Analysis of multiple branches of long-lived rodents reveal signatures of positive selection in genes associated with lifespan and eusociality

While most rodents are short-lived there are a few long-lived exceptions. For example the naked mole-rat has with 31 years a maximum lifespan that is more than 7 times higher than that of the equally sized mouse and 368% of the expected lifespan based on a body weight/lifespan regression analysis with many mammals. To identify genes that are possibly involved in evolution of longevity, we systematically scanned evolutionary branches of extant and ancestral species, leading to long-lived rodents for positively selected genes. In addition, we utilized RNA-seq data of young and old NMRs and rats to shed light on potential overlaps between PSGs and genes regulated during aging.