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Updated: May 22, 2026
05:53
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
MAP3K7 and GSTZ1 are associated with human longevity: a two-stage case-control study using a multilocus genotyping
Fausta Di Cianni1, Daniele Campa, Federica Tallaro
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|May 12, 2012
Summary
Genetic variations in MAP3K7 and GSTZ1 genes are linked to human longevity. These genes help optimize cellular responses to stress and inflammation, contributing to a longer lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Aging Research
- Molecular Biology and Longevity
Background:
- Lifespan is modulated by pathways regulating energy homeostasis, damage repair, and cellular signaling in response to environmental changes.
- Investigating genetic variations in these key pathways is crucial for understanding human longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if genetic variations in genes involved in energy homeostasis, damage repair, and cellular signaling contribute to human longevity.
- To identify specific genetic markers associated with exceptional lifespan in an Italian population.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage case-control study was conducted using independent sets of long-lived individuals from Calabria, Italy.
- Stage 1 analyzed 317 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 104 genes in 78 cases (median age 98) and 71 controls (median age 67).
- Stage 2 analyzed 31 candidate SNPs in an independent sample of 288 cases (median age 92) and 554 controls (median age 67).
Main Results:
- Two SNPs, rs282070 in the MAP3K7 gene and rs2111699 in the GSTZ1 gene, showed significant association with longevity in stage 2.
- These associations remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing (p < 0.0015).
- Both MAP3K7 and GSTZ1 are involved in cellular responses to environmental changes and inflammation, processes critical in aging.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variants in MAP3K7 and GSTZ1 are associated with human longevity.
- Long-lived individuals possess genetic variations that enhance their ability to optimize cellular responses to internal and external stresses.
- These findings highlight the role of specific genetic factors in promoting exceptional lifespan by improving stress resilience and managing age-related inflammation.
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