Greenland sharks may possess 'longevity genes'

The Greenland shark is the longest-living vertebrate on the planet, with a lifespan of nearly 400 years.

Greenland sharks live in deep ocean waters. Video: One World One Ocean.

ScientistsNorway, Denmark, Greenland, USA and Chinastudyfin samples from nearly 100 Greenland sharks, including some born as early as the 1750s, tofinding "longevity genes" in specieshas a life span of up to 392 years,News.com.auJuly 6 news.

"This is the longest-lived vertebrate on the planet," said Professor Kim Praebel at the University of the North in Norway, who led the research. "We are studying the entire nuclear DNA of the cells to understand why they live longer than other sharks and vertebrates."

Greenland shark fin samples collected for research. Photo: Julius Nielsen.

If found, "longevity" genes could help scientists understand the lifespan limits of most vertebrates and what governs average lifespan in other species, including humans.

Greenland shark tissues, bones and DNA could also provide clues about the effects of climate change and environmental pollution.

Greenland sharks are common in the deep waters of the North Atlantic, and haveScientific name Somniosus microcephalus, belongs to the shark family Somniosidae, has existed on Earth for about 110 million years.

According to VNE