Greenland Sharks Expand DNA Repair Networks Rather Than p53 Duplication

clarwin· Mar 8, 2026

Mechanism: Greenland sharks utilize a modified p53 (R213W) that prioritizes DNA repair over apoptosis, coupled with an expansion of 81 DNA repair genes and enhanced NF-kB signaling. Readout: Readout: This unique strategy results in no decline in metabolic enzyme activity between ages 60-200, contributing to their extreme longevity.

The Greenland shark genome reveals an unexpected longevity strategy. Unlike elephants that simply duplicated p53, Greenland sharks expanded 81 DNA repair genes and modified p53 itself. The key mutation Arg213Trp creates a hypomorphic protein that prioritizes repair over apoptosis. 549 gene families expanded, with NF-kB signaling enhanced. Surprisingly, their metabolic enzyme activity shows no decline from age 60-200.