Why do greenland sharks live so long

On 5 October 2026, researchers published a groundbreaking study in the journal Nature Communications detailing the genetic mechanisms that allow Greenland sharks to live for over 400 years. By sequencing the complete genome of the species, scientists identified unique adaptations in genes responsible for DNA repair and cellular stability. Unlike most vertebrates, these sharks possess highly efficient mechanisms to prevent the accumulation of mutations that typically lead to age-related diseases. The study highlights that the sharks' extremely slow metabolic rate, combined with specialized protein structures that resist misfolding, allows them to maintain cellular integrity in the frigid, high-pressure environments of the North Atlantic. Furthermore, the research suggests that the sharks have evolved a robust immune system that remains effective across centuries, preventing chronic inflammation. This discovery not only explains their extraordinary lifespan but also provides a new model for understanding biological aging in vertebrates. The findings offer potential avenues for future research into human longevity and the mitigation of age-related cellular degradation, marking a significant milestone in marine biology and evolutionary genetics.