The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a subterranean rodent native to East Africa, renowned for its unique physiological and social characteristics. Living in eusocial colonies similar to those of insects, these mammals have a single breeding queen, with the rest serving as workers or soldiers. Their nearly hairless, wrinkled skin and lack of pain sensitivity in their skin contribute to their survival in underground environments. Remarkably, naked mole-rats exhibit resistance to cancer and can survive in low-oxygen conditions that would be lethal to other mammals.
One of the most fascinating aspects of naked mole-rats is their ability to thrive in hypoxic (low oxygen) and hypercapnic (high carbon dioxide) conditions. Studies have shown that they can survive up to 18 minutes without oxygen by switching their metabolism to fructose fermentation, a trait uncommon in mammals. This adaptation is crucial for their subterranean lifestyle, where oxygen levels can be significantly lower than above ground. Additionally, their insensitivity to certain types of pain, such as acid-induced pain, is linked to the absence of specific neurotransmitters, offering insights into pain management and neurological research.
The naked mole-rat’s resistance to cancer has garnered significant scientific interest. Research indicates that their cells possess a unique form of the protein hyaluronan, which is over five times larger than that found in humans. This substance contributes to their skin’s elasticity and is believed to prevent the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer. Understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for advancements in cancer prevention and treatment. The naked mole-rat, with its extraordinary adaptations, continues to be a valuable model for scientific discovery, challenging our understanding of mammalian biology.
