Genetic scores for predicting longevity in the Croatian oldest-old population

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Gerontology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Longevity is a complex trait influenced by genetics.
• Understanding genetic components of successful aging is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of 43 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with longevity.
• To determine the predictive power of genetic markers for reaching age thresholds (90+ and 95+ years).

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 43 SNPs in a Croatian oldest-old cohort (N=314).
• Multivariate logistic regression to model survival to age 90 and 95.
• Calculation and validation of Genetic Longevity Scores (GLS).

Main Results:

• Nine SNPs were significant predictors for reaching age 90, explaining 20% of variance.
• Five SNPs predicted survival to age 95, accounting for 9.3% of variance.
• TERC rs16847897 and GHRHR rs2267723 showed the strongest association with longevity (p ≤ 0.01).
• All calculated GLS scores correlated significantly with age at death.
• Weighted Genetic Longevity Score for age 90 (wGLS90) demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy (69%) for survival to 90 years.

Conclusions:

• Specific SNPs significantly contribute to achieving longevity.
• Genetic Longevity Scores can predict survival to advanced ages.
• wGLS90 is a promising tool for predicting survival to 90 years.