests that DNA repair genes have evolved to act as these jumping genes, enhancing the organism’s ability to repair DNA damage.

Dr. Nicole Phillips, an associate professor of ecology and organismal biology at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, said, “The more high-quality genomes that are sequenced, the better we can understand the genetic underpinnings of shared as well as unique traits of this ancient group.”

Phillips added, “Identification of the genetic basis of lifespans across different species, including long-lived sharks, allows researchers to understand the biology of aging and longevity.”

Dr. Vera Gorbunova, a professor of medicine and biology at the University of Rochester in New York, said, “Evolution doesn’t always choose the same path. So if, let’s say, the goal is to have better DNA repair, but it can be achieved by multiple mechanisms, and the mechanisms are different in mole rats and whales and sharks, we need to learn about all of them and then see which ones we can maybe more easily adapt for human use.”

Gorbunova added, “Once researchers understand the mechanism … then we can see if we can design a specific drug to target this genome enzyme in this way.”

The Greenland shark is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Understanding the genetic basis of its longevity may aid in conservation efforts.