A new study led by Oxford University has found a surprising connection between the temperature of elephant testicles and the evolution of cancer resistance from potent anticancer genes.
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Large mammals are known for their strong resistance to disease, and scientists believe this is the case because their testicles do not drop.
Researchers believe that mammals developed anticancer genes to protect their temperature-sensitive sperm production.
Elephants have 20 copies of the TP53 gene and the p53 protein it creates to suppress cancer, helping to repair damaged DNA and rid themselves of cells that can’t be repaired.
The new finding is expected to lead to more research on cellular response to DNA damage in humans.
Professor Fritz Vollrath, a biologist at Oxford University who conducted the research, said: “Elephants provide us with a unique system to study the evolution of a robust defense mechanism against DNA damage in our battle against cancer and diseases like aging.”
