1579-Genomic Architecture and Viral Adaptation in Bats

The paper details a comprehensive genomic study of Myotis bats, a genus renowned for its exceptional longevity and viral tolerance. By assembling near-complete genomes for eight species, researchers identified unique genetic adaptations that differentiate bats from other mammals, particularly in how they interact with DNA and RNA viruses. The study highlights a significant copy-number polymorphism in the immune factor PKR, suggesting a balanced evolutionary trade-off between antiviral defense and cellular toxicity. Furthermore, the findings link the evolution of long lifespans to enhanced cancer resistance and specialized DNA damage responses, specifically in the long-lived Myotis lucifugus. Ultimately, the research suggests that the remarkable survival traits of these bats are driven by pleiotropic adaptations that simultaneously address the challenges of aging and infectious disease.

References:

• Vazquez J M, Lauterbur M E, Mottaghinia S, et al. Insights into longevity and virus-driven adaptation from Myotis bat genomes[J]. Nature, 2026: 1-10.