A genetic and genomic approach to identify longevity genes in mice.
Natural variation in rate of aging or longevity in mice and humans shows a very complex inheritance pattern. Few targeted genetic screens have identified longevity genes in mammals, partly as a result from the fact that the genetics of longevity can only be studied reliably in cohorts of mice. In this paper we propose that a combined genetic and genomic analysis of large families of fully genotyped recombinant inbred mice may provide a crucial tool to the aging research community. As a proof of principle we describe preliminary studies in which variation in gene expression patterns in hematopoietic stem cells and brain were genetically linked to longevity.
de Haan
Gerald
G
Department of Stem Cell Biology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands. g.de.haan@med.rug.nl
Williams
Robert W
RW
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016678:Genome; D023281:Genomics; D005838:Genotype; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008957:Models, Genetic