1579-Genomic Architecture and Viral Adaptation in Bats

The paper details a comprehensive genomic study of Myotis bats, a genus renowned for its exceptional longevity and viral tolerance. By assembling near-complete genomes for eight species, researchers identified unique genetic adaptations that differentiate bats from other mammals, particularly in how they interact with DNA and RNA viruses. The study highlights a significant copy-number polymorphism in the immune factor PKR, suggesting a balanced evolutionary trade-off between antiviral defense and cellular toxicity. Furthermore, the findings link the evolution of long lifespans to enhanced cancer resistance and specialized DNA damage responses, specifically in the long-lived Myotis lucifugus. Ultimately, the research suggests that the remarkable survival traits of these bats are driven by pleiotropic adaptations that simultaneously address the challenges of aging and infectious disease.References:Vazquez J M, Lauterbur M E, Mottaghinia S, et al. Insights into longevity and virus-driven adaptation from Myotis bat genomes[J]. Nature, 2026: 1-10.前往小宇宙评论区与主播互动