The longevity secret of the Greenland shark, known as the longest-living vertebrate on Earth, has been revealed. There are many genes closely related to cancer that regulate immune responses, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Previous studies pointed out that the number of genes involved in DNA repair and the fact that metabolism does not decrease with age are also reasons for its longevity. The Greenland shark possesses all the longevity weapons.
Professor Shigeharu Kinoshita of the University of Tokyo in Japan recently noted, "The analysis of the Greenland shark's DNA revealed a high number of genes that lower the aging rate and enable longevity." The research results were published last month on the preprint site 'bioRxiv.'
The Greenland shark is the largest shark on Earth. It measures over 6 meters in length and weighs up to 1,400 kg. More noteworthy than its massive size is the lifespan of the Greenland shark. In 2016, a research team led by Professor John Spencer of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark published research results in the international journal 'Science' indicating that the Greenland shark can survive for over 400 years.
The research team estimated the lifespan by measuring the carbon isotope content in the shark's cornea, finding that the average age and length of 28 female sharks captured in the Arctic were 272 years and 5.02 meters, respectively. Considering that the Greenland shark can grow over 6 meters, the research team stated that its lifespan is over 400 years.
To find the secret of the Greenland shark's longevity, the research team investigated its genes. As a result, it was revealed that the number of genes such as TNF, TLR, and LRRFIP, which activate the NF-κB signaling pathway, is higher than in other sharks. The NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating immune responses and inflammation, as well as in cell survival and proliferation.
Professor Kinoshita explained, "Since immune responses, inflammation, and cell proliferation significantly affect aging and lifespan, the increase in genes associated with NF-κB signaling could be related to the longevity of the Greenland shark."
In fact, when this signaling pathway is activated, it enhances cellular immune responses, regulates inflammation, and performs DNA repair functions. Notably, it is also known to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.
The Greenland shark possesses another longevity gene weapon. Last year, the Leibniz Institute on Aging in Germany announced research results indicating that the Greenland shark has genes involved in DNA repair and likely utilizes them to defend against cellular damage.
Over 70% of the genes of the Greenland shark consist of transposons, which can cause mutations during self-replication. Transposons are parts of DNA that cut themselves out and insert elsewhere, frequently changing their position on the chromosome, hence they are also called "jumping genes." The research team suspects that the Greenland shark uses these genes in reverse to repair DNA and suppress mutations.
Metabolism is also one of the secrets to longevity. Last year, a research team from the University of Manchester in England analyzed the metabolism of the Greenland shark through muscle tissue samples, finding virtually no changes in metabolic activity with age. Humans experience a decrease in protein metabolism as they age, which weakens muscles and reduces gastric acid secretion, impairing digestion. The Greenland shark, however, shows no decrease in metabolism with age, indicating a high potential for longevity without such issues.
Former Professor Choi Yoon of the Department of Marine Biomedical Engineering at Gunsan University noted, "In fish, generally, larger sizes tend to be associated with longer lifespans," and added, "Recent scientific evidence based on genetic analysis has been advancing, revealing the reasons behind the longevity of the Greenland shark."
References
bioRxiv (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.19.638963
bioRxiv (2024), DOI: https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.09.611499
Science (2016), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aag0748