A study published in Nature Communications compared alternative splicing across 26 mammal species with maximum lifespans from 2.2 to 37 years (>16-fold differences). Alternative splicing lets a single gene produce multiple mRNA variants and different proteins by including or skipping genetic segments. The researchers analyzed six tissue types, including the brain, and identified many splicing patterns linked to lifespan that occur across species.
The brain stood out: it showed twice as many lifespan-linked splicing events as other tissues. The team found that changes in splicing are more important for predicting maximum lifespan than simple differences in gene activity. They also report that lifespan-linked splicing is genetically programmed and tightly controlled by RNA-binding proteins, not just a passive result of aging.
When lifespan-linked splicing overlapped with aging-linked patterns, the proteins often had flexible regions that help cells cope with stress and damage. Co-corresponding authors include Sika Zheng of the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and Liang Chen of the University of Southern California. The National Institutes of Health supported the work.
Difficult words
- splicing — A method that changes genetic information.splicing events
- lifespan — The duration of life or existence.lifespans
- mRNA — A type of genetic material that helps make proteins.
- protein — Molecules that perform various functions in living things.proteins
- regulation — Control or management of a process.
- crucial — Very important for achieving something.
- adaptation — Changes for better survival in an environment.
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Discussion questions
- How does understanding gene splicing help in promoting healthy aging?
- What do you think are the implications of research on mammal lifespans for humans?
- Why might splicing patterns be more common in the brain?
