Scientists decipher the secret of the immortal jellyfish's longevity

Scientists in Spain have sequenced the genetic code of Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the immortal jellyfish - a creature with the ability to continuously reverse the cycle of life - in the hope of uncovering the secret of age. their unique longevity, while finding new discoveries about human aging.

In a research report published on August 29, two scientists, Maria Pascual-Torner and Victor Quesada, and colleagues at the University of Oviedo have sequenced the genetic sequence of Turritopsis dohrnii, The only known jellyfish that can reproduce many times into the larval stage after sexual reproduction.

The immortal jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii.

Like other jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii goes through a two-stage life cycle and lives on the seafloor during a stage of asexuality and food scarcity. When conditions are right, jellyfish will reproduce sexually.

Although many jellyfish have the ability to reverse aging and return to the larval stage, most lose this ability when they reach sexual maturity, according to the study's authors. This is not the case with the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii. Mr. Monty Graham - a jellyfish expert and director of the Florida Oceanographic Institute (USA) - said: 'This animal can perform the evolutionary trick in about 15-20 years. This has led to them being called the somewhat exaggerated name "immortal jellyfish."

In the study aimed at understanding the above mysterious ability of Turritopsis dohrnii, the scientists compared their genetic sequence with that of the jellyfish Turritopsis rubra - a closely related gene, but lacks the ability to "rejuvenate". "after sexual reproduction.

Scientists discovered that Turritopsis dohrnii has mutations in its genome that can help them copy and repair DNA better. They also appear to be capable of maintaining the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. In humans and other animals, telomere length has been shown to shorten with age.

However, Graham said the study has no immediate commercial value. "We can't catch these jellyfish and turn them into a lotion," he said.

According to Mr. Graham, the research aimed at understanding the processes and functions of the proteins that help these jellyfish "rejuvenate their age", thereby "will open the door to a new area of ​​research worthy of consideration." follow".