Our understanding of human aging may depend on ‘immortal jellyfish’

A tiny jellyfish – smaller than a fingernail – may offer important clues about longevity.

 A species called Turritopsis dornii, known as the “immortal jellyfish,” can effectively turn back its life clock, reverting to a juvenile state and maturing again.   

Researchers from the University of Oviedo in Spain mapped the jellyfish’s genetic sequence. In an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they report that they identified “key molecular mechanisms behind rejuvenation of T. dohrnii.”

Like other jellyfish, T. dohrnii starts out as a free-floating larva. It attaches to a hard surface, like a rock or shell, and matures into a polyp. Young jellyfish bud off from the polyp and turn into medusae, or adults.

However, unlike other jellyfish, when an adult T. dornii is damaged or stressed, it does not die. Instead, it absorbs its own tentacles and becomes a blob that settles to the sea floor. It then becomes a new polyp, which can then form more medusae.  

Smithsonian magazine describes that ability as “a feat that would be akin to a butterfly turning back into a caterpillar, then metamorphosing again into a butterfly.”

This means the immortal jellyfish can avoid dying of old age – at least for a while. It’s not clear how long.

Researchers found that T. dohrnii has genome variations that seem to make it better at copying and repairing DNA. The study found it has twice the number of genes that repair and protect DNA, which makes possible the production of more restorative proteins.

These jellyfish also appear to be better at protecting the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. In humans and other species, telomere length has been shown to shorten with age.

This means the most interesting finding is that T. dohrnii doesn’t have a single molecular pathway to longer life. It has several.

This finding confirms our multiphase approach to longevity. Methuselah Foundation relies on seven strategies that guide our investments, planning and policies. We understand that no single strategy will guarantee longer life. Clearly, T. dohrnii does not rely on a single strategy to reset its life clock. 

It’s not clear how the Spanish research can help, but the insights it affords may offer clues to a longer life in humans.

Our mission is to make 90 the new 50 by 2030. We understand that will involve putting together the puzzle pieces carefully and precisely.

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