Sharks possess a unique molecular biology that could serve as the basis for new medicines, according to a study by scientists at the Karolinska Institute. The researchers examined the biochemistry of the spiny dogfish and other cartilaginous fish, and found that their skin has a thin layer of mucus that is less acidic than that of bony fish. The almost neutral shark slime is similar to that of some mammals, including humans. The study also revealed that sharks have a remarkable ability to heal quickly from injuries, and are highly resistant to mercury, lead and arsenic. The researchers believe that the chemical compounds in shark skin have great biomedical potential.
The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, aimed to characterise the molecular biology of shark skin, which has not been extensively studied. Unlike most fish, which have smooth skin protected by a thick layer of slime, sharks have rough skin that feels like sandpaper. It was unclear whether sharks had any protective slime layer at all. The researchers found that the skin of sharks and rays has a very thin layer of mucus, and that its chemical composition is less acidic than that of bony fish. The study suggests that sharks have a unique molecular biology that sets them apart from other fish, and that this biology could have a range of biomedical applications for humans.
The researchers believe that the study is just the first step towards a deeper understanding of the molecular biology of sharks. They plan to conduct further research into the biochemical properties of other shark and ray species, including cat sharks and little skates. The researchers hope that their work will not only lead to the development of new medicines, but also shed light on the biology of these remarkable creatures. As one of the researchers noted, “Animals that are evolutionarily far from us can still provide us with very important information that is relevant to humans.”
