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Phenome and genome based studies into human ageing and longevity: An overview
P Eline Slagboom1, Niels van den Berg1, Joris Deelen2
1Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Basis of Disease
|September 28, 2017
Summary
Human aging varies greatly, impacting health and lifespan. Research explores genetic and molecular factors, seeking consistent measures for healthy aging and longevity across diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Molecular Biology
- Genetics and Genomics of Aging
Background:
- Human aging exhibits significant heterogeneity in functional capacity, health, and lifespan.
- Studies investigate molecular underpinnings of aging variability, focusing on lifespan and biomarker-based aging rates.
- Consensus on definitive multi-biomarker or lifespan phenotypes for genetic studies remains elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current molecular and genomic approaches to understanding human aging heterogeneity.
- To identify robust genetic loci and pathways associated with healthy aging and longevity.
- To discuss future directions for aging research, emphasizing systems biology and data harmonization.
Main Methods:
- Review of (epi)genomic studies on chronological age and human lifespan regulation.
- Analysis of biomarker-based and lifespan-related phenotype investigations.
- Integration of findings from cell-based and animal models.
Main Results:
- Immune and metabolic pathways are key hallmarks of aging, disease risk, and longevity.
- APOE and FOXO3A are identified as robust genetic loci associated with lifespan.
- Novel genomic regions and pathways have been suggested by various studies.
Conclusions:
- Future human aging research requires improved genomic interpretation, computational biology, and integration with animal models.
- Harmonization of phenotypic and omics measures in longitudinal studies is crucial.
- Understanding aging heterogeneity is key to promoting healthy longevity.
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