A new research project is underway to explore whether bats could hold the secret to health and longevity.
A team led by Professor Emma Teeling, Full Professor of Zoology at University College Dublin (UCD), has won a European Research Council (ERC) Synergy grant of almost €12 million (£10.4 million) to explore the question.
The UCD researcher has pioneered global research into the development of bats as new models for healthy ageing and disease tolerance.
Professor Teeling will lead the groundbreaking Synergy project ’BATPROTECT’, involving a team of 22 researchers – including leading experts from Germany and Singapore.
The project is expected to achieve a step-change in our understanding of bats’ extended health span and disease resistance.
Professor Teeling said: “We have just been given the most extraordinary opportunity to finally harness the amazing adaptations of bats and provide new ways to slow down human ageing and disease resistance.
“This ERC Synergy grant has enabled us to unite the fields of bat biology, virology, immunology, genomics and gerontology, across Europe and Asia, in order to achieve our goals.
“We are thrilled and excited to work together and uncover how we can live longer, healthier lives by learning from bats.”
The challenges posed by ageing and infectious diseases in our societies are associated with significant medical, financial, and emotional burdens.
Previous research has struggled to offer solutions to increase human health span and protect against the harmful effects of infections.
However, bats as the only flying mammals have addressed both of these problems.
Even though the mammals serve as hosts for numerous dangerous viruses, they usually don’t show symptoms of viral infections thanks to their unique immune system adaptations.
They also have exceptional longevity and show little-to-no signs of any age related diseases.
The main objective of the research is to make significant advancements in our understanding of the specific genetic and biochemical factors within bats that are responsible for their ability to live longer, healthier lives and resist diseases.
Uncovering these molecular mechanisms has the potential to open up new possibilities for improving human health and disease outcomes.
The project brings together world-leading researchers in bat biology, immunology, genomics and gerontology.
Ultimately, the research aims to deepen our knowledge of how bats manage to stay healthy and resist diseases, potentially paving the way for future therapeutics.
UCD Interim Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Helen Roche said: “We are immensely proud of Professor Teeling and Dr Harnett in their achievement.
“UCD is ranked number one in Ireland and 23rd among higher education institutions in Europe for Horizon Europe funding.
“These awards really exemplify the excellence of our outstanding researchers, who are building important international collaborations to address global challenges.
“I congratulate the winners and look forward to following their exciting work.”
ERC President Professor Maria Leptin added: “Congratulations to all the winners!
“The selected projects are shining examples of audacious scientific thinking, and I eagerly await the outcomes of these collaborative endeavours.”
