The Daily Bulletin Archive

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Evolution of High-Molecular-Mass Hyaluronic Acid Is Associated with Subterranean Lifestyle,” presented by Zhizhong Zheng, postdoctoral researcher with the Gorbunova & Seluanov Laboratory at the University of Rochester, on Monday, March 13, at 3:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 216. Attendees are welcome to arrive at 2:30 p.m. to enjoy coffee and cookies leading up to the seminar.

Abstract
Two phylogenetically unrelated subterranean mole rats—the Middle Eastern blind mole rat, Spalax, and the African naked mole rat—were previously discovered to produce abundant high molecular mass hyaluronic acid (HMM-HA) in their tissues. Both mole rats are uniquely adapted to life underground and display remarkable longevity and resistance to cancer. HMM-HA contributes to cancer resistance, has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, and may be linked to longevity displayed by both species of the mole rats; however, whether HMM-HA convergently evolves in subterranean animals is still unknown. In this study, we examined HMM-HA production and corresponding gene evolution in an evolutionary diverse group of subterranean species and phylogenetically related above ground species. We reveal that HMM-HA is accumulated in a variety of subterranean mammals and these species accumulate abundant HA in tissues, particularly skin and lung, by regulating the expression of genes involved in HA degradation and synthesis and contain unique mutations in these genes. These results suggest that HMM-HA has evolved with subterranean lifestyle. We propose that HMM-HA has evolved as an adaptation to hypoxic underground environment and to provide flexible skin needed for life in narrow underground tunnels. This adaptation was then co-opted to contribute to cancer resistance and longevity of subterranean species. As HMM-HA has multiple medical applications (anti-inflammatory, skin grafts, arthritis, beauty products, etc.), this knowledge is important for understanding HMM-HA evolution and use in humans.