Genes Involved in DNA Damage Cell Pathways and Health of the Oldest-Old (85+)

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Gerontology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Cellular senescence is linked to chronic diseases, but its connection to general health and specific cellular processes is understudied.
• DNA damage repair pathways are crucial for senescence and may influence overall health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between DNA damage repair pathways and general health indicators in the oldest-old.
• To examine the relationship between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and subjective/objective measures of health and functional ability.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed ten selected SNPs involved in DNA damage repair in 314 oldest-old individuals from Croatia.
• Utilized multivariate logistic regression to assess the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on health and functional ability.

Main Results:

• Genetic loci in DNA damage repair pathways showed a stronger association with self-rated health and functional ability than with disease count or medication.
• A longevity-associated variant (GG) in the TERC gene (rs16847897) was linked to better self-assessed health, mobility, and independence.

Conclusions:

• Specific DNA damage repair genes, notably TERC, may significantly impact the vitality and functional capacity of the oldest-old.
• Genetic factors involved in senescence and DNA repair are important determinants of healthy aging and functional independence.