The Naked Mole-Rat Microbiome Is Associated With Healthy Aging And Social Structure
Ever wonder how some creatures defy the typical signs of aging? Scientists have been studying an extraordinary animal, the naked mole-rat, which lives for an unusually long time and rarely gets age-related illnesses like cancer or heart disease. A recent investigation into these fascinating rodents has uncovered a key difference that might contribute to their healthy aging: their gut microbes.
Unlike humans and mice, where the community of microorganisms living in the gut (known as the microbiome) changes significantly with age, the naked mole-rat’s gut microbiome stays remarkably consistent throughout its life. In other mammals, these age-related shifts in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation and a reduction in beneficial substances produced by microbes. The stability observed in naked mole-rats suggests that a consistent microbial environment could be a factor in their ability to maintain health into old age.
The study also revealed some unique aspects of their microbial community. For instance, a type of ancient single-celled organism called archaea, specifically Methanomassiliicoccus intestinalis, was found to increase in proportion as naked mole-rats aged, a finding not observed in mice. Additionally, pregnant queens showed greater diversity in their gut microbes, possibly linked to their behavior of eating feces, which can introduce new microbes. The overall composition of their gut microbiome is also distinct, featuring enzymes that are particularly good at breaking down plant fibers, similar to what is seen in animals like cows. These insights highlight the profound connection between an animal’s gut microbes and its overall health and longevity.
Source: link to paper