Steinalt Are they the genes for longevity?

Longevity obviously does not depend on the genes

14/11/2014

To live forever is one of the great dreams of humanity. Science has also addressed this topic. Stanford University researchers in the state of California have been trying to find evidence of extreme longevity in the genome of the world's oldest humans. However, their finding is sobering: neither genes nor lifestyle seem to have a significant impact. Their results are presented by the researchers in the journal „PLOS ONE“ in front.

No special gene for extreme longevity
Why do some people live much longer than others? Researcher Hinco Gierman of Stanford University has attempted to answer this question by studying the genome of several over-100s. There are currently 70 people in the world who are 110 years or older. Many of them are in good health despite their old age. Most of them were spared the typical age-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke or cancer.

Twin studies have shown that life span in the general population is only 20 to 30 percent dependent on genes. The studies of Gierman and his colleagues also prove that there is no special gene for extreme longevity. They examined the genome of 17 people who were at least 110 years old. The subjects were more than average for their age, like a former pediatrician who had treated patients until his 103rd birthday. Another subject was still at the age of 107 years alone car danger, the researchers report.

Only a striking gene discovered in over 110-year-olds
As part of their study, the scientists analyzed the entire genetic material of the study participants. They looked for conspicuous deviations that could cause a change in the proteins. Proteins (proteins) are involved in the control of all essential functions in the body. To rule out gender or source-related differences, the researchers focused on 13 Caucasian women. They identified only one conspicuous gene whose differences from the control group were not statistically relevant.
The researchers discovered a gene in a subject with a pathological change, which increases the risk of sudden cardiac death. According to the recommendations of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, physicians should inform those affected about the risk if the genetic mutation is detected. However, the researchers point out in the specialist magazine that such a recommendation must be viewed with caution in view of the high age that the affected subject has achieved despite the pathologically altered gene.

Lifestyle does not seem to significantly affect extreme longevity
If genes do not affect extreme longevity, could it possibly be the lifestyle? This question, the researchers could only with „No“ answer. At least, habits do not seem to have a significant impact. Because: „Decisions regarding lifestyle with regard to smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise or diet do not seem to differ between those over centenarians and controls, "quotes „Discovery News“ Gierman and his colleagues. (Ag)