Researchers have probed the genome of Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise residing on St Helena island, for the first time. The study found that sections of Jonathan's genome concerning mitochondrial function show efficiency comparable to those found in a five-year-old Aldabra tortoise.
Stephen Clark, from the Kallel Foundation, stated that this research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that aging mechanisms are conserved across different species. Furthermore, the research indicated that certain genetic alterations within Jonathan resemble those observed in supercentenarians.
This mitochondrial efficiency may supply additional energy to DNA repair systems, thereby helping to counteract the effects of aging. Using saliva samples and cheek swabs, researchers studied Jonathan's genome because authorities on St Helena declined to take blood draws.
The team assembled genome fragments from the tortoise's saliva and subsequently filled in missing sections using DNA sourced from another Aldabra tortoise. Afterwards, the researchers compared this composite genome against the DNA profiles of four other Aldabra tortoises.
Stephen Clark reported that the investigation uncovered 287 genes that are unique to Jonathan. Of these unique genes, 41 are believed to possess functional significance.
A dozen of the unique genes were identified within the aging databases belonging to other long-lived species.
