New research published in Genome Biology and Evolution suggests that bats' remarkable ability to host and survive infections while avoiding cancer may be due to their rapid evolution. Bats, with their unique combination of long lifespans, low cancer rates, and robust immune systems, are intriguing subjects for study.
These flying mammals are known not only for their resilience but also for their potential role in the emergence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The underlying mechanisms of bats' immune response have significant implications for human health, particularly in preventing disease outbreaks originating from animals.
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To unravel the genetic secrets behind these capabilities, researchers sequenced the genomes of two bat species, the Jamaican fruit bat and the Mesoamerican mustached bat, using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read platform. They conducted a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis involving various bats and other mammals.
The study identified genetic adaptations in DNA repair-related proteins and 46 cancer-related proteins specific to bats, highlighting their unique anticancer genes. Strikingly, these altered cancer-related genes were more than two-fold more enriched in bats compared to other mammals.
Lead author Armin Scheben noted, "These investigations are the first step towards translating research on the unique biology of bats into insights relevant to understanding and treating aging and diseases, such as cancer, in humans."