University of Rochester team transfers naked mole-rat longevity gene into mice, extending lifespan

Researchers at the University of Rochester have published findings reporting that introducing a gene from the naked mole rat — a species noted for exceptional longevity and cancer resistance relative to its body size — into laboratory mice produced animals that lived longer and showed improved healthspan markers. The work was reported by ScienceDaily on 10 May 2026.

The gene in question drives production of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), a form of the naturally occurring polysaccharide that is produced in unusually large quantities in naked mole rats. In the modified mice, the researchers observed reduced incidence of spontaneous tumours, attenuated age-related inflammation, and improved gut integrity compared to unmodified controls.

Naked mole rats live approximately 30 years — far longer than comparable rodent species — and are the subject of sustained research interest in the biology of ageing and cancer resistance. The HMW-HA mechanism represents one of several candidate pathways that may contribute to their exceptional biology. The current study is a proof-of-concept experiment in a mouse model; the research does not constitute a therapeutic proposal for humans and should be interpreted within the context of basic ageing biology.

The findings are relevant to researchers in geroscience, cancer biology, and the genetics of longevity. For students and educators, the work illustrates comparative genomics as a strategy for identifying candidate mechanisms in ageing research.