Scientists Sequence DNA of Cancer Resistant Rodent
September 9, 2011| |
Scientists at the University of Liverpool, in partnership with The Genome Analysis Centre, have generated the complete genome sequence of the naked mole-rat, a rodent that exhibits resistance to cancer and with a life span that exceeds 30 years.
The naked mole-rat is endemic to East African deserts and has unique physical characteristics that allow it to survive harsh environments for several years. Some of its unique characteristics are the lack of pain sensation in skin and low metabolic rate allowing it to live underground with limited oxygen supply. The genome is now being used by the researchers to understand these unique qualities.
Cancer has not been detected in naked mole-rat. Previous studies have revealed that the naked mole-rat's cells have anti-tumour capabilities that are absent in other rodents or in humans. Analyzing the genome of the naked mole-rat could lead to more information that would help studies on human aging and cancer.
Read the media release at http://www.tgac.ac.uk/news/3/15/Scientists-Sequence-DNA-of-Cancer-Resistant-Rodent/. Know more about the naked mole-rat genome at http://www.naked-mole-rat.org/.
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