Horse Gene Mutation Explains Athletic Prowess | JQJO

Researchers discovered a unique genetic mutation in horses that allows them to produce significantly more energy with less cellular damage. This mutation, a nonsense mutation in the NRF2/KEAP1 gene pathway, initially seemed detrimental, but horses evolved a workaround, effectively ignoring the stop codon. This adaptation allows their muscle cells to produce up to five times more energy than mice, contributing to their exceptional athleticism. The finding could have implications for human gene therapy, addressing diseases caused by similar stop codons.