Scientists in Spain have uncovered the genetic mechanisms that make one species of jellyfish immortal. Publishing their findings in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS.
One species, Turritopsis dohrnii, when under threat, either by injuries or ocean conditions, can turn itself in a cyst-like form that re-attaches to the seafloor colonies and reverts to the polyp stage, before going through the development process once again.
Scientists at the University of Oviedo, Spain, have now discovered that the immortal jellyfish had two times the number of genes associated with DNA repair and protection, and had mutations that allowed the jellies to stunt cell division and prevent telomeres from breaking down.
The findings could help researchers understand human ageing and contribute to regenerative medicine.
'The next step is to explore these gene variants in mice or in humans,' said lead author Dr María Pascual Torner.
Find out more in an article written in the New Scientist.
