Study: Saint Helena’s Jonathan the Tortoise has youthful genes

Jonathan, a giant tortoise residing on the Atlantic island of Saint Helena, is at least 194 years old, according to a recent study that analyzed his DNA against other tortoises. While average Aldabra giant tortoises live to 80 years, Jonathan’s epigenetic markers on 277 genes remain identical to those of tortoises aged 5 and 12, according to the study reported by nrc.nl.

Cellular Patterns Defy Two Centuries of Aging

The research team gathered DNA samples by swabbing Jonathan’s cheek while pretending to feed him, avoiding blood draws to prevent infection risks. Epigenetics involves chemical groups bound to DNA that act as flags determining whether specific genes turn on or off. In older organisms, these flag patterns typically become disorganized, causing cells to function poorly. Yet Jonathan retained youthful patterns on genes responsible for mitochondrial energy production. Mitochondria generate harmful byproducts as they age, but Jonathan’s cellular regulation resembles that of a tortoise 180 years younger, according to the nrc.nl report. Human aging mechanisms show similar traits, as the oldest known human to live, reaching 117 years, also possessed exceptionally well-functioning mitochondria.

Jonathan the Tortoise Survives Death Rumors

Jonathan arrived on Saint Helena in 1882 from the Seychelles as a gift for the governor, with his age estimated at 50 years upon arrival. Over his decades on the island, he has witnessed 39 governors and received a visit in 1947 from a 19-year-old Princess Elizabeth II. His likeness appears on Saint Helena’s 5 pence coin. Rumors of his death circulated globally on April 1 of this year, prompting the island’s governor to check on him, only to find the tortoise sleeping undisturbed beneath a tree as the report detailed.