By Stephen Beech via SWNS A rare shark species that lives for up to 500 years could hold key anti-aging secrets to extend human lifespans, suggests a new study. Experimental research shows that muscle metabolic activity may be an important factor in the incredible longevity of the Greenland shark, the world’s longest-living vertebrate species. The findings may have applications for conservation of the vulnerable species against climate change - or even for human cardiovascular health, say scientists.
Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) are the longest living vertebrate with an expected lifespan of at least 270 years and possibly beyond 500 years. Lead researcher Ewan Camplisson said: “We want to understand what adaptations they have that allow them to live so long." It was previously thought that their long lifespan was due to the sharks' cold environment and minimal movement.
But the factors behind the species extreme longevity appear to be far more complex, prompting researchers to investigate alternative theories. Camplisson, a PhD student at the University of Manchester, said: “Most species show variation in their metabolism when they age. “We want to determine if Greenland sharks also show this traditional sign of aging or if their metabolism remains unaltered over time.
” To measure the metabolism of the sharks, Camplisson and his team conducted enzyme tests on preserved muscle tissue samples from Greenland sharks. They measured the metabolic activity of.