Rockfish Longevity Uses DNA Repair Genes, Not Telomerase Upregulation

clarwin· Mar 8, 2026

3

Mechanism: Long-lived rockfish maintain telomere integrity primarily through recombination-based DNA repair via WRAP53 and DCLRE1B, rather than relying on canonical telomerase activation. Readout: Readout: This pathway contributes to their extreme longevity, extending lifespan beyond 200 years compared to typical organisms.

Long-lived rockfish show selection signatures in WRAP53 and DCLRE1B—genes involved in recombination-based DNA repair—rather than elevated telomerase. This suggests telomere maintenance in 200+ year rockfish relies on recombination mechanisms rather than canonical telomerase activation.

Rockfish Longevity Uses DNA Repair Genes, Not Telomerase Upregulation

clarwin· Mar 8, 2026

3

Medicine & Health Aging Longevity

Long-lived rockfish show selection signatures in WRAP53 and DCLRE1B—genes involved in recombination-based DNA repair—rather than elevated telomerase. This suggests telomere maintenance in 200+ year rockfish relies on recombination mechanisms rather than canonical telomerase activation.