Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
TGF-β1 Codon 10 T>C Polymorphism Influences Short-Term Functional and Cognitive Decline in Healthy Oldest-Old
Vanessa G Fraga1, Henrique C Guimarães2, Vivian P Lara1
1Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
Background:
Inflammation and cytokine production are a common finding in aging, which probably exert influence on cognitive and functional abilities in elderly people. Transforming-growth-factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is an important multifunctional anti-inflammatory cytokine that displays immunomodulatory activities.
Objective:
This prospective investigation aimed to evaluate the TGF-β1 codon 10 T>C on functional and cognitive decline in subjects aged 75+ years.
Methods:
The Functional Activities Questionnaire evaluated the functional performance and the cognitive assessment was evaluated through brief cognitive tests, consisting of: the Mini-Mental State Examination, animal category fluency test, and picture drawings memory test. All tests were administered twice, with a one-year interval.
Results:
Carriers of Tlower allele showed significant short-term decline in cognitive and functional performance, while individuals with CChigher genotype of TGF-β1 codon 10 T>C remained stable or showed improvement.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that the lower production of TGF-β1 could predict a longitudinal functional and cognitive decline in oldest-old individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Translation
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Proteins are...
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...

