Introduction For many species, aging often comes with a decrease in fertility. Humans and other mammals, for instance, become less fertile with age. However, an incredible exception to this rule can be found in the mysterious, subterranean wonders of the animal kingdom – the naked mole-rats. Little is known about these fascinating creatures, but one thing is certain: their remarkable lifespan comes with eternal fertility. Now, a new study published in Nature Communications explains the secrets behind their indefinite fertility, with exciting potential implications for humans. What are Naked Mole-Rats? Naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are small, almost hairless rodents native to eastern Africa. These extraordinary creatures live longer than any other rodent species, with lifespans of up to 40 years. Remarkably, they also remain fertile throughout their whole lifespan. Though they look like something out of a science fiction movie – with their bulbous eyes and wrinkly skin – naked mole-rats are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They live in vast, underground tunnel systems and are the only known eusocial mammal, meaning their social structure resembles that of social insects like bees and ants. Unique Reproductive Biology Until recently, scientists were at a loss to explain the naked mole-rats' indefinite fertility. But a new study from the University of Rochester reveals a unique mechanism behind their longevity and reproductive success. The researchers identified a key factor in the rodents' reproductive biology: their lack of a germline stem cell niche. In other mammals, germline stem cells are located in a particular area of the body, where they can interact with other essential reproductive cells. Without this location and communication, the mammals' fertility eventually decreases with age. In naked mole-rats, however, there is no such location or communication. As a result, they don't experience the fertility decline seen in other species. The researchers also found that their reproductive cells contain fewer genetic mutations than those of other mammals, likely contributing to the animals' extended fertility. Implications for Humans The findings of this study are exciting and open up new possibilities for humans. Though germline stem cell niches are important in mammalian reproduction, they clearly don't tell the whole story. The lack of one in the naked mole-rats shows that alternative processes may be responsible for extended fertility in other species, including humans. The findings also point to potential new treatments for age-related fertility issues. For example, the study’s authors suggest that improving the communication between reproductive cells – much like that seen in the naked mole-rats – could potentially be used to help humans extend their fertility beyond the natural decline seen in other mammals. Conclusion Though small and often overlooked, naked mole-rats are one of the most remarkable creatures of the animal kingdom. Thanks to a new study from the University of Rochester, we now have a better understanding of the rodents' indefinite fertility. The findings suggest that similar alternative processes could be responsible for extended fertility in other species, including humans. With further research and exploration, scientists could eventually use this knowledge to create new therapies for age-related fertility issues. That’s certainly something to be excited about.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/study-unlocks-clues-in-mystery-of-naked-mole-rats-exceptional-fertility
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