Sea Urchins as a Model of Negligible Senescence – Fight Aging!

Sea urchins are intriguing creatures that exhibit negligible senescence, meaning they age very slowly and show few signs of functional decline until very late in life. Among them, the red sea urchin is known for its exceptional longevity, with some individuals living over 100 years without showing increased mortality rates or age-related diseases like cancer. Comparative genomics studies between long-lived and short-lived sea urchin species have provided valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms that promote longevity and healthy aging. The red sea urchin genome, recently assembled at a chromosome-level, offers a unique opportunity to further explore the molecular pathways associated with negligible senescence. By studying these resilient creatures, scientists hope to uncover new strategies for extending human lifespan and combating age-related diseases.