Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
10:39
A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: September 17, 2020
6.3K
Harnessing Genetics to Extend Lifespan and Healthspan: Current Progress and Future Directions
Paa Kwesi Ankrah1, Enock D Mensah2, Kwabena Dabie3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, USA.
Cureus
|April 4, 2024
Summary
Discover how genetic and epigenetic factors influence aging. This review explores gerontogenes and their role in extending lifespan and healthspan, offering insights into healthy aging strategies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Cell Biology
- Biogerontology
Background:
- Aging is characterized by variations in lifespan and healthspan across individuals and species.
- Understanding the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of aging is a key scientific pursuit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in genetics and cell biology related to aging.
- To explore gerontogenes and their influence on lifespan and healthspan.
- To examine the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in organismal senescence.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on genetics, cell biology, and biogerontology.
- Analysis of conserved genes, pathways, and epigenetic factors influencing aging.
- Examination of studies on gerontogenes, longevity, and healthspan.
Main Results:
- Subtle genetic changes in conserved genes and pathways significantly impact aging.
- Gerontogenes are involved in DNA repair, insulin/IGF-1 and mTOR signaling, ncRNAs, sirtuins, and heat shock proteins.
- Longevity and healthspan show heritability, with centenarians exhibiting extended healthspans.
Conclusions:
- Conserved gerontogenes hold potential for delaying aging and age-related diseases.
- Understanding longevity genetics is crucial for extending both lifespan and quality of life.
- Further research is needed to optimize healthspan through genetic modifications and address associated challenges.
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