Adaptations to a Subterranean Environment Longevity Revealed by the Analysis Mole Rat Genomes

Subterranean mammals spend their lives in dark, environments that are rich in carbon dioxide ammonia and low in oxygen. Many of these are also long-lived and exhibit reduced aging-associated, such as neurodegenerative and cancer. We sequenced the genome of Damaraland mole rat (DMR, Fukomys damarensis) improved the genome assembly of the naked rat (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber). Comparative analyses, along with the transcriptomes of subterranean rodents, revealed candidate molecular for subterranean life and longevity, a divergent insulin peptide, expression oxygen-carrying globins in the brain, prevention of CO2-induced pain perception, and enhanced detoxification. Juxtaposition of the genomes DMR and other more conventional animals with the of NMR revealed several truly exceptional features: unusual thermogenesis, an aberrant system, pain insensitivity, and unique processing 28S rRNA. Together, these genomes and extend our understanding of subterranean, stress resistance, and longevity.