New research into the cancer resistance of long-lived bats has uncovered novel biological defence mechanisms. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the unique abilities of four common bat species to live up to 35 years-equivalent to approximately 180 human years-without developing cancer.

The research was spearheaded by Vera Gorbunova and Andrei Seluanov, faculty members in the University of Rochester biology department and the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Key Findings on Bat Cancer Resistance

The study revealed several key factors contributing to bats’ remarkable cancer resistance:

• Enhanced p53 Activity: Both bats and humans possess the p53 gene, a tumor suppressor.Mutations in p53 occur in roughly half of all human cancers, limiting its ability to shut down cancer. “little brown” bats, common in Rochester and upstate New York, have two copies of p53 and exhibit higher p53 activity compared to humans. Elevated p53 levels can trigger apoptosis, eliminating potentially harmful cancer cells. Bats also possess a sophisticated system that effectively balances apoptosis.
• Active Telomerase: Bats inherently have active telomerase, an enzyme that enables indefinite cell proliferation. This supports tissue regeneration during aging and injury. The heightened p53 activity in bats can counteract the risk of uncontrolled cell division by removing cancerous cells.
• Efficient Immune System: Bats possess a highly efficient immune system capable of neutralizing numerous deadly pathogens. According to Gorbunova, this contributes to their anti-cancer capabilities by identifying and eliminating cancer cells. Bats also effectively manage inflammation,a common issue in aging humans.

Bats have an extremely efficient immune system, knocking out multiple deadly pathogens…contributes to bats’ anti-cancer abilities.

Implications for Human Cancer Treatment

Cancer development is a complex, multi-stage process requiring multiple cellular “hits.” The longer an organism lives, the greater the likelihood of cell mutations combining with external factors to promote cancer.

The researchers noted that bats lack a natural barrier to cancer, and their cells can transform into cancer with only two “hits.” However, their robust tumor-suppressor mechanisms enable them to survive despite this vulnerability.

The study confirmed that increased p53 gene activity is an effective defense against cancer by eliminating or slowing its growth. Several existing and experimental anti-cancer drugs target p53 activity.

Seluanov suggested that safely increasing telomerase enzyme activity could potentially be applied to human cancer treatment, although this was not explored in the current study.