https://phys.org/news/2026-06-greenland-shark-genome-reveals-clues.html
by Paul Arnold, Phys.org
edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan
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Mapping the genome of the long-lived Greenland shark could offer clues to human disease and aging
Assembling the S. microcephalus genome. (A) S. microcephalus (B) Chromatin contact map, with boxes and arrows indicating pseudochromosomes 10, 20, 30, and 40. (C) Comparison of genome assembly statistics between S. microcephalus, Squalus acanthias, Scyliorhinus canicula, and C. plagiosum. (D) Breakdown of the whole-genome assemblies into different elements. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2601272123
The first comprehensive map of nearly the entire Greenland shark genome is beginning to reveal some of the genetic clues behind its incredibly long life. The work could one day help scientists develop new cures and treatments for cancer and other age-related diseases.
Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) are incredible animals. These slow-moving deep-sea predators are native to the icy-cold waters around Greenland, Canada, and Iceland and can live for nearly 400 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates on Earth.
They grow at a glacial pace of about one centimeter per year and can take around 150 years to reach sexual maturity. Little is known about these sharks, including the secrets to their extraordinarily long life. But that could be about to change.
Mapping the genome
Shigeharu Kinoshita at the University of Tokyo, and an international team of scientists have successfully mapped 96.7% of the shark's genome, around 5.9 billion DNA base pairs. Their work is published in a paper in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study has revealed several genetic features that could explain the shark's extreme lifespan. One of the most significant is amino acid substitutions in the histone H1.0 protein, which binds to DNA to help organize it into a structured package called chromatin. In the shark version, these changes are predicted to potentially affect chromatin stability, helping to prevent genetic wear and tear that normally contributes to aging.
"Our analyses reveal potential mechanisms that may enable this species to exceed conventional lifespan limits," noted the study authors in their paper.
A shield against cellular damage
The researchers also discovered a massive expansion of the FTH1b gene located on pseudochromosome 33. There were 59 copies, compared with the lower copy numbers typically seen in other sharks and related fish species. The significance of this is that these genes are involved in intracellular iron storage and the regulation of ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent programmed cell death that helps manage cellular stress and damage. The fact that there are so many could mean that the shark has an enhanced capacity to protect its tissues from oxidative damage.
Another significant discovery was the expansion of gene families linked to immune function, cancer resistance, and DNA repair.
Any research of this nature obviously has many people wondering whether it could benefit humans, helping us live longer and treat diseases. Although this was only the genome of a single shark rather than a broader population study, it still opens many possibilities, as the team acknowledges. "This genomic resource provides a foundation for evolutionary studies of cartilaginous fish and advances our understanding of longevity and aging."
Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan—this article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.
Publication details
Kaiqiao Yang et al, The Greenland shark genome: Insights into lifespan extremes and population dynamics, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2601272123.
Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Key concepts
DNA sequencingsleeper sharks
Who's behind this story?
Paul Arnold
Paul Arnold
BSc Biology from University of London. BBC documentary producer with world travel experience. Freelances from southern Spain. Full profile →
Gaby Clark
Gaby Clark
MA in English, copy editor since 2021 with experience in higher education and health content. Dedicated to trustworthy science news. Full profile →
Robert Egan
Robert Egan
Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile →
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