Bats' longevity genes offer clues for human health

A study published in Nature reveals that bats' longevity and viral tolerance are genetically linked, offering potential insights into human health and disease prevention. Researchers suggest these biological mechanisms could inform new approaches to fighting cancer and aging. The research, led by Juan Manuel Vazquez at the University of California, Berkeley, analyzed cell cultures from 259 bats across 32 species, focusing on the Myotis genus. Long-lived bats evolved enhanced abilities to eliminate damaged cells and developed extra copies of the PKR immune factor to combat a wider range of viruses. Unlike most mammals that resist viruses by eliminating pathogens, bats employ high viral tolerance, suppressing harmful inflammation and cellular stress. This allows them to carry dangerous viruses without illness, potentially guiding strategies to boost human immune systems against both infections and age-related decline.