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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: September 17, 2020
Role of VEGF gene variability in longevity: a lesson from the Italian population
Roberto Del Bo1, Serena Ghezzi, Marina Scarlato
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Padiglione Ponti, Milano, Italy. roberto.delbo@unimi.it
Abstract:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of developing a wide variety of disorders from diabetes to neurodegenerative diseases suggesting functions not confined to its vascular effects originally described. Based on the VEGF protective roles undisclosed in pathological conditions, we evaluate whether VEGF variability might be a determinant also for longevity. Four polymorphisms (-2578C/A, -1190G/A, -1154G/A and -634G/C) within the VEGF gene promoter region in 490 unrelated Italian healthy subjects have been analysed. Significant changes of allele, genotype (-2578/AA versus -2578/CC: OR=2.08, p=0.007; -1190/AA versus -1190/GG: OR=2.01, p=0.011) and haplotype (AAGG: 10.4% versus 14.9%, p=0.03) frequency distributions were observed between young/elderly (25-84 years old) and long-lived (85-99 years old) subjects. These results suggest that VEGF gene variability can be inserted among the genetic factors influencing the lifespan.
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