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Published on: September 17, 2020
Genetics of healthy aging and longevity
1Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada, abrooks-wilson@bcgsc.ca.
Human Genetics
|August 9, 2013
Summary
Genetics plays a role in longevity, with studies identifying specific gene variants and pathways linked to a long lifespan. Lifestyle and epigenetic factors also significantly influence healthy aging and overall longevity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Aging Research
- Molecular Biology
- Population Health
Background:
- Longevity and healthy aging are complex traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Heritability of age at death is approximately 25%, increasing with age.
- Studies on centenarians reveal genetic associations, but results vary across different research.
- Candidate gene studies and genome-wide association scans (GWAS) have identified some longevity-associated genes, like APOE and FOXO3A.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the genetic underpinnings of longevity and healthy aging.
- To identify genetic variants, pathways, and epigenetic factors contributing to a long lifespan.
- To understand how genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors in aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of linkage studies in long-lived families.
- Candidate gene association studies.
- Genome-wide association scans (GWAS) comparing centenarians with younger controls.
- Whole genome sequencing data analysis.
- Epigenetic studies focusing on DNA methylation patterns in centenarians and their offspring.
Main Results:
- A longevity locus on chromosome 3 has been identified in some studies.
- APOE and FOXO3A variants are associated with longevity, though results for other genes are inconsistent.
- GWAS identified APOE at genome-wide significance; combined SNP analyses suggest aging-related pathways.
- Long-lived individuals carry common disease risk alleles, possibly buffered by protective genetic factors.
- Centenarians exhibit delayed age-related methylation changes, a trait potentially heritable.
Conclusions:
- Understanding longevity requires examining both common and rare genetic variants alongside environmental influences.
- Epigenetic modifications, particularly methylation patterns, are crucial in healthy aging and may be passed to offspring.
- Future research should integrate whole genome data, consider population stratification, and account for lifestyle factors to fully elucidate longevity phenotypes.
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