New research from Johns Hopkins University reveals that horses owe their incredible athleticism to a rare genetic mutation and a clever evolutionary workaround. Scientists discovered that horses, donkeys, and zebras have a premature stop codon in the KEAP1 gene, which usually halts protein production and can cause disease. But in a viral-like twist, horses evolved a way to override this stop signal, enabling them to produce a full, functional KEAP1 protein.
This tweak supercharges the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway, which is vital for energy production and protecting cells from oxidative stress during intense exercise. The result? Horses generate more cellular energy and are better equipped to handle the physiological demands of speed and stamina. Beyond explaining horsepower, this discovery could open new doors for treating inherited and age-related diseases in humans, especially those caused by similar premature stop codons. As researcher Elia Duh puts it, this breakthrough highlights not only a key piece of horse evolution but also a promising avenue for medical innovation.
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