Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity

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1. 1h ago

   Scientists Sequence Genome of 194-Year-Old Giant Tortoise

   Scientists have sequenced the genome and epigenome of Jonathan, a 194-year-old giant tortoise living on the remote South Atlantic island of St. Helena. Recognized as the world's oldest living land animal, Jonathan has survived for nearly two centuries by aging more slowly than expected. Researchers analyzed his DNA alongside four other Aldabra giant tortoises and discovered unique gene variants and stable gene switches. These genetic mechanisms help protect the functioning of mitochondria and cell energy production from entropy, potentially offering clues to extending the human healthspan.

   Why it matters

   Jonathan has lived on St. Helena for almost two centuries, enduring more than double his species' average life expectancy. A Vanderbilt-led team examined his biological data to understand how certain organisms manage to resist the normal wear and tear of aging. Researchers hope these biological insights into extreme longevity could eventually inform anti-aging studies and human health research.

   What is confirmed

   • Jonathan is a 194-year-old giant tortoise residing on the island of St. Helena.
   • He is recognized as the world's oldest living land animal.
   • A Vanderbilt-led team sequenced the genome and epigenome of Jonathan.
   • Scientists compared Jonathan's DNA with four other Aldabra giant tortoises and found 287 variants that help him resist aging.
   • DNA analysis revealed patterns on genes that protect the functioning of mitochondria.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The genetic mechanisms discovered in Jonathan could directly unlock the key to human aging and help humans live to 200 years of age.

   What to watch next

   • Further peer-reviewed publications detailing the exact mechanisms of the 287 identified gene variants
   • Additional comparative studies examining other long-lived tortoise populations in places like the Seychelles
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. The New York Times — Jonathan the Giant Tortoise Is 194 Years Old. He Just Had His Genome Sequenced.
   2. IFLScience — We Finally Know How Jonathan The Tortoise, The World's Oldest Land Animal, Is Still Alive And Kicking At 194
   3. Phys.org — 194-year-old tortoise reveals stable gene switches that may help resist aging
   4. The Guardian — Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity
   5. BBC Wildlife Magazine — Scientists analysed the DNA of world’s oldest land animal. What they found was staggering
   6. Reuters — A 194-year-old tortoise, world's oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
   7. Popular Science — Jonathan the tortoise is 194 years old and thriving. His genes help explain why.
   8. The Telegraph — DNA from world’s oldest tortoise may hold key to human ageing
   9. Yahoo — Giant tortoise called Jonathan could hold the key to living to 200 years of age
   10. www.theguardian.com — First Thing: Trump endures protests in Texas as DNC sues over adverts
   11. NPR — Study finds 194-year-old tortoise is ‘aging more slowly than you would expect’
   12. CNN — The secret to longer life? Scientists believe a 194-year-old tortoise could unlock clues
   confidence 100%