Rare Gene Variants Associated with Longevity Discovered
DNA sequencing uncovers rare gene variants associated with signaling pathways involved in longevity
Aging genes
Every solution begins with understanding the problem
To get a grip on the age-related decline that occurs throughout our bodies, we first have to understand the complex processes that make us grow old.
Metabolism, physiology, cognitive function… Genes too. But we need to know which genes of the many thousands to focus on.
Previous work suggests that there may be genetic ‘master regulators’ of aging. Another study used a mouse cell atlas to expanded the known potential genes that play a role in aging. (Of course, it’s not just the presence of the gene variants but especially their expression levels that will have effects. You need a gene variant to be able to express it in the first place, though.)
Thanks to more very old people, cheaper DNA sequencing, and electronic health records we can now dive into the genomes of healthy centenarians. Do they harbor genetic secrets that allow them to become spritely hundred-year olds?
A recent look at genetic data from 450 centenarians (and 500 controls) identified several…
