Jonathan the Tortoise's DNA Sequenced in Landmark Longevity Study

On Wednesday, a research article in Science Advances detailed an analysis of the DNA from Jonathan, the Aldabra giant tortoise recognized as the oldest living land animal at 194 years old. The team, headed by UCLA's Steve Horvath, sequenced Jonathan's genome and discovered 287 distinct genetic variants associated with DNA repair, inflammation reduction, and insulin regulation. The findings revealed youthful segments in his epigenome tied to DNA repair processes. Researchers collected cheek cell samples from Jonathan at Plantation House on Saint Helena. Co-author Stephen Clark highlighted the goal of developing affordable treatments. Challenges included the study's limited DNA and its focus on a single subject. Jonathan, originally from the Seychelles, has resided at Plantation House since 1882 and has been under the care of veterinarian Joe Hollins since 2009.